Top Tips to Care for the Coast

Here are a few simple tips that will help you to protect our beautiful coast and ensure everyone can continue to enjoy it.

4 tips to look after the environment

Understand boating practices (dispose of waste correctly including sewerage).
Minimize the amount of rubbished generated by reusing bags and using recyclable materials.
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
Become a volunteer. Get in touch with one of these coastal environmental volunteer groups to get involved.

4 tips to look after wildlife

When boating, whales, dolphins and seals stay at least 100m away – the sea is their home.
Rock pools are homes to plants, so return overturned rocks to their original position and don’t disrupt the habitats of marine life.
Ensure dogs are on leashes on the beach and avoid dog prohibited areas. This will ensure wildlife, such as the Hooded Plover – an endangered little Aussie bird battling to survive, are protected.
If you see an injured animal the best thing you can do is call the right people immediately. If they are alive call DSE on 136 186; they have a customer service center which will direct you to the closest local animal shelter or refuge.
– for more information on what to do with sick or injured animals click here.

3 tips to look after plant-life

Keep on designated pathways when walking to and from the beach to protect the vegetation.
Take care to avoid sand dunes as they are fragile ecosystems which are home to precious native vegetation and many habitats.
Be sure to look out for noxious weeds – they start off in your garden and from there they invade the coast! For more information on noxious weeds click here.