A tourist trail, coastal transformation project and research into the health of seagrass are some of the initiatives recognised in the 2019 Western Australian Coastal Awards for Excellence.
The coastal champion was awarded to Environs Kimberley in recognition of its outstanding efforts facilitating over 12 years of the Broome Community Seagrass Monitoring Project.
Honours were shared by two local councils for excellence in coastal design, heritage and tourism. The City of Cockburn's Coogee Maritime Trail and the transformation of the Beresford Foreshore - a collaborative project led by the City of Greater Geraldton - were recognised for providing accessible and unique tourism and education experiences for visitors to our coast.
The Cottesloe Coastcare Association was awarded best community group with a special commendation awarded by the judges to the Friends of Point Peron. Other category winners include the Peron Naturaliste Partnership, Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group and the City of Rockingham.
The awards are held every two years to celebrate the achievements of groups and individuals involved in protecting and managing Western Australia's coast.
For more information, visit http://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/coastal-awards
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"These awards celebrate the individuals and groups who are committed to caring for our coast - I commend the worthy recipients and all nominees for the vital work they do in preserving and protecting our valuable coastline.
"Their combined efforts have established benefits to our coastal and marine environment, protecting it for both current and future generations.
"The McGowan Government is working to ensure we plan for the long-term sustainability of our iconic coastline - one of the State's most significant natural assets."
Minister's office - 6552 5500
Award recipients
Coastal Champion
Award winner: Environs Kimberley for the Broome Community Seagrass Monitoring Project
For more than 12 years, the Broome Community Seagrass Monitoring Project has been gathering data about the health of seagrass in Ramsar-listed Roebuck Bay, making it one of the longest running community seagrass monitoring projects in Australia.
Community Group
Award winner: Cottesloe Coastcare Association
The Cottesloe Coastcare Association has been dedicated to the management and restoration of the Cottesloe coastline since 1995.
Special commendation: Friends of Point Peron
Friends of Point Peron is a small local land care group founded in 2006. This group of highly motivated volunteers has supported the preservation of Cape Peron's coastal bushland.
Local Government
Award winner: City of Rockingham
The City of Rockingham has taken an innovative approach to coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning. The City has built upon State Government guidelines, worked with technical specialists, and conducted a robust in-house consultation process with community, staff and elected members.
On-ground Coastal Management
Award winner: Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group
For over 10 years, the Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG) has worked to preserve and protect natural and heritage values of the Swan Estuary Marine Park, which is of local, national and international significance. SERAG's efforts have seen a significant improvement in locations within the Marine Park.
Coastal Planning
Award winner: Peron Naturaliste Partnership
Formed in 2011, the Peron Naturaliste Partnership is a collective of nine local governments, working together in the planning and management of the South West coast of Western Australia.
Coastal Design, Heritage and Tourism
Joint award winner: City of Greater Geraldton for the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project
The result of more than seven years of collaboration between the City of Greater Geraldton and State agencies, the Beresford Foreshore Coastal Protection and Enhancement Project has transformed a degraded, erosion-prone foreshore area.
Joint award winner: City of Cockburn for the Coogee Maritime Trail
The Coogee Maritime Trail, located in the Port Coogee development in the City of Cockburn, provides an accessible, near-shore marine tourism and education experience unique in Western Australia.
