Queenslanders motivated by care for nature over economics
A new study led by CQUniversity researcher Dr Rodrigo Zilleruelo has found that Queenslanders strongly support using Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to protect coastal environments - and their support is driven more by care, stewardship and responsibility than by economic or environmental factors alone.
The research was co-authored by CQUniversity’s Professor John Rolfe, Dr Jeremy De Valck, and Gladstone Port Corporation’s Gordon Dwane, and explored the values that shape public preferences for NbS such as restoring mangroves, seagrass and wetlands, or installing living shorelines.
These approaches are increasingly being adopted to address climate impacts, enhance biodiversity and improve community wellbeing.
The team surveyed residents across Queensland, presenting respondents with a series of hypothetical coastal protection projects along the Queensland coast. Using advanced statistical modelling, they analysed whether instrumental (economic), intrinsic (environmental) or relational (care-centred) values were most influential in shaping community support.
Mr Zilleruelo said the findings challenged long-held assumptions that economic benefits were the primary driver behind environmental decision-making.
“We found that relational values - things like stewardship, responsibility and a sense of care for nature and place - were the strongest and most consistent motivators behind public support for Nature-based Solutions,” Mr Zilleruelo said.
“While economic and environmental motivations do play a role, they were far less influential than the desire to strengthen relationships between people, nature and community.”
Across all scenarios, participants showed a clear preference for NbS over ‘do nothing’ options, and the value-driven pattern held true for both land-based and water-based projects.
The researchers believe the findings offer important guidance for governments, councils and industry as investment in NbS continues to accelerate.
Prof Rolfe said understanding what drives public support is crucial for successful long-term implementation.
“Policies and communication strategies that highlight shared responsibility, community involvement and the collective benefits of restoration are likely to resonate strongly,” he said.
“Engaging communities not just as beneficiaries but as active participants in restoration may also foster deeper support and trust.”
The study arrives at a critical time, as governments grapple with climate adaptation, coastal protection and community resilience under increasing environmental pressure.
Mr Zilleruelo said recognising the relational values at the heart of public support could help scale NbS efforts more effectively.
“These values can build legitimacy and help drive transformative environmental change,” he said.
“They are central to strengthening the social foundations that make Nature-based Solutions work.”
The research was supported by Gladstone Ports Corporation and CQUniversity’s Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC).
