Caring for coast
The coastline of Margaret River is famous for its outstanding natural beauty.
Long beaches, sheltered bays, good fishing, surfing breaks, hiking trails and dramatic cliffs offer a broad range of recreational opportunities highly valued by both visitors and locals. But increased use of the coast by growing resident and tourist populations, together with other threats associated with climate change, are putting significant pressure on our fragile coastline. We work collaboratively to ensure the region’s coastal ecosystems are cared for, enhanced where possible, and managed according to best practice.
Caring For Coast program
A program of coastal restoration and community awareness across the region
The program spans from Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, and is supported by the Line In The Sand philanthropic group. It aims to inspire the community to value, respect and care for the coast. And to join us in restoration activities to improve the condition of coastal ecosystems. Key elements include improving coastal cultural connections, facilitating a coastal code, restoring coastal ecosystems, and helping schools care for our coast.
Coastal cultural connections
Our program fosters strong connections with Wadandi or Saltwater People as the traditional owners of the coast.
Through collaboration with the Undalup Association, our Caring For Coast activities utilise walks on country, workshops and other events to increase cultural appreciation and awareness among the community.
Coastal code to safeguard our coast
We are working with many local groups to create a coastal code, turning locals and visitors into stewards for our coastline.
Consultation and community meetings have identified a wide range of issues to be addressed by the code – such as attitudes towards fishing, diving, four-wheel-driving, coastal access and pathways. And they showed a keen desire for people to be champions of a code. Watch this space as we continue to work to develop a widely-adopted coastal code!
Restoring coastal ecosystems
We run a regular program of volunteer care-for-coast days throughout the year.
Activites include planting, brushing and consolidating trails in the dunes and foreshore area at a range of strategic locations up and down our coastline. We also work collaboratively with local volunteer coast care groups to ensure the region’s coastal ecosystems are managed according to the best practice.
Schools caring for coast
Environmental education contributes to our work protecting the region’s beaches, coastline and ocean.
The Adopt a Spot program engages Year 4 students from schools across the region, most who work alongside Nature Conservation staff and other volunteers at coastal rehabilitation sites including Yallingup, Cowaramup Bay, Gnarabup, Prevelly, Redgate Beach and Flinders Bay near Augusta.
The EMA program engages students in ocean and marine stewardship. They become citizen scientists, surveying their local marine ecosystem; identifying real-life threats; and coming up with practical, concrete, step-by-step solutions – and implementing them.
Address
Community Resource Centre
33 Tunbridge Street
Margaret River WA 6285
Postal Address
PO Box 1749 Margaret River WA. 6285
Contact Us
Phone: (08) 9757 2202
Email: info@natureconservation.org.au
