Last Friday, over 55 volunteers from 16 wineries joined forces to assist in Revegetation and Coastal Rehabilitation works at Gas Bay, a popular surfing location south along Wallcliffe Road, past Gnarabup Beach.With the help of volunteer leads Janet Dufall and Genny Broadhurst from the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association, the winery volunteers undertook dune erosion control works by laying Peppermint Tree Brushing and planting pigface and 220 coastal plants. This work is aimed at promoting natural regeneration, managing drainage and protecting sensitive coastal vegetation.
This year, the move to Gas Bay builds on the previous two years of volunteer work at the rivermouth of the Margaret River. Wine Association CEO Amanda Whiteland said the Community Revegetation Day has grown into a heartwarming annual event, which has become anticipated and popular by winery teams keen to nurture the region’s natural beauty and the magic place they call home.
Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, Shire of August Margaret River, Undalup Association, and the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association supported the Margaret River Wine Association's organisation of the day.
Mandy Edwards, Nature Conservation’s ‘Caring for Coast’ office said, “The annual coastal rehabilitation event with the Margaret River Wine Association is so enjoyable for all involved, and has a huge positive impact on our coastline. With over 60 people chipping in, including volunteers and our organisational partners, we get an incredible amount of work done in our fragile coastal dunes. Native coastal seedlings and pigface cuttings increases biodiversity, and brushing helps to stabilise bare dunes as well as protect the new small plants."
Acting Shire President Tracey Muir said it was great to see all the volunteers come together for this coastal rehabilitation event.
“This is a fantastic, collaborative opportunity to achieve some real, on-ground outcomes for coastal conservation at one of Margaret River’s popular local beaches.”
Last summer, a fundraising evening at ‘Movies at Cape Mentelle’ generated a generous donation and funding for the event.
We are immensely grateful for the support of our volunteers, sponsors and donors. Local artisan butcher, The Farm House and Riverfresh IGA Margaret River kindly donated catering, and the Margaret River Wine Association provided the coffee van and lunch beverages.
Their generosity made this event a success and we look forward to their continued support in the future.
View photos on Facebook.