Branch Updates
What’s happening at your local branch?
NSW
Central Coast Branch
The Central Coast branch of Surfrider Foundation is back up and running with a number of issues being targeted for the warmer months.
Initial planning has begun for our rolling beach cleanup campaign that will tie in with regular local Boardrider Club surf comps.
Also on the burner is our surf etiquette initiative. One day we hope to see a sign up at every major surf break on the coast as well as a section on every club webpage.
One of the bigger issues that we need to tackle in the near future is the appalling state of our rock fishing platforms. This is a bigger project and will involve liaison with many different interests, however the current state of affairs must be addressed.
Finally, we are making inroads into creating the coast’s first Surfing Reserve. Its only fitting that a region with such a large surfing community should have a recognised reserve of its own. More to follow.
Ben Smith
President Central Coast Branch
0409693205
qben_8@bigpond.net.au
Hunter Branch
The Hunter Branch has been involved with a number of Community Consultations reviewing the proposed Stage 4 of the massive coal loader infrastructure for Kooragang Island. Surfrider has made it clear that dredging undertaken as part of the project must comply and that any remaining sand be deposited at Stockton Beach to assist with ongoing erosion issues.
The Branch, as part of the global celebration of International Surfing Day, will be staging a forum on “The Pasha Bilker – 5 Years On” where locals, experts and expert locals will discuss the ramifications of the grounding of the Pasha Bulker upon surfing amenity at one of Newcastle’s most popular and iconic beaches.
Later on in October and as part of the Mattara Festival, Surfrider, working with the Maritime Centre, will be staging a Newcastle Harbour Paddle. More details soon.
Chris Tola
President Hunter Branch
Life Member
Surfrider Foundation Australia
M:0438 203 964
E:chris.tola2300@gmail.com
www.surfrider.org.au
VIC
Surf Coast Branch
We are about to start our next Revegetation Project at Fisherman’s Beach Torquay. Working with GORCC we will be working on a section of cliff above the famed ‘Fishoes’ surf spot. Our first working bee is Sunday 22nd May, 11am and everyone is invited to come along and do some planting.
Our meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm at the Bird Rock Cafe, Torquay. Contact John – 0408 386 812
Fisherman’s Beach. Picture: Darren Noyes-Brown
John Foss
President Surf Coast Branch
Surfrider Foundation Australia
M:0408 386 812
E:jfoss@ozemail.com.au
www.surfrider.org.au
QLD
Sunshine Coast Branch
Of major focus and concern is the looming proposed seawall at Alexandra Heads/Maroochydore. We are currently talking with local council, coastal engineers, a restoration ecology specialist and waiting on the Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) for the shoreline between Kings Beach and Sunshine Beach. This study commenced over 12 months ago and is nearing completion. The purpose of the SEMP is to provide guidance for management of the shoreline within a 50 year planning period. The study will be reviewed by DERM (Department of Environment and Resource Management), Sunshine Coast Council and us. There will also be community consultation/participation meeting later in the year, which we will either facilitate or be heavily involved in. To be continued………
We have sealed the deal partnering with the Sunshine Coast University and council monitoring, databasing and reporting solutions and implementing management of the river catchments, outlets, outfalls and beaches. Identifying E. Coli and other pollutants in the water ways. On our coast, an annual report is done up for the entire region, we are looking at monthly to bi-monthly testing at various sites with a council grant. We are able to use the University’s labs and resources for all the work.
Beach clean ups are on the go. The recent Brisbane flooding has had a massive impact on a few of our beaches, one inparticular is Cooloola’s beach inbetween Noosa and Double Island Point. We have collected and databased over 4000 peices of marine debris within 2 clean ups and have barely scratched the surface. In one instance I myself filled 13 bags in under one hour and in less than one kilometre! Filled a trailer!! We will be also approaching council for organising more general bins and recycling bins of which there is currently none. Also talking with DERM about the prospect of awareness and camping / 4X4 responsability programs to implement within the vehicle and camping permits.
Craig Macintyre
President Sunshine Coast Branch
Surfrider Foundation Australia
M:0415 670 639
E:macintyreconstructions@hotmail.com
www.surfrider.org.au
TAS
Tasmanian Branch
The Tasmanian Branch of the Surfrider Foundation was formed in 2008 following the merger of the Southern and Northern Tasmanian Branches.
Previously, Surfrider Southern Tasmania was run by Matthew Dell to fund and resource the annual South West Tasmania Marine Debris initiative, beginning in 2001. The long established, and successful South West cleanup project continues today but is no longer resourced by the Surfrider Foundation. Details of the initiative can now be found at www.wha-marinedebris.blogspot.com or you can contact james.t.dell@gmail.comdirectly for more information.
Surfrider Tasmania’s northern branch was established in 2005 to fund a scientific study into the potential impacts of Gunn’s Ltd marine outfall in Northern Tasmania, from its proposed Pulp Mill project in Bell Bay. The northern branch, in collaboration with Surfrider international, provided a detailed scientific assessment to the Tasmanian Government outlining the risks posed by this project to the waves and beaches of Northern Tasmania – especially “Cow Head” the north coast’s premier point break (site of the proposed ocean pollution outfall). This research was ignored by the Tasmanian Government, so Surfrider took their concerns to Canberra and met with the Commonwealth Chief Scientist to advocate additional studies and research prior to any approvals. Although final federal and state approvals have now been granted for Gunn’s Ltd proposed pulp mill to annually put up to 30 billion litres of industrial waste into Bass Strait, Surfrider advocacy on this issue continues today.
Surfrider Tasmania has a busy schedule planned for 2011/12, and is actively seeking new members to bring energy and enthusiasm to coastal custodian roles in Tasmania. All activities are designed to be fun, involve surfing and building a social/coastal community for like-minded surfers wanting to do the right thing by their coast – get involved!
The Calendar for 2011/12 includes:
June 8th, July 7th and August 4th 2011: International Oceans Day: Launch of a Short Film Series on Marine Education issues in Tasmania’s Hobart and Launceston. A joint venture with the Australian Maritime College, Environment Tasmania and Ocean Planet.
June 20th 2011: International Surfing Day “Bone Seed Blitz”, Tamo Shanter Bay Tasmania.
July 16-17th 2011: “Cattle Grids” East Coast Busy Bee, at 4 Mile Beach. Camping, replanting and landscaping around one of East Coast Tasmania’s best left hand point breaks.
August 2011: Window for second Mt William National Park Marine Debris cleanup, in conjunction with Cradle Huts and Bay of Fires Walks. Camping, cleaning and surfing at one of the most remote parts of Tasmania’s coastline.
May to December 2011: Roving “Surf Competition and Beach Clean” up initiative with Launceston University Surf Team (LUST). 7 competitions, 7 beach cleanups. Where ever there is good surf!
First competition was in April, next event expected third weekend of May.
January 2012: Australian Day Long Weekend Southern Tasmania “Tasman Bay” Marine Debris Initiative (camping, cleaning and surfing in a remote, historical part of Tasmania).
Other projects in the planning stage include Flinders Island Marine Debris initiative (with local fisherman) and grant applications (underway) for a compost toilet and facilities at Tamo Shanter Bay in Northern Tasmania.
If you are interested in participating, have a project you would like to “own” or get help with, or if you simply want further details on the initiatives above, please contact Peter Whish-Wilson on pwhish-w@bigpond.net.au OR 0410 754 728, or Julia Durack onjulia.durack@gmail.com
Peter Whish-Wilson
President Tasmanian Branch
Surfrider Foundation Australia
M: 0410 754 728
E: pwhish-w@bigpond.net.au
www.surfrider.org.au
WA
Margaret River Branch
Margaret River Surfrider have been concentrating on our three priorities for 2011, preparing for the national education conference, preparations for stage 4 of the Ellensbrook Coastcare project and continuing the no oil / save our marine life campaign.
The ground work has been completed with the planning for the 2011 Education Conference and Surfrider MR are awaiting the results of the latest Coast West grants rounds to see if our quest for a part time project officer to coordinate the project has been successful.
Preparations for stage 4 of the Ellensbrook Coastcare project is coming along well with some 2800 coastal plants, the seed for which was collected by MR Surfrider’s Jen Stevens, growing well in Cowaramup’s Tube Nursery. The next step is to design the interpretive signage for the site and then get the plants in the ground on International Surf Day.
The No Oil / Save Our Marine Life Campaign has had a renewed local push lately with Surfriders Steve Andrews meeting up with the Federal Minister regarding the Marine Reserves and Tracey Ensley and Laura Bailey meeting up with new State Environment and Water Minister Bill Marion regarding the proposed Capes Nari Marine Park. The tender period on the oil lease off Margaret River has also closed and No Oil’s Rob Alder has written seeking confirmation of whether any companies have expressed interest in the lease.
All up a busy time at Margaret River and not looking at slowing down any time soon!
Gene Hardy
President Margaret River Branch
Surfrider Foundation Australia
M:0424 631 068
E:hardy_gene@yahoo.com
www.surfrider.org.au
Kalbarri Branch
The Kalbarri Branch aren’t doing too much on the ground but are still trying to get a new chapter up & running by Oct 2011 in Geraldton WA.
We have been helping NWSA in public submission on Ningaloo Reef submission and inputing on Kalbarri foreshore plan .
Hoping to do a fund raiser for SF in October with a few local surf flicks movie festival at Rainbow Jungle. We will keep you informed closer to event.
David Pratt
President Kalbarri Branch
Surfrider Foundation Australia
M:0448 371 133
E:seascapedesigns@bigpond.com
www.surfrider.org.au
Kimberley Branch
Surfrider Foundation Kimberley Branch and one of the local schools are building a sustainable kitchen garden inspired by the Surfider Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG) Program applying CPR – Conservation, Permeability and Retention.
We are trying to help stop Woodside’s $30 billion gas hub going ahead at James Price Point and are encouraging all those agianst this to please write to Tony Burke asking him to…
-Refuse environment approval for an oil and gas industrial site at James Price Point.
-Ensure that the Kimberley be included in the proposed National Heritage listing.
Address your letter to:
The Hon Tony Burke MP
Minister for the Environment
email: Tony.burke.mp@aph.gov.au
Please Cc: clarealcock@live.com.au
We recently did a clean up around town including the recreation centre, skate park and popular tourist resting spots at 3 Mile creek. Max Alcock, Surfrider Kimberley BranchVice President and Christine Williams, Surfrider Kimberley Branch Aboriginal Liaison Officer are keen to see signage around the area put up reminding locals and visitors to keep it clean by putting your rubbish in the bin or for people to simply take it home with them.
We will be participating International Surfing Day on the 19th of June which will include a paddling lesson at a local watering hole.
Testing of local drinking water is currently under way.
Due to the ’Boab to Break’ tours success it is going to be run bi annually.
For more information on our branch…
Clare Alcock
President Kimberley Branch
Surfrider Foundation Australia
M:0400 556 489
E:clarealcock@live.com.au
www.surfrider.org.au
