Friends of Boat Harbour Urge: “Stop Driving on Sand Dunes”

In a significant effort to protect Boat Harbour, a community group is rallying against destructive tourist practices. The Friends of Boat Harbour, comprising volunteers aged eight to 88, recently dedicated a weekend to rehabilitating the beach’s fragile environment.

Community Efforts at Boat Harbour

Located approximately 450 kilometers south of Perth, Boat Harbour is renowned for its rugged beauty. However, this picturesque location has suffered due to increased tourism and four-wheel-drive vehicle traffic, leading to drastic dune degradation. Anais Schneider, a revegetation officer with the Shire of Denmark, emphasizes the area’s ecological significance, noting unique plant species that exist nowhere else in the region.

Impact of Tourism

Local residents highlight the tension between tourism and environmental sustainability. Liz Jack, a volunteer, describes the Great Southern region as a popular destination. “If you can drive a car, you can get here,” she states. Unfortunately, the lack of monitoring exacerbates the issue. The volunteers believe that while tourism plays a crucial economic role, environmental repercussions should not be overlooked.

Calls for Responsible Behavior

• Drivers often unknowingly harm delicate ecosystems by veering off designated paths.
• Volunteers urge these individuals to refrain from driving on sensitive sand dunes.

Benita Cattalini, another volunteer, shares her concern. “The materials for our rehabilitation project reached over $20,000, not including habitat loss.” She points out that certain plants take a century to recover from damage caused by vehicles.

Rehabilitation Initiatives

The Friends of Boat Harbour have recently completed stage one of their rehabilitation project. Their work will support the planting of around 2,500 native plants, which will be introduced once suitable weather conditions emerge in autumn. Schneider mentions that the goal is to utilize endemic plants, as they’re better equipped to thrive in harsh environments.

Community Support and Future Goals

This initiative is backed by grants from CoastWA and the Shire of Denmark. The project is part of a larger coastal management strategy focused on areas at high risk of erosion. Volunteers believe education is vital for promoting responsible tourist behavior, ensuring this cherished locale is preserved for future generations.

Invitation to Enjoy Responsibly

Local residents remain welcoming to visitors. Cattalini expresses that the intention is not to discourage tourism but to protect the beach’s natural beauty. “We just want to ensure it remains here forever,” she concludes.