Byron Shire beaches are famous around the world due to their beauty, environmental characteristics and recreational value. Our local environment has the highest biodiversity and the highest number of threatened species in New South Wales! In Byron Shire there are 7 Dunecare Groups made up of local community members who work with Council and other groups to protect our beach and dune environments and conserve threatened species. Byron Shire has pockets of Littoral Rainforest, (rainforest by the sea) which is listed as a threatened ecological community. Unfortunately there are threats such as infestations of weeds (Bitou Bush, Asparagus fern, Glory Lilly etc) if left uncontrolled will out compete our native vegetation. Volunteer Dunecare members have eradicated weeds from large areas, however more help is always needed for maintenance and weed control in new sites. Dune stabilisation by revegetation is a priority and Dunecare groups plant native trees and shrubs as well as fence off remnant vegetation. Groups have received funding to build observation decks and to formalise walkways or fence off the vulnerable fore-dune area. Community education is an important role to prevent damage that dumping rubbish and weeds, or illegal camping can cause.
Our Dunecare groups meet for regular working bees and training days. Information is shared amongst participants and lots of invaluable work is completed. Everyone is welcome and participants benefit from the rewards of becoming involved in an active community environmental group like Dunecare. Why not give our beaches a hand and get involved by calling a local Dunecare group for more information.
From south to north along the coast our Dunecare groups are-
Suffolk Park Dunecare Group Meets First Saturday of the month, 9.00am at the end of Macgregor Street Contact Helen Brown 6685 4964 hellyh@bigpond.com
Green and Clean Awareness Team Meets third Sunday of the month Contact Udo Moerig umoerig@mullum.com.au
Belongil Dunecare and/or Belongil Bird Buddies Contact Sarah Harris 6680 7607 birdbuddygroup@yahoo.com.au
Brunswick Heads Dunecare Group Meets second Sunday of the month, 9.00am at the memorial, Torakina Car Park Contact Michael Maloney 6685 0192 michael@australis.net
New Brighton Dunecare Contact Bill Duffy on (02) 6680 1688 or Susan Tornaros 6680 3104 susan2403@optusnet.com.au
South Golden Beach Dunecare Group Contact Ian Parer 6680 5958
For general information about Dunecare or other environmental activities in Byron Shire contact the Landcare Community Support Officer at Council on 6626 7028 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) or email council@byron.nsw.gov.au.