Community Groups and Pro Surfers Collaborate for Local Rehabilitation Event

Ahead of this year’s Margaret River Pro, a rehabilitation event was held in Gnarabup.

Native species were planted and coastal dunes restored at Gas Bay with the collective support from World Surf League (WSL), Australian pro surfers Isabella Nichols and Ryan Callinan, Nature Conservation Margaret River Region (NCMRR), Margaret River Coastal Residents Association, Undalup Association, Great Southern Reef Foundation, Tangaroa Blue, Cowaramup Bay Boardriders and the Shire.

The Shire supports local landcare groups to undertake environmental restoration works. This includes the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association volunteers who have been undertaking restoration works in the Shire coastal reserves from the Rivermouth south to Gas Bay for 25 years.

Partnerships with community groups are an important part of our work and we have a very active and environmentally conscious community, with great participation in planning, monitoring and undertaking on-ground works.

The Shire is responsible for managing many scenic south west coastal areas including Gracetown, Augusta and the stretch from Margaret Rivermouth south to Gas Bay.

The works undertaken assist in the implementation of the Shire’s Coastal Management Plan for the area. Coastal management plans provide detailed strategies and actions to guide on-ground works by both the Shire and community groups to maintain and enhance the conservation values of the site, foster community stewardship and responsibility for coastal reserves and facilitate sustainable recreation.

On-ground works can include upgrades to beach access, fencing to protect dune areas, signage, weed control, community education and working with cultural custodians to protect cultural sites.

Special thanks to Nature Conservation Margaret River Region for coordinating this rehabilitation event.