Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Community steps in to protect a high profile foredune
A few years ago the lantana on the foredune outside Rainbow Beach Surf Lifesaving Club was more than two metres high and blocking the sea view.
Not a good look in an area that bills itself as the gateway to Fraser Island and is a magnet for national and international tourists.
Now, thanks to community involvement and volunteer effort, the lantana has been controlled and native plants are thriving.
"As a surfer, I was really embarrassed that nothing was being done about this weed in such a high profile site," said Maree Prior, coordinator of the Cooloola Coastcare Organisation project.
Funding
The Australian Government provided more than $11,000 for the dune rehabilitation effort, which was supported byCooloola Shire Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Rainbow Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
Activities
"It was a big project involving a steep 5,000 square metre slope," said Maree. "We wouldn't have had the confidence to proceed without the help of people like our plant species consultant Lena Andersen and Ed French from the Council.
The first step was to get rid of the lantana and other weeds like umbrella tree, Easter cassia and passion vine. Cooloola Shire Council helped by spraying and cutting back the weeds. The dead lantana sticks were left to help stabilise the sand and hold down a half metre high mulch and jute matting rolled out by volunteers.
"We were hit by a cyclone in the middle of one stage of the project," said Maree. "That was really scary, because the weeds had been cut back, but we hadn't laid down the mulch or matting."
"We went to bed that night wondering whether there would be any sand left in the morning. It was a huge relief to find no major erosion damage."
With the dunes mulched and the matting in place, a series of volunteer work parties then planted 750 native coastal ground covers and trees. The Rainbow Beach State School students helped with growing plants from local seeds and cuttings.
The final step was to erect fencing to protect the new plantings.
Achievements
The project mobilised the Rainbow Beach community, businesses and visitors alike.
"I think the benefits from increases in community knowledge and ability have rivaled the environmental results," Maree said. "Winning the Australian Beach Spirit Award 2006 was great recognition."
More information
- Maree Prior, Project coordinator, Cooloola Coastcare Association: (07) 5486 2084
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