International Environment Day - Dunecare
Published on 07 June 2022
Sunday 5 June is International Environment Day, a day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. This year’s theme for Shoalhaven is Dunecare - raising awareness about the importance of healthy coastal dunes, taking steps to prevent beach erosion, and encouraging everyone to help protect our beautiful beaches for our communities and families.
Stretching over 165kms, the coastline is one of Shoalhaven’s greatest assets. The white sands, clear water and flourishing ecosystems are what makes our beaches so special. Unfortunately, our beaches face many threats such as wave run up from intense storm swells, predicted sea level rise and vegetation vandalism. Beach erosion is not only unsafe and unsightly, but it contributes to weakening our sand dune systems and threatens essential ecosystems.
A healthy dune system has strong vegetation growth and is free of weeds and rubbish. Council’s Dunecare volunteers help restore and maintain ecosystem health by helping the natural regeneration of indigenous plants. Formalised beach access paths not only provide safe and direct passageway to the beach but prevent foot traffic through sensitive areas and reduce damage to dunes and rehabilitation zones.
We all have a responsibility to look after our beaches for future generations. Please help us keep our beaches beautiful by staying out of dunes and sticking to the formal beach access paths.
You can also help improve our coastal dunes by joining a local Dunecare group. It’s a great way to connect with nature, make a real difference and to meet new friends. Contact Council to find your local group - email coastal.management@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 293 111.
Learn more about our Coastal Management Programs visit getinvolved.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/CMP
For more information on Coastal Management please contact our Coastal Coordinator Nigel Smith at nigel.smith@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.
Please remember - “Dunes are for plants and paths are for people”.