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Mission

The NOD addresses the needs of government and community to understand the increasingly complex interaction between Australia’s use of water and the health and environmental impacts that occur through its disposal as wastewater from ocean outfalls.

It is the first attempt in Australia’s history to provide all stakeholders to with ready access the highest quality data available at a national level.

Outcomes and Benefits of the National Outfall Database

The NOD will:

  1. Produce a national map readily accessible to all stakeholders.
  2. Assist with areas of emerging research requiring a national perspective of wastewater streams including:
    • Plastics (microfibers and microbeads)
    • Nitrogen
    • Phosphorous
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Flame Retardants and other hydrophilic contaminants
  3. Raise community awareness of the importance of outfalls and provide clarification of their potential impact on public health and the environment.
  4. By using a collaborative approach, the NOD will help allay misconceptions about outfall treatment within Australia.
  5. Provide an understanding of the value of wastewater to the community.
  6. Create a network of educated citizen scientists interested in outfalls, including stormwater, for further research and advocacy in future decision making.
  7. Assist policy makers and the community in understanding funding priorities for water infrastructure programs.
  8. Assist with mapping the impact of climate change on outfalls with respect to sea level rise on structures and increases in wet weather discharges.
  9. Contribute to development of a national standard for reporting on Australian outfalls.

Collaborative Nature of NOD

A key feature of the NOD is the intention to engage the community in suitable citizen science activities in con-sultation with the relevant authorities. Developing or enhancing existing networks relationships between all stakeholders based on mutual respect will provide the opportunity to significantly enhance the opportunity for improvements in the marine environment by developing common goals and furthering scientific under-standing.

To this end we would welcome all feedback on this website in order to produce the best public information website within our resources possible.