Caring for our stunning coast

CAPE Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association and Harmers Haven Residents and Ratepayers Group - Friends of Harmers Haven have won the Coastcare Award at the 2021 Victorian Landcare Awards.

The award acknowledges a community group or network that has contributed to the significant improvement of a coastal or marine environment.

Since 2009, the two groups have worked together in a community volunteer partnership on various projects enhancing biodiversity and coastal ecosystem conservation, caring for coastal foreshore habitat from Coal Point in the west through to the eastern end of Undertow Bay.

Their many activities to improve the landscape include the eradication and control of coastal weeds, restoration of native vegetation, water quality monitoring, and engaging with the community to promote and enhance the unique environment of the Bass Coast.

The groups work closely with land managers Parks Victoria and Bass Coast Shire Council, along with many volunteer groups, natural resource management organisations, and local businesses.

As they accepted the award, Rosemary Paterson and Amaryll Perlesz from Harmers Haven Residents and Ratepayers Group - Friends of Harmers Haven thanked volunteers for their participation over the years.

Pete Muskens from Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association acknowledged the work of both groups takes place in the Bunurong coastal zone and noted that traditional owners had looked after the land for generations.

The two groups will go forward as the nominee for Victoria in the Coastcare Award category at the 2022 National Landcare Awards in Sydney.

“It’s an honour to be able to recognise the great work being carried out by our Landcare champions in Victoria,” Landcare Australia chair, Doug Humann AM, said.

“Landcarers across Australia deserve to be acknowledged, and we’re looking forward to seeing the winners represent their communities at the National Landcare Awards next year.”