C.A.R.E. Program

Surfrider Foundation is comprised of, over 25 regional branches and a National Body, which as an organisation forms an effective medium for the community to express environmental concerns and act upon making changes which will fit into our C.A.R.E. program Conservation, Activism, Research and Education.

Surfrider Foundation has issues and programs continuously being coordinated throughout the world, and is operated by a vast network of volunteers who strive to protect and enhance the natural coastal environment. The following is a guide of our objectives and programs:

Sewerage / Stormwater pollution
1) Surfrider Foundation wants to encourage alternative wastewater management strategies, by involving the community in the development of wastewater initiatives that will improve the state of our natural environment e.g. wastewater re-use schemes.

Surfrider Foundation will achieve this by:
A perusal of alternative waste water development strategies are made and amended, then public and government support is sought and encouraged for strategies which Surfrider Foundation consider as being an effective measure of re-enhancing the natural coastalenvironment.

Stormwater stenciling and water testing programs are being continuously organised throughout the year by (and not limited to) our Gold Coast, Hobart, North West Tasmania, Coffs Harbour, Sydney Eastern and Northern Beaches, Perth and Mornington Peninsula Branches.

2) Surfrider is opposed to sewage outfalls and encourages the research and development of alternative methods. Our aim is to reduce and eventually stop ocean and beach pollution by sewage plants.

Surfrider Foundation will achieve this by:
Supporting our branches in Mornington Peninsula, Torquay, Byron Bay, Northern Beaches, Margaret River and the Gold Coast to liaise with various government and industry bodies to see improvements made to current waste water systems at 13th Beach, Cronulla, Lorne, North Head, Skennars Head, Gnarabup and Maroochydore.

By participating and organizing public rallies in order to raise community awareness and gain media exposure in a peaceful and constructive manner.

Water Quality Improvement
Surfrider Foundation has several on going and integral research programs, which are designed to monitor and establish defined evidence to improve water quality in Australia.

Surfrider Foundation will achieve this by:
The release of two 'State of our Surf' reports (SOS) in 1994 and 1996 (which is an overview of Surfrider Foundation's vast voluntary network) where the human impacts on over 1700 beaches in Australia were surveyed, and condensed into a report which received international media exposure.

Due to the phenomenal success of the report entitled 'Human Impacts on Australian Beaches', a CD-ROM version is planned with the prototype recently created to help source seed funding for what will be a major new research project.

In conjunction with Surfing Australia, a national health survey is planned and will be conducted to identify statistics of common ailments in areas near by stormwater, sewerage and industrial and agricultural discharge pipes.

Reserve Management
Surfrider Foundation wants to reserve significant areas of coastal landscape in order to value, conserve and protect the natural environment for current and future generations to enjoy pristine environments for passive recreation.

Surfrider Foundation will achieve this by:
Accomplishing the development and declaration of Surfing Recreational Reserves as well as Marine Protected Areas at many beaches around Australia.

Dune restoration, weed eradication, tree planting, mangrove planting, monthly headland and Beach clean ups which are organised throughout the year by all of our Branches.

Sea Bird and Marine Life Rescue programs are in place on Queensland's Gold Coast and Victoria's Surf Coast.

Education, Active Campaigning and Branch Activities
Direct communication through educational programs and campaigns, which effectively raise awareness and understanding amongst the community on how to value, conserve and protect the natural coastal environment for current and future generations.

Surfrider Foundation will achieve this by:
The Bluewater Taskforce program around Australia with volunteers and project officers regularly visiting primary and secondary schools, girl guides, scout groups and other community based organisations.

Surfrider Foundation has actively worked with indigenous communities around the coast for over a decade.

During this time we have developed a 'Racial Harmony' policy and conducted workshops to raise awareness of indigenous issues where indigenous and non- indigenous people can learn and work to protect and enhance the natural coastal environment.

Every branch of Surfrider Foundation regularly holds local awareness and education events. Activities have included:

Surfing Contests

• 'Not so Clean Water Classic' (Surf Coast, VIC)

• 'Respect The Beach Series' (Coffs Harbour, NSW & Gold Coast, QLD) in association with Coastcare

• Kiama Single Fin Competition

• Clean Water Classic (Gold Coast, QLD)

• Schools Conservation Challenge (Mornington Peninsula, VIC)

Music Events

• 'Silverchair' tour (QLD, NSW & VIC)

• National launch of MOM 1, 2 & 3 (Music for our Mother Ocean) CD on Ocean Care Day (QLD, NSW, WA & VIC)

• Big Day(s) Out 1995 - 2003

• Vans Warped Tour 1998 - 2000

• Homebake 1998 - 20