Reducing Marine Pollution

The University of Newcastle’s Environmental Sustainability Policy specifically addresses the prevention and reduction of marine and waterway pollution, particularly from land-based sources.

Clause 10.c of the Environmental Sustainability Policy states the University will:

"Prevent the pollution of our water systems and aquatic ecosystems."

This commitment applies to all University operations and aligns with broader goals of environmental protection, sustainable development, and the safeguarding of marine biodiversity.

How This Is Being Put into Practice

The University’s policy is supported by a range of practical actions aimed at reducing land-based pollutants entering aquatic systems:

1. Stormwater & Drainage Controls
   The Hydraulic Services Guiding Document (Section 5.7) requires that all stormwater and subsoil discharges comply with local council and NSW EPA water quality standards, helping to limit runoff of pollutants such as plastics, sediments, and chemicals.
2. Campus Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)
   Across campus developments, the University integrates biofiltration, wetlands, and rain gardens to capture and treat runoff before it reaches waterways — a key measure in reducing non-point source pollution that contributes to marine degradation.
3. Plastic Waste Reduction
   Through programs such as Simply Cups, Bags to Benches, and soft plastic recycling, the University actively reduces plastic waste — a major land-based pollutant that can enter marine environments via stormwater or improper disposal.
4. Research & Education
   University researchers in the Coastal and Marine Science group are actively studying contaminant transport, ecotoxicology, and plastic pollution in estuarine and marine environments — helping to inform policy, community behaviour, and industry practices to reduce pollution at the source.

These efforts are part of a holistic approach to preventing marine pollution, demonstrating the University's leadership in sustainability and environmental governance.