Introduction

It must be said that 2002 has been an incredible year for Surfrider. The organisation has gone from strength to strength, particularly with the employment of Paul Hough as the first competitively-selected Executive Officer in our 11-year history.

It has also been a great year for the coast - new legislation introduced in several states to protect this wonderful asset and source of inspiration, new state coastal policies and strategies to direct governments, revamped education programs and a tremendous shift in awareness of coastal environmental and social issues.

It's also been a great year for waves - we've seen the world's "longest" wave from Snapper through to Kirra, and even the Victorians think it's been the best for at least 10 years.

2003 could be even better. Surfrider will be looking to capitalise on our successes this year with a range of new initiatives to be supported by the surfing industry, and we hope you continue with your invaluable member support.

If you're looking for a more hands-on experience, why not get in touch with your local Branch or Beach Representative? There's one near you with a dedicated crew of like minds having a good time and putting something back.

We hope you have a great Christmas and New Year, wish you a six-foot tube and look forward to working on the coast with your support next year.

Communications Director - Steve Blackley

NEW DIRECTORS FOR SURFRIDER

Following the recent AGM in Torquay, Surfrider now has a new Board of Directors. New additions to the Board are Kristen Henry of Manly and Chris Tola of Newcastle.

The new Board consists of:

• Chairperson - Geoff Withycombe
• Legal and Marketing - Chris Tola
• Projects and Research - Neil Lazarow
• Finance and Administration - Stuart Ball
• Policy and Communications - Steve Blackley
• Membership and Sponsorship - Kristen Henry

HUMAN IMPACTS ON AUSTRALIAN BEACHES (HIAB) UPDATE

The HIAB (Victoria) Project enters its second month with key developments as follows:

The presentation of outputs is planned for April 2003 and will include:

Queries concerning the Human Impacts on Australian Beaches Project can be directed to:
Project Coordinator Human Impact on Australian Beaches
Email: humanimpacts@surfrider.org.au

2002 AGM IN TORQUAY

The Surfrider Foundation (Australia) 2002 Annual General Meeting was held at Torquay, Victoria over November 24/25. A range of speakers presented to the delegates on the first day, including Tim Allen from the Marine and Coastal Community Network (MCCN), who spoke about the Victorian experience with the state's new Marine Parks.

While the number of delegates was down on recent years (must be that cold water), a lot of important business was covered.

More information about the AGM will be posted on this website shortly.

GET THE 2003 CALENDAR

The 2003 Surfrider Foundation (Australia) calendar has been printed and will be available from newsagents soon. Check that your newsagent will be stocking them this year and keep them in mind for great Christmas presents.

EXPERTS PANEL ON COASTAL EROSION IN BYRON BAY

Surfrider Foundation's National Office and Byron Bay Branch and the Cooperative Research Centre for Coastal Zone Estuary and Waterway Management (Coastal CRC) recently hosted an Experts Panel to discuss the issue of coastal erosion and possible solutions in Byron Bay.

Byron Shire Council (BSC) is currently engaged in the development of a coastline management plan. As part of this process, BSC has undertaken a number of public meetings to discuss the preferred options with the community.

Surfrider took the initiative to organise an Experts Panel to 'value-add' to this process - to further discuss the possible solutions to this complex problem. We believe that there are a number of possible solutions that may be available to Council at a lesser cost - to the community, to the natural environment and to Council directly. A critical aspect of the Experts Panel is incorporation of local knowledge into the decision making process.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Citizen Science researchers of the Coastal CRC are currently working on a 'Community Consultation Toolkit'. The toolkit is a compendium of over 60 different techniques for communication and participation. It will be relevant for community groups, researchers, government and industry.

A unique component of the toolkit is the development of coastal management specific case studies that demonstrate some of these tools in action.

Examples of some of the case studies are:

We are currently looking for volunteers to assist with the development and capture of some of the case studies. If you are interested in learning more about innovative community consultation and public participation, please contact Neil Lazarow on:
07 3875 5528 or by email: n.lazarow@mailbox.gu.edu.au

RENTAL ASSISTANCE SOUGHT

Surfrider is looking to save valuable resources in the summer holiday period, and has identified the potential for accommodation support.

Offers of free accommodation are always welcome! While some options are being investigated, we are open to any proposals to share space.

If you have a proposal or a suggestion, please talk to Paul Hough at the National Office on 07 55342855.

HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTT

Hold On To Your Butt was celebrated on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts this year, with excellent community responses to the initiative.

Every year Australians throw away more than 30 billion cigarette butts. That's an average of 85 Million a day. Cigarettes contain 3900 chemicals.

Marine life such as turtles and fish eat these poisonous pellets . In remote Alaska, 2000 sea birds were studied and 30 were found to have swallowed butts.

BUTT STICKERS

National Office printed 4000 HOTYB stickers and are distributing them to Branches. Get one for $1 when you order next years calendar and a new Sandy Series T-shirt for Xmas from National Office.

CLEAN GREEN SURF REPORTS

The Surfrider Surf reports are back!

Tune into your ABC radio around Australia on Saturdays and Sundays at 5.30 am for the only around-the-world surf report.

DUGONGS DUCK FOR COVER

Research at James Cook University in Townsville has shown that Dugongs have trouble avoiding fast moving vessels. As boat numbers increase, the numbers of accidents increase. One of the problems is that Dugongs do not sense danger until boats are right next to them when it is too late.

PLASTIC BAGS

Want to reduce the number of plastic bags in Australia?....go to http://www.plasticbaglevy.com/

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast Branch has held their AGM and elected a new committee.

The branch attended Springfest at Palm Beach with an information stall and a float in the parade.

Gold Coast Surfrider are working with the local council on a Spirit of Surfing and Surfrider's Code to reduce tension in the water.

A Travelling Beaches Exhibit is being created with the help of EO Paul Hough and Surf Journo Tim Baker.

A Healthy waterways group has been set up in council to help protect Moreton Bay, with Surfider looking to play a key role.

NEW SOUTH WALES

SURFRIDER GETS INVOLVED WITH AUSTRALIA DAY

Surfrider Foundation (Australia) is heavily involved with the running of 2003's Australia Day's Big Paddle event in Sydney Harbour.

Barton Lynch, Surfrider supporter and event Ambassador, has arranged for Surfrider to be involved and profiled in the staging of this 4 kilometre paddle around Sydney Harbour. We're asking all Surfriders, their friends and Family to either participate in the event or by helping out on, or before, the day.

For more information please call the inimitable Chris Tola on 0412 451 474. See www.australiaday.com.au/big_events.html for more information.

NEW HUNTER BRANCH

Surfrider supporters met recently and established the new Hunter Branch of the Foundation. Formerly known as Newcastle Branch, those at the meeting believed we covered a greater geographical area and thought more people would identify with the term Hunter.

The Branch's new President, Nobby Edwards (a long term member and activist for the Foundation) has already gone gangbusters and organised a follow up meeting and initiated a campaign to fight against unsustainable development in and around the Catherine Hill Bay area.

The branch is also actively inputting into the Newcastle City Council's Coastal and Estuary Committee's draft report and recommendations and is also reviewing areas of concern such as those classic tried and true stormwater run off, sewage outfalls and our old favourite, indiscriminate developments along our coastline.

More details on the Branch will be displayed on this website.

NEW COASTAL PROTECTION

A new Coastal Protection State Environment and Planning Policy (No. 71) has been announced by the Minister for Planning, Andrew Refshauge, which gives the Government the final word on all major developments along the entire NSW coast.

The SEPP allows Government to scrutinise all developments within 100 metres of sensitive coastal areas, although councils will still have the power of final consent, unless the minister chooses to intervene.

Launching the policy at the South Coast retreat of Huskisson, Dr Refshauge said, "the bar has now been raised for anyone seeking to develop along our precious NSW coast" and that "...Gold Coast style developments will no longer be able to creep south over the border..."

Dr Refshauge also said that "SEPP 71 will work strongly with the (recently passed) Coastal Protection Amendment Bill to ensure public access to our treasured coast and foreshore is preserved and protected into the future."

For further information, contact Angus Nardi at Planning NSW on either 02 9762 8181 or email angus.nardi@planning.nsw.gov.au. Alternatively, information is available from "What's New" section of the PlanningNSW website - http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/

FISHING VOLUNTEERS

NSW Fisheries are looking for volunteers in promoting sustainable recreational fishing on the NSW North Coast. While volunteers have no enforcement powers, they are actively involved in spreading the word on sustainable fishing practices. To be involved call 02 66453827

FISHING BAN

A section of the Tweed Coast will be banned from commercial fishing. This effectively ends commercial fishing of mullet, flathead, luderick and prawns in the Tweed. The ban also involves another 40 beaches in NSW.

PROTECTION FOR SHARKS

Ten new protected areas to help bring back the endangered Grey Nurse Shark from the brink of extinction have been announced by the NSW Government. Environment groups say this offers little protection unless all fishing was banned from those areas. Estimates of only 300 left in NSW have been made.

TWEED COAST BALI CEREMONY

A memorial for the Bali victims was held at Duranbah Beach and organised by ABC radio.

Surfrider was approached to assist and it was agreed we would do a paddle out and surfers memorial in honour of the victims. 300 people joined in the paddle out and it was the biggest most people have seen. Many surfers had flowers in their teeth as supplied by our Executive Officer Paul Hough.

On the hill at Duranbah, papers estimated 5000 people in attendance. A choir sang appropriate songs, one victim's father made a speech, a Hindu priest carried out a ceremony and a letter from the local chief in Kuta, Bali was also read out. The Banana Blenders Barbershop Quartet sang as the four Australian flags on the headland were lowered and the public threw flowers over the cliff face. 180 gongs played on a Balinese gong in memory of the victims, and the choir sang "I Still Call Australia Home" to end the ceremony.

RADIOACTIVE SANDS SLOWS SCHOOL

A new public school planned for Cabarita is to be delayed because the site is contaminated with radioactive sand.

The state government wants to get on with the $5.12M project but Tweed Shire Council has refused a development application. The state govt intends to take over the planning rights of council to have it approved.

COASTAL VEGETATION

Two Tweed Shire Councillors have criticised a council plan to clear coastal vegetation on a site planned for the new Cabarita school. They said that the NSW Government was hypocritical in damaging coastal vegetation and that Tweed was under constant threat of becoming like the Gold Coast.

CARAVAN PROPOSAL MIGHT AFFECT DUNES

The dune vegetation at Back Cabarita could be removed if plans for a new caravan park goes ahead. Reports say that buffer zones of vegetation will be included in the plan.

100 protesters gathered to highlight loss of habitat and wildlife such as scrub turkey carpet snake and scrub birds that live on the site. They are also concerned about beach erosion, sewage overflows and lack of park amenity.

TURTLES AT FINGAL

A Green Turtle washed up on Fingal Beach and has been looked after by local school students. The 7 year-old turtle was moved to shade and kept watered and cool. The year six students formed a turtle club after the local wildlife carers moved the turtle up the coast away from developed areas.

BEACH CLEAN UP

Kirra Dive members spent 40 hours altogether cleaning the river bed for one kilometre of the mouth of the Tweed River part of International Coastal Clean Up day. Many surf lifesavers joined in cleaning up the beaches. Kirra Dive have done this every year for 10 years.

TWEED RIVER WOES

Parts of the Tweed River catchment area have recorded dangerously high levels of potentially harmful blue-green algae. People are warned not to enter the river, no swimming and definitely do not drink the water. Rashes and damage to nerves could be caused depending on what type of algae it is. It was apparently caused by run off from plant nutrients, fertilisers and stock faeces.

MORE SAND PUMPING

20,000 cu metres of sand has recently been pumped at Duranbah.

Tom Petersen who sponsors Surfrider Brazil every year says that the wreck of the ship Tyalgum has been exposed for the first time in 30 years.

The pumping was done in small amounts after suggestions were made from Tweed Branch and other areas in the community. If successful, the project managers say a further 10,000 cu metres will be placed in consultation with the community.

In an interesting twist, investigations are being made by the branch into reports that an important reef at Kirra has been covered in sand by the sand pumping - stay tuned.

The Environmental Effects Statement process for the proposed deepening of the channel at The Rip is underway. We'll provide an update in the next eNews.

SURF COAST BRANCH

The Surf Coast Branch is drafting a submission on the upcoming GATS (General Agreement on Trades & Services) talks. The submission will pressure the government to exempt Water Authorities from the talks to ensure that Australian Water Boards are not open to privatisation. Past experience in other parts of the world show a huge impact on the coastal environment once privatisation occurs.

The branch also had it's AGM in November with a new committee voted in. The SF National Conference & AGM was hosted in Torquay, going off without a hitch and providing a lot of good publicity for Surfrider. We had a combined Christmas party / surf with SANE (Surfers Appreciating Natural Environment).

Grass roots stuff: Weeding continues at our revegetation site and a successful stall was performed into the pit of the Cowrie market.

TASMANIA

NATIONAL AWARD FOR MARINE DEBRIS CLEAN UP

Surfrider Foundation Tasmania have recently had great success with an award winning marine clean up initiative.

Surfrider Foundation Tasmania have organised another Marine Debris cleanup for Feb 2003 and have had some success in attracting more support from the local crayfishing and abalone diving industries.

In a sad natural event, Surfrider has been informed that nine Sperm Whales have died when beached on remote North Tasmanian beaches.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

DOLPHINS TO BENEFIT

A wastewater plant that pumps treated effluent into Adelaide's Port River, home of a unique dolphin pod will be closed. Premier Mike Rann said, "In the past, we've seen dolphins poisoned from toxins in the river and we've seen dead fish in the upper reaches of the Port River, all linked to the deteriorating water quality."

The pod contains about 350 dolphins. In recent years some have been shot dead, tangled in fishing lines and one swallowed a fishing hook and starved to death. Others died in their infancy, with pollution blamed.

OUTBACK ECLIPSE

December 2002 total lunar eclipse at Ceduna on South Australia's remote west coast provided outback surfers and confused wildlife with an amazing natural event. Reports from feral surfers at remote beaches in the area say the surf was small and onshore at the time of the eclipse (but they always say that).

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SOUTH WEST WA

NORTH WEST WA