Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) today unveiled a new First Nation's designed wrap adorning one of the boats used to monitor around 200km of coastline and estuaries across the Region.
Mayor Adam Roberts, alongside PMHC staff and local Biripi artist Jacinta Janik, launched the new design at Fisherman's Wharf in Port Macquarie.
"Thank you to Jacinta for her striking design which will now be seen in motion, moving up and down our waterways as our staff continue to do their important work in maintaining our waterways and coastline," Mayor Roberts said.
"This is a great opportunity to combine PMHC's cultural and environmental priorities. Our boats cover more than 200km of estuary between the Hastings River, Camden Haven, Lake Cathie and Lake Innes, inspecting 30 priority erosion sites each quarter by boat and drone survey."
Artist Jacinta Janik's design will be used for PMHC's Sea Country Action Plan which is in currently in development with the Birpai community.
The Plan aims to maintain healthy marine ecosystems, apply Birpai knowledge and practices to our management of Sea Country and Cooperative and ensure respectful partnerships between Local Aboriginal Land Councils, government, independent agencies and respected community members.
Jacinta is a proud Biripi woman currently based in Port Macquarie who said her artworks are inspired by the "patterns found in nature and the coastal landscapes of the Mid North coast".
"Growing up by the beach, I spent hours walking the shoreline with my family and collecting shells. These experiences fostered a deep connection to country which continues to influence and inspire my artworks, such as this one," she said.
"My art captures the natural patterns and rhythms of Country - flowing lines, organic forms and vibrant earthy tones that speak to harmony, movement and life."
Jacinta was chosen as the artist to design the Plan and the boat as part of a competition PMHC held late last year.
Ben Foster, PMHC's Coordinator Coast and Estuaries, said the 4.5m Stacer Proline boat was wrapped in the designed decal by local supplier Port Signs. The Stacer is able to access the shallow water of Lake Innes but also cover long distances on the estuaries.
"It took us a bit of research to find the right vessel for our needs and one of the advantages is that it has a large front deck for safely launching drones which help with our environmental surveys," he said.
"We are on the water at least 15 times a year which allows us to monitor the long-term environmental health of the estuaries. Biosecurity is another important aspect of the inspection schedule, with the boat allowing access to hundreds of kilometres of inaccessible shoreline to target key weed species and satisfy PMHC's biosecurity obligations."
Currently PMHC's Coastal Management Plan (CMP) is out for community feedback, both online and in-person sessions in Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Wauchope and Bonny Hills until July 15. Stage 3 and 4 of the CMP focuses on collaborating with the community, stakeholders and government agencies to explore potential management options, assess risks and opportunities.
