Courtesy of the Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club
Members of the Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club have rolled up their sleeves to install 600 stabilising plants in the dunes abutting the clubhouse.
Using the club’s Great Ocean Road Coast Committee coastal grant, the team of 30 members — ranging in age from 7 to 70-ish — recently planted pig face, native grasses and coastal daisy-bush among other natives.
Fairhaven SLSC president, Darren West, said the plants would not only stabilise the dunes but enhance the clubhouse environment while supporting the landscaping work being undertaken by VicRoads around the adjoining pedestrian underpass.
“It’s fantastic to see our club members getting out in the dunes and helping to protect the coast,” he said.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Environment and Education Manager Katie Dolling said the Coastal Grant Program had proven a great way for clubs and volunteer groups to improve their favourite places along the Great Ocean Road.
“Working with clubs, schools and volunteer groups along the coast we are expecting to put between 4,000 and 8,000 plants in the ground this winter,” said Ms Dolling.
“We’re lucky to have such an enthusiastic community that are dedicated to the protection of the Great Ocean Road coastline.”
2016-17 Coastal Grants currently being delivered include:
- ANGAIR – for supplies for the new Propagation Centre in Anglesea, including seed tubes, potting mix bins and watering hoses.
- Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club – toward an education and restoration program to protect the dunes near the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club including the revegetation with indigenous plants.
- Anglesea Motor Yacht Club – for the preservation and restoration of the historical ‘Inverlochy’ anchor, including plaque with the historical origins of the anchor.
- Jan Juc Coast Action – for the promotion of the Surf Coast Nature Search online interactive website through touchscreen devices, which will be promoted at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park.
- Torquay Coast Action – to help continue the restoration project at Deep Creek with additional planting to link previously restored sits to the north and south of the estuary.
Want to get involved? Contact Great Ocean Road Coast at www.gorcc.com.au.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 