Branch Updates – Winter 2010

Lord Howe Island  NSW
•    Increased Fishing Pressure is threatening the Lord Howe Island Marine Park
•    The Marine Park is under review with 3 proposed zoning plans, information is available at the Marine Parks Association website- www.mpa.nsw.gov.au

Capricorn Coast Branch QLD
•    Beach Clean up and Weed Management at the Stockyard and at Big Dune
•    Ongoing Great Keppel Island opposition
•    Opposing a proposed Coal port at Balaclava Island, an island situated in the mouth of Fitzroy River.
•    Upcoming Annual General meeting, date to be advised.

Geelong Branch VIC
•    The Save Bowen Heads Alliance is continuing their 3 year campaign to protect the Ramsar Wetland.

Warrnambool Branch VIC
•    Has just held the 1st Round of a three Rounds Surfing Series, the next round is set to be held in Spring.
•    Participated with Boardriders, local Land and Coast care in National Tree Day, 30 members participated in planting new vegetation.
•    Members film night was held with 75 members attending for the screening of Breaking down the door and Free as a dog.
•    Heavy Rains have caused excessive debris prompting beach clean ups
•    Up and coming Girls go Surfing Event to be announced, for more information Contact Paul on 0423880633 or Tom on 0407908982

Wyndham Branch VIC
-    launched a fundraiser for the Boab to Break tour, check out www.surfrider.org.au/boabtobreak for more info
-    actively testing and pursuing water quality issues in and around the Kimberley region
-    running learn to surf days and celebrated NAIDOC week
-    adopted a Keep Australia Beautiful spot
-    check out the latest on Wyndham at their blog here: http://surfriderkimberleybranch.wordpress.com/

Melbourne VIC
- aims to protect and enhance Port Phillip Bay, its beaches and foreshores from Werribee to Frankston, with focus on city area to start with
- Over 3.2 million people live around the shore of the Bay, making it Australia’s most densely populated catchment
- Litter meeting 6pm Thursday September 2 at Kindness House, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
- 40 million day visits a year to the coast of Port Phillip Bay
- little southern suburb peelers in the bay, photo in link

Margaret River, WA
- ELLENSBROOK PLANTING DAY  – Over 500 coastal plants planted at Ellensbrook beach, with additional brushing laid, extra track marking and signage installed, attracting over 30 volunteers.
- OIL CAMPAIGN – MR Surfrider held an anti oil drilling rally at Reuther Park, Margaret River attracting national media coverage and over 300 people. Large scale campaign follows this initial action.
- INTERNATIONAL SURF DAY – Brushing laid and large blow out areas revegetated at the Margaret River Mouth attracting over 35 volunteers. Marine Debris collection also undertaken.
- COASTAL SIGNAGE PROJECT – Large scale coastal interpretive signage project moving in conjunction with DEC and SWCC to improve coastal visitor behaviour at popular South and West coast surfing and recreational areas
- FATAL SHARK ATTACK – Many MR Surfrider members attend Nick Edwards memorial paddle out at Gracetown. Amazing community spirit and strength of Nick’s family – he will be greatly missed.