The highlight of this issue is the news that Paul Hough has joined Surfrider as our new Executive Officer. There’s a full story on Paul below, and we know that his presence and commitment will be welcomed by all surfers.

In this issue we include information on coastal issues from across the country:

FROM THE NATIONAL OFFICE
New Executive Officer takes off on the New Wave

As the newly appointed Executive Officer of Surfrider Foundation Australia, I am stoked to be given the opportunity to paddle into the biggest wave of my life.
   The potential of Surfrider Foundation Australia (SFA) is enormous. The organisation is uniquely positioned as the primary advocate for the conservation of our marine and coastal environment, which belongs to the people of Australia. The pivotal role of SFA as a significant and relevant conservation organisation is enhanced by the strength and profile of our International Affiliates in USA, Japan, Brazil and Europe.
   I began my appointment on 1st July and was immediately impressed by the calibre of SFA Directors, Advisors and Volunteers. Soon after, I appreciated the essential efforts of SFA’s 29 Branches and the wide range of our Members, Sponsors, Donors and Supporters.
   I have been a professional Marine Biologist since 1985, working in various government agencies and the private sector. My management experience spans 12 years in a resource-limited environment, not unlike SFA. I have been a keen surfer, sailor, adventurer and diver (having spent virtually 6 months of my life underwater). As such, I have a passionate affinity with the ocean. I have returned to my spiritual roots near the NSW/Queensland Border with my wife and three sons so that they can reap the benefits of a surfing lifestyle and appreciation of the coastal environment.
   My professional background gives me the awareness to be an advocate for ecological sustainability and to objectively formulate cohesive arguments regarding the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. My role is to be proactive – requiring the obligatory crossing of many bridges needed to achieve a win-win victory for coastal environments and communities through public advocacy and as a member of several management, assessment and consultative committees.
   My first meeting with the Board of Directors started with a three page agenda and resulted in a blueprint for the success of SFA. Surfrider Foundation Australia now has a revised Strategic Plan, a Vision and a Mission Statement. The Strategic Plan will be described in later issues.
   The role of the Branches is essential in the overall success of the organisation. They are the eyes and ears, as are the members and users of the coastal and marine environment that Surfrider Foundation Australia is chartered to protect. So I ask you all to be vigilant. Apathy is the greatest threat to our quality of life and quite possibly, our survival.
   I am committed to good quality service to all, to be proactive by raising public awareness about the issues at hand, and to be responsive to the needs of members, branches, sponsors, supporters and the general community. I became a member of SFA last year (the first membership via the Web) – now as Executive Officer, with your support, I know I can make a difference.

Catch the new wave that respects the beach.

Regards and best wishes to you all

Paul Hough
Executive Officer

POSITION VACANT - HUMAN IMPACTS ON AUSTRALIAN BEACHES (VIC) REPORT

Surfrider has recently started work on the Human Impacts on Australian Beaches (Victoria) Report, thanks to generous assistance from Coastcare / Coast Action, and is seeking expressions of interest for a Project Officer to coordinate the Report.
   Surfrider recognises that there is a need for comprehensive and timely information about the state of the coast, contemporary coastal issues and the needs of coastal communities. This project builds on Surfrider’s highly successful reports conducted a few years ago.
   The project has two unique components which promote actions for a sustainable coast. The first major action the project undertakes is the involvement of coastal communities across Victoria to collect detailed information about the state of our beaches including issues such as the state of coastal development, marine pollution, native vegetation cover, biodiversity, tourism and a range of social values. The second major action the project will deliver is a coastal roadshow which will provide a range of marine science and coastal management education and awareness activities for local schools and communities.
  The Position Description is available on our website at www.surfrider.org.au. Once you’ve read the information contact Neil Lazarow for further information on 0416 022 742.
  Surfrider is currently contacting individuals, groups and industry organisations in Victoria for participation in the project. If you would like to be involved or are interested in sponsoring this project, please contact Neil Lazarow: T: 0416 022 742 E: neil@mullum.com.au

SURFRIDER YOUTH COMPETITION FOR NATIONAL COASTAL CONFERENCE

Australia’s national coastal conference, Coast to Coast 2002, is being held from November 4-8 2002 at Tweed Heads.
  The final day of the conference features a high-profile hypothetical panel which will road-test the findings of the conference at the direction of Barry Jones and, at the time of writing, be broadcast nationally on ABC Radio. Surfrider Foundation, as a key coastal stakeholder, is holding a competition to select the youth representative on the Panel.
  The competition is open to all Year 11 and 12 students in high schools in the Tweed Shire and Gold Coast City local government areas. This is unique opportunity for an articulate and intelligent young ocean-lover to promote the interests of future generations in using the coast, with support on the surfing front from Rabbit Bartholomew, who will represent surfing interests.
  The successful student will receive free registration to the conference for 2 days to attend the workshop sessions, a free conference dinner and get to hang out with Paul Hough and some of Surfrider’s National Directors. For more information contact National Office.
  For more information on Coast to Coast 2002 see www.coastal.crc.org.au/coast2coast2002

NATIONAL ISSUES IN BRIEF
COULD YOU BE A SURF REPORTER?

Following the success of Stuart Ball (National Finance Director) as surf reporter extraordinaire for Radio National, ABC radio are looking for people to do local surf reports around the country. This provides Surfrider with great publicity at the local level. If you’re interested, contact Paul Hough at National Office on 07 55210021.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH PADDLES OUT

Australia's powerful Catholic Church signalled its intention to mobilize its congregation - representing one-quarter of the Australian population - on environmental issues. The church is concerned about curbing land clearing and the logging of old growth forests, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the protection of the Great Barrier Reef.
See http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-02-02.asp

CAULERPA FIGHT HITS TOP GEAR

The invasive seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia is threatening estuarine habitat across the country, with South Australia the latest state to declare war on the weed.
  So far, Caulerpa has invaded parts of NSW including Port Hacking, Burrill Lake, Narrawallee Inlet, Botany Bay, Careel Bay and Lake Macquarie, with Lake Conjola completely covered. The weed has caused massive problems in the Mediterranean and in California.
  In South Australia, the weed has been discovered in West Lakes, near Adelaide and the adjoining Port River. But unlike NSW where salt is being tried to eradicate the pest, scientists are trailing copper sulphate, which kills the weed and everything else in the vicinity as well.
  The Commonwealth is so far refusing to help fight the weed because it`s closely related to a native of Northern Queensland where it is neither invasive nor a threat to marine life.

LOOK OUT FOR THE TEXAN

Drew Hazzlerigg, the Webguy from Texas Surfrider will be cruising the coast for the next few months. “The prospect of visiting some surfspots that I've seen in movies or the rags is big stuff.
  Besides exploring for some surf, I'm very interested in exploring coastal erosion issues. We are experiencing some serious erosion on our beaches. I hope to gather some information on man-made structures, jetties, groins, breakwaters, and Narrowneck reef.” If you are contacted by Drew, make sure you give him a warm Aussie welcome. See http://www.surfrider.org/texas/

SURFRIDER USA RELEASES STATE OF THE BEACH 2002

What state is your beach in? Find that out in Surfrider's annual STATE OF THE BEACH report that was just released on May 21. This 500+ page cornucopia of beach information covers all the coastal states in the USA, plus Puerto Rico. Read the press release and see the entire STATE OF THE BEACH report online.

US REPORT ON COASTAL SPRAWL

A new report on the effects of urban sprawl on aquatic ecosystems in the United Sates has found rapid population growth is the biggest threat to the coastal environment. The report points out that coastal population growth is not the whole problem. Runaway land consumption, dysfunctional suburban development patterns, and exponential growth in automobile use are the real engines of pollution and habitat degradation on the coast. For the full report visit: http://www.pewoceans.org/reports/water_pollution_sprawl.pdf

ADVENTURE ON OFFER FOR COASTAL CHAMPION

The Federal Government’s Coastcare program is seeking to reward an outstanding champion for Australia’s coastal environment. The champion’s reward will be a 14-day berth on the tall ship Windeward Bound, currently circumnavigating Australia. Nominations must be 300 words or less and describe the nominee’s work to protect and conserve the coastal environment. For an entry form or information, contact Environment Australia on 1800 803 772. Nominations close 8 September.

ESTUARY ASSESSMENT REPORT LAUNCHED

The National Land and Water Resources Audit has released its report ‘Australian Catchment, River and Estuary Assessment 2002’. The report found 80 percent of the country’s rivers, estuaries and catchments are now damaged in some way and reinforced the role of integrated catchment management to prevent the situation from becoming worse. It also recognises that estuaries provide Australia’s highest value biophysical resources in ecosystem services. The report, partly managed by the Coastal CRC, is now online at: http://audit.ea.gov.au/coasts/docs/estuary_assessment
Source : Flotsam and jetsam

HOW MUCH DOES YOUR COUNCIL SPEND ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

An Australian Bureau of Statistics report indicates that local governments spent a total of $2.5 billion, or an average $133 per person, on measures to protect the environment in 1999-2000. Solid waste management and waste water treatment were the dominant activities followed by environmental protection services and conservation measures (eg replanting trees, preventing land degradation). Queensland councils spent more than any other State for environment protection ($926 million), and also spent the most on a per capita basis ($260). The report, Environment Expenditure, Local Government, Australia 1999-2000 (Cat. No. 4611.0), can be obtained from ABS bookshops.

Queensland

SAND BYPASS PRODUCES EPIC WAVES

It has been fantastic to see the fruit of the sand bypass system at the entrance to the Tweed River, with all-time surf on the southern Queensland points in recent months. In the right swell, waves are breaking from Snapper through to Kirra and providing surfers with rides over a kilometre long. The sand pumping is being keenly watched by Surfrider and the rest of the surfing community, with keen interest on the effects of a cyclone swell in the coming season.

CLEAN BEACH CHALLENGE

A record 130 beaches have been entered into Queensland's Clean Beaches Challenge and entries are now closed. Awards will be made in December.

Capricorn Branch

Capricorn Branch are setting a great example with their monthly printed newsletters, and their latest is a real treat. Capricorn even use the newsletter as a fundraiser by selling advertising and have it printed for free. Check out
http://www.cqsurf.com/cqsurfrider/cqsurfrider.htm

NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

The proposed Point Lookout sewage upgrade is raising the ire of local surfers, with Surfrider members predicting another “Look at me Now” is not far off. The proposal includes ocean outfall/aquifer release options and the branch is starting a campaign to lobby council and state government to abandon these options and investigate sustainable options including land-based disposal. If you can help, contact Emma Lewis – Phone 07 3409 8679. Email snapper@itxpress.cpm.au

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast Koala population will be gone within 10 years according to Wildcare Australia. The last colony at Coombabah is under threat from domestic pet attack, habitat destruction and starvation.
  Recently announced plans to have cruise liners visiting the Gold Coast would do $11.4M damage to the catchment area, a report by Australian Maritime college has found. It said cruise liners visiting the Gold Coast would only be able to access the area in calm conditions with no swell and less than 25kt winds. Leaving the area would prove even more difficult the report said.
  It was estimated that if the project were to go ahead it would not break even in costs for 128 years when much maintenance funding would be needed to delay any profits further.
  The Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service has been getting a lot of publicity for Seabird rescue, a service that Surfrider provided in the past. It is yet be decided whether the new Branch will be involved in rescues.

New South Wales

COASTAL COUNCIL HAS A NEW WEBSITE

The Coastal Council of NSW, the watchdog for coastal management in NSW, has recently relaunched its website. The website has all Coastal Council’s publications, including annual reports on the implementation of the state Coastal Policy, and investigations. To see almost everything you need to know about this independent advisory body see www.coastalcouncil.nsw.gov.au

NSW COASTAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

SFA supported the Coastal Design Guidelines developed by the Coastal Council of NSW with a detailed submission on urban design in coastal areas. In the submission, Surfrider outlined the need for a multi-disciplinary urban design approach that more clearly integrates non-urban and non-conventional urban applications such as coastal protection, “down-zoning”, optimal land-use analysis, growth control, cluster development and ecological landscape planning.
  There needs to be stronger analysis and detail provided for the optimal, viable, and alternative solutions that exist. The submission also outlined the need to articulate the vision of the state for development of the coast.

ADDITIONS TO THREATENED SPECIES LISTS

The NSW Scientific Committee have announced that falling numbers of Australian Fur Seal, Dugong, and NZ Fur Seal warrant their inclusion under the Threatened Species Conservation Act.
  They sighted farm practices, pollution, fishing, shark nets, and boat collisions for their demise. Fishing reduces their food source and they are victims of coastal development and ingestion and entanglement of discarded plastic.
  The Dugong is threatened by development and lack of seagrass, commercial fishing nets, entanglement of shark nets and collisions with boats. NPWS will prepare recovery plans within 3 years.

CLEAN BEACH CHALLENGE IN NSW

The launch of the 2002 Clean Beach Challenge was recently held in Ballina. This presents SFA with the opportunity to nominate beaches in a variety of categories which may also provide additional recognition of the values of the beach. For more information see www.kabc.org.au

Tweed Coast

TWEED BRANCH ABOUT TO FORM

During a recent review at National Office, Surfrider’s membership in the Tweed has grown to about 60 members. Included in this group are a range of people including several National Office Volunteers, Staff and 2 Directors.
  Tweed Coast representative and National Finance Director, Stuart Ball believes this membership base holds the key to the establishment of a Tweed Coast Branch and is looking for interested people to kick a Branch off. If you’re interested, please contact Stuart at stuartball@surfrider.org.au

FINGAL CLEAN UP

Surfrider foundation had about 40 people spend about 4 days cleaning Fingal Beach.
  This beach is used as a garbage dump by locals and the rubbish is cleared every now and then by a team of volunteers. Further information can be obtained from Julie Kereszteny on (07) 55242855.

TWEEDS WEEDS

Weeds are being removed on the Tweed Coast by the Young Australians for the Environment. Local creeks and gardens will be targeted and 3000 trees planted. They will weed more than 20 ha., repair fences and restore natural habitat that has been damages in the past by sandmining. Aerial spraying of bitou bush will occur this winter in the Tweed Coast area using a helicopter and round up.
  A Newborn Humpback whale complete with umbilical cord was washed up at Hastings Point on the Tweed Coast. The cause of death, originally believed to be a boat, is not known. There were shark attack marks on the Baby Humpback.
  Kingscliff Beach is the local title holder in the keep Australia beautiful Clean Beaches Challenge. Duranbah won the litter prevention award, Fingal the waste management award and Cabarita was highly commended for the Friendliest Beach.
  Tweed Council has launched a brochure asking the community to take better care of the area around the Sand pumping jetty at Letetia Spit. The bird habitat area contains threatened species and up to 30 species of water bird. Some migratory shore birds are protected.
  The Beach Stone Curlew, Pied Oyster Catcher, and Little Tern are some that have restricted distributions, specialised habitat requirements and suffer regular disturbance from beach users.
  The brochure suggests keeping animals restrained and not fishing or going to where birds are roosting. This is especially at high tide when room is minimal, do not walk through flocks and do not drive four wheel drives in the area.

Byron Bay

The latest greedy thing to surface in Byron is the "First Light" proposal where the proponents want to permanently moor 3 boats of 200 person capacity each in the Bay. Guess where they intend to ferry the passengers from? Yep you guessed it - The Pass. They already have permits to launch the vessels at about 25 people each time. That’s about an extra 24 boat movements in each direction, and could mean another 50 boat movements per day in addition to the existing traffic. It doesn’t take much imagination to see that if this gets State government approval, you’ll need to wear a helmet to surf The Pass.
  A chilling reminder of the marine environment’s power was on display in June when a 2.5m great white shark was washed up on main beach at Byron Bay.
  After a long wait the Cape Byron Marine Park was announced recently by Fisheries Minister Eddie Obeid. The next two years will involve community consultation organised by the Marine Parks Authority to identify zoning within the Park.
  Three types of zoning comprise NSW Marine Parks: General use zone - which permits commercial fishing, recreational fishing, aquaculture etc; habitat protection zone - excludes commercial fishing but allows recreational fishing as well as aquaculture; Sanctuary zone - this is the only conservation zoning in NSW Marine Parks.
  It is 'no-take' zoning where commercial and recreational fishing are excluded. Only Sanctuary zones provide adequate protection to marine biodiversity and maintain fisheries productivity.
  The 'spillover' of fish from these areas into adjacent fishing grounds benefits fisheries, tourism and regional economies.

Cheers
Don Osborne

Lennox Head

Surfrider Branches at both Lennox and Byron have joined forces to oppose plans by Ballina Shire Council to upgrade the existing ocean outfall at Skennars Head just south of Lennox and are generating good media coverage. Lennox Branch are doing an investigation on the effluent discharge at Lennox Head. Following moves by Council at the last meeting to negate the consultative process, Lennox Branch are forming a 'public review committee" on this issue. One of members, David Pont, is now working with Australian Wetlands as consultant to Ballina Council on the extensive use of wetlands to final treat sewer and stormwater - a big step forward. Contact Janeane Waters at janeanewaters@yahoo.com for more information.

Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head was listed by a Sydney newspaper as the state's worst due to blue-green algae. It cited unsafe swimming and an eyesore as it's reasons. Ballina Shire Council says that it is swimmable despite past problems.

Newcastle

Chris Tola from the Surfrider’s Newcastle Branch has appeared on local ABC radio with plans to publish a book of rules on conduct for surfing in response to local increases in the incidence of surf rage. Chris points out the increase in backpacker numbers in the region and believes a written code of conduct will be beneficial. For more information, contact Chris at christola@kooee.com.au or by phone 02 4926 2609.

Wollongong

The fight to save Sandon Point continues, with the local SFA Branch looking into processes to get the area declared a Surfing Reserve similar to Bells Beach. For more info contact Mark Spence at M.Spence@unsw.edu.au

Wollongong Surfrider has joined forces with Wollongong and Shellharbour councils to spell out a number of environmental messages. Slogans such as the drain is just for rain; fish don't smoke, bin your butts; sweep don't hose and oil kills creeks, service your car; will be popping up on hundreds of drains across the Illawarra. Or more info contact Jason Gava at Email jasongava@hotmail.com

Sydney

At the beginning of July a Blue Whale was spotted in Sydney. The Blue Whale is the largest animal to have ever inhabited the world and is 3 times the size of a Humpback Whale. This is the first documented sighting in Sydney and the closest to the coast. A rare sight to see anywhere in the world, as there are only a few thousand left. The whale just off Sydney was not quite an adult, it was alone and about 30 m long. It has only been spotted 12 times in NSW waters.

Victoria

Victoria 's best lefthander, Corsair, and Australia's best big wave location Easter Reef, could both be destroyed within two years. Corsair is a grinding left over sand. There are plans to dynamite the bedrock and dredge shipping channels so bigger tankers can access Melbourne.
  As for Easter Reef, the Federal Minister for the environment has approved a pipeline from the Otway basin straight through the joint. There are plans to drill into water-soluble limestone and in a final insult to surfers the state Government has approved a 16 acre gas processing plant on the cliff above 2 mile. For more information contact National Office.

Surf Coast

Surf Coast branch had a beach clean up at Point Addis recently, which was a fitting location as Point Addis is part of one of the Marine National Parks passed by Parliament.
  The event was the fifth clean up in a series sponsored by the Barwon Regional Waste Management Group over the past year. Seven large garbage bags of rubbish were collected from the beaches, car parks and clifftops.
  Surf Coast branch president Darren Noyes-Brown said, ‘the clean up was a great way to welcome the creation of the world’s first system of Marine National Parks and it was very satisfying to know that this part of our environment will be protected forever for the benefit of future generations. Beach users should either put their rubbish in one of the bins provided or take it home with them.
  Items such as fishing line and string can strangle marine life whilst other species die after eating floating plastics that they mistake for food’. Although there appears to be a growing respect for our coastal environment, some people are still littering our beaches.
  Noted items picked up included a large amount of bottles, food packaging, and cigarette butts. Collected bottles and plastic were recycled through the Surf Coast Shire waste collection system.

The Spirit of Surfing project was officially launched on Sunday 2nd June when a series of ‘messages’ were unveiled in stone at Bells Beach. Engraved in three large pieces of sand stone the key messages aimed at visitors and users of Bells are:

• Respect the Ocean

• Respect the Land

• Respect each Other

The SPIRIT OF SURFING project was launched by a number of local surfers including Joe Sweeney, Glenn Romanis and Graeme Stockon. The Spirit of Surfing concept at Bells Beach has been developed over a three year period in partnership by Surfrider Foundation, Surf Coast Shire, SANE, Surfing Victoria and Torquay Boardriders. Support in making this project a reality came from the Surf Coast Shire, Coast Action / Coastcare and the Spirit of Surfing Trust. For further information contact: John Foss on 0408 386 812 or email - jfoss@g130.aone.net.au

Wes Greene, a Surf Coast member, is planning a 9 event Waterman Challenge that he'll undertake next year. Events will include free diving to 30 meters, swimming in the Perth to Rottnest Island race, a paddle board race in Hawaii, riding a 30 foot wave, kite surfing, windsurfing and outrigger canoeing all in the most famous locations in the world for each sport. Wes hopes to be able to promote Surfrider Foundation issues in various media appearances during the Waterman Challenge.

Surfrider Foundation Surf Coast 'mascot' Terry the Turd has made it to the middle pages of RALPH magazine. Terry is discussed in this months issue in a report on this years RIP CURL PRO. Terry hasn't had this much national attention since winning the Billy Art Contest at the 2001 HIGH TIDE FESTIVAL so its great to see him in the headlines again.

Tasmania

ARTIFICIAL REEF PROPOSED FOR SOUTH ARM

Surfrider Tasmania say a proposed artificial surf reef at South Arm near Hobart is inappropriate after such as reef was proposed by the Tasmanian Opposition recently. For more information contact Matt Dell at Email : mattdell@tpg.com.au

Western Australia

SAVE GNARABUP

The land developer of the Gnarabup Beach development near Margaret River has pulled a "swifty" that all Surfrider local campaigners should be aware of.
  The local community action group had a case being considered by the WA Supreme Court to stop a development subdivision on the beach side of a coastal road. While this case was still in progress in court, the developer miraculously received a second subdivision approval for the same area allowed by the WA Planning Commission.
  This meant the hard work that went into the court case was appear to have been undone due to some secret moves and strong lobbying by the developer, enough so the planning commission decision makers appear to have moved outside the bounds of the normal planning process.

COWARAMUP BAY

Just north of Margaret River, the once quiet crayfishing village of Gracetown, home of former world no2. surfer Dave Mcauley, overlooking the classic north and south points of Cowaramup Bay is currently under investigation for development. Read more at www.savegracetown.com.

SMITHS BEACH

A number of things are happening.

The WA Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has received recommendations from the WA Planning Commission regarding amendments to laws governing the coastal development at Smiths Beach. Surfrider members were involved in the public submission process. The Minister's decision whether to accept the amendments to severely limit development at the coastal site will be known later this month. Stay tuned. www.savesmithsbeach.com powered by a member of Surfrider Foundation (Australia).

NORTH WEST OF WA

There has been some strong campaigning to protect pristine coral reef in the lead up to a WA Government decision on whether to develop the area. Ningaloo news - www.save-ningaloo.org

Surfrider members have helped the Coastal Planning Coalition of WA to build their new web site at http://members.iinet.net.au/~amcswa/cpc Check it out!

Surfrider Branch for Perth

A Surfrider Foundation branch is being planned for metropolitan Perth. Surfrider Foundation in WA has been bolstered by the energy of Sallyann Gudge who has been coordinating SFA presence at events like the Margaret River Masters and offering support for the Save Ningaloo Reef Campaign.

We reported a few months ago about controversial plans to scrape away the sand dunes at Scarborough Beach to improve views from beach side carparks and shops. The Stirling City Council reached a compromise situation with both protecting the beach and ocean Views at the same time.
WA coast action on the web:

www.savesmithsbeach.com
www.savegnarabup.com
www.savegracetown.com
www.save-ningaloo.org
http://members.iinet.net.au/~amcswa/cpc

AUTHOR TIM WINTON DONATES PRIZE $$ TO NINGALOO REEF CAMPAIGN!

Surfer, fisherman, acclaimed author and all-round coast lover Tim Winton recently sparked a minor controversy in Perth by immediately donating the $25,000 purse from his WA Premier’s Literary Prize award to the fighting fund for the campaign he and locals ( including members of the Surfrider Foundation’s WA branches) are running against "a hideous white-shoe development" planned for the pristine whale shark breeding ground at Ningaloo Reef in WA.

The typically laconic Winton, who is currently overseas promoting his Dirt Music book and accompanying music CD, was thus quoted in The Sydney Morning Herald about his thoughts on winning awards, and his decision for donate the money: "I don't worry about 'em very much. In terms of the WA prize, it was great - it gave me the chance to promote the ... project to save the reef. So I gave the money away." Good one, Tim!

INJIDUP BAY

Injidup Bay is situated 3 km south of Smiths Beach in south west Western Australia. The Western Australian planning system has been called into question once again with deals being done between government departments, the WAPC and coastal land developers with a disregard for calling for any community input until it is too late and purely tokenistic. The community has been advised that a 21 day (woefully short) public submission period has started, closing 10th July 2002, on a proposed 10 suite guesthouse development. See www.users.bigpond.com/surfrank/Injidup.html for more details.

Japan

Shonan and Kansai chapters hosted the Shonan Surf symposium in November 2001 The theme was " creating a Surfer's network to Maintain the Coastal Environment.
  It was a great success and received media at all levels in Japan. "What we can learn from nature " was a session that included professional surfers, body boarders and surfing celebrities.

Kamauumi Chapter call themselves 'The Keepers of Kamakura's sea' and is an organisation 300 strong. They provide beach cleaning, Patrol, Education, and oppose a fishing port expansion program.
  In 2001 400 to 800 attended the Beach clean ups, and they recorded the kinds of rubbish found and advised the public and the government. 352 patrols were made, picking up litter, providing beach goers with information on litter prevention and passing out pocket ashtrays.
  The protest to the fishing village threatens the flow of sand along the coast and Shichigama Point. They have collected 10,470 signatures provided a marine demonstration against the project and received local and national media coverage.
  They got stakeholders together and discussed the environmental impact study which achieved a revision of the plans to provide only maintenance and repair work instead of extensive work.
  While encouraging community and citizen participation and information disclosure, " the courage to stop an enterprise if it is not suitable" was achieved.

Contact Details for National Office

Executive Officer
Ph 07 5534 2855 Email eo@surfrider.org.au

National Secretary
Ph 07 5528 3455 Email natsec@surfrider.org.au
Fax 07 5528 3466