EcoAction

Project Profile

Issues

The work of EcoAction Group in partnership with a number of local groups to redevelop the Pennington Bay area has contributed to the long-term sustainability of the area. EcoAction has helped to raise awareness of coastal protection issues and contributed to the protection and restoration of key habitats in a functioning and non-degraded state by protecting highly impacted vegetation on coastal cliff lines.

Project Detail

EcoAction Group has been nominated for a National Landcare Award for its work in protecting the natural environment of Pennington Bay, Kangaroo Island.

Lead by Ron Swan, EcoAction has a volunteer base of 140 people.

The work of EcoAction Group in partnership with a number of local groups to redevelop Pennington Bay has contributed to the long-term sustainability of the area.

Pennington Bay is a popular destination for local Kangaroo Island residents, national and international tourists. Due to the popularity of the Bay as a surfing, fishing and swimming hot spot, over the years the area has been impacted resulting in the erosion of fragile, soft limestone cliffs and dunes and degradation of native vegetation.

EcoAction Group took a whole-of-community approach, working in collaboration with the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board, Department for Environment & Heritage Coastal Protection Branch, Kangaroo Island Council, and local community to rectify the problems, by designing and implementing an integrated, whole-of-site plan.

This partnership enabled EcoAction to successfully receive $45,000 from the Australian Government Envirofund to deliver the project to protect the limestone cliffs, stabalise sand dunes through re-vegetation, raise awareness of the biodiversity of the marine and coastal habitat through visual interpretation developed by local school students and local artists and promote community stewardship by raising awareness and educating visitors.

EcoAction members and volunteers worked with the Kangaroo Island Council to construct fences to protect fragile limestone cliffs and sand dunes. This provides safe and convenient vechile parking for beach access. A viewing platform was constructed to view the seascape and prevent further cliff damage. Limestone steps were constructed to protect fragile cliffs to create a designated track to the beach.

The EcoAction project highlights what a group of community volunteers can do by joining forces and working towards a common goal. The project has contributed to the long-term sustainability of the area through well-planned infrastructure and services that protect and enhance natural resources and well-planned tourism and recreational activities that do not degrade these resources.

By undertaking this project, EcoAction has helped to raise awareness of coastal protection issues and contributed to the restoration of key habitats on coastal cliff lines.

The EcoAction project is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010.  Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

EcoAction