Surf league backs coastal volunteers

A coalition of local conservation and volunteer groups, supported by the World Surf League, are caring for the coast and protecting the area’s beautiful beaches.

To coincide with the Margaret River Pro, the World Surf League (WSL) supported not-for-profit Nature Conservation Margaret River Region and a swag of volunteers from local conservation and board riding clubs to run a brushing busy bee at Grunters Beach on Thursday, May 15.

The volunteers undertook some vital dune brushing, which involves laying down branches across sections of dune to close off access to sensitive areas and give vegetation a foothold.

In a collaborative effort, the conservation busy bee also included the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, juniors from the Cowaramup Bay Board Riders, the Line in the Sand philanthropic group, and the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association – whose members work tirelessly to manage environmental weeds, replant natives and educate locals and visitors.

The group usually meets week in, week out, throughout the year to tackle weeding, planting and brushing, doing a lot of the heavy lifting that keeps this stretch of coast in good condition.

For Nature Conservation’s Chloe Deakin, a key message for surfers and all coast users is to stick to existing paths to prevent erosion and look after plants.

“These legends restored dunes, laid brush and led by example – by sticking to coastal pathways and designated tracks to prevent erosion and protect native plants,” Ms Deakin said.

“It’s also important to resist the temptation to climb dunes for a better view, and to reminds kids that sand boarding, boogie boarding or rolling down the dunes is a sure-fire way to cause significant erosion.”

Nature Conservation general manager Drew McKenzie said many surfers would know the Margaret River region for its incredible coastline, amazing surfing breaks, granite and limestone cliffs and marine life.

The long beaches, sheltered bays, good fishing and hiking, numerous surf breaks and dramatic coastal cliffs provide plenty of recreational opportunities, cherished by visitors and locals alike.

But he said it is also a place that is under threat from development, land clearing, tourism and recreation, population growth and biodiversity loss.

“Increasing use of the coast by the growing number of residents and tourists, together with other threats like climate change, are putting pressure on the fragile coastal region,” Mr McKenzie said.

“That’s why we welcome the World Surf League’s decision to help us put the spotlight on caring for the coastline of this much-loved location on surfing’s elite tour, and to help to develop a culture of stewardship.”

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is the peak environmental and conservation non-for-profit group in the region, which works across a range of focus areas including the coastline, rivers and waterways, weed control, environmental education, threatened species and managing bushland for wildlife.

Its vision is to protect and preserve the healthy and biodiverse natural environment on which we all depend.

But it says the powerful alliance of local groups all working towards the same goal means some great environmental outcomes.

“Alone, we can all do a bit. But together we can really achieve so much. That’s the strength of this partnership with so many local groups working on the ground in the Margaret River region.

“Each one has a really important role to play, and by collaborating we’re all helping each other punch above our weight and have some great outcomes for the environment,” says Mr McKenzie.