Swimming Superstar Elka Graham is leading the call for volunteers
“Coastcare is about making a difference, and there are an incredible range of groups out there, across the nation, fixing environmental issues. It is a small army making a huge impact.”Loving our Coast to Death? Coastcare calls for People to Help Protect Aussie Coastline
As concerns for global warming, climate change and environmental issues hit an all time high, tennis legend Pat Rafter and swimming superstar Elka Graham are leading the call for Aussies to focus on one area that particularly defines the country – the coast.
Coastcare Week, is a nationwide initiative to highlight not only the iconic nature of the great Aussie coastline, but also the erosion and damage left behind by many who are literally loving our coast to death.
With almost 17m visitors every year to Aussie beaches, and the rise in popularity of activities such as whale watching, fishing, snorkelling and boating, the threat to the coastline is real.
Coastcare calls for all Australians to find out more about how they can get involved with protecting and preserving Australia’s precious coastal areas. People can find their local Coastcare group and download a factsheet through the website www.coastcare.com.au
Coastcare is a nationwide movement to 'do something practical' about protecting and repairing our coastline, and the lifeblood of the movement is the staggering 60,000 Aussie volunteers working tirelessly on a variety of projects.
Coastcare projects range from protecting the shorebird breeding colonies of the East Gippsland coastal estuaries, to monitoring the coral reef of the Great Barrier Reef and installing nesting igloos for penguins in Tasmania. All Coastcare groups need more volunteers, so no matter where you are in the country you can get involved.
Elka Graham praises the enormous work that has gone before her. She says, “Coastcare is about making a difference, and there are an incredible range of groups out there, across the nation, fixing environmental issues. It is a small army making a huge impact.”
Elka says, “The coast not only surrounds our country, but undoubtedly outlines the very identity of Australia. Without our coastline we wouldn’t be the same country Aussies know and love, and I want to encourage everyone to get out there and work together to protect it!”
Pat Rafter has also thrown his support behind the Coastcare movement, and believes it is critical that Aussies pull together to do more to protect our iconic coastline. “Australia has over 10,000 beaches and the mainland coastline stretches for an incredible 30,000 kilometres”, he says, “And with most Aussies living near the coast and enjoying what it has to offer, Coastcare week is a great time to pitch in to make sure our kids and grandkids can continue to enjoy the same.”
Other top celebrities who have supported the Coastcare cause include actor Jack Thompson, marathon swimmer Tammy van Wisse, ironman Guy Andrews, Icehouse star Iva Davies and marine legends Ron and Valerie Taylor.
“We support the purpose of Coastcare – helping Australians to become better informed about the very real practical steps they can take to make a difference. Coastcare is a great testament to the Aussie people who are working tirelessly to improve our country, and I encourage the call for everyone to get out there and do their bit.”