Despite concerns about the health and sustainability of Gold Coast’s waterways, finally there is some good news.
There is a growing trend of community stewardship taking action to care for Gold Coast’s environment. To capture the good news stories and effort, the Gold Coast Catchment Association helps connect those who care to share knowledge, ideas and raise awareness.
Founded in 2001, the Association inspires and empowers change by connecting community organisations, groups and individuals through to businesses and government to build a stronger voice—for the environment.
Yet, most efforts have gone unnoticed by many unsung heroes. In fact, the many volunteers and members of the Association contribute over two million dollars ($2M) of volunteer effort to the city every year. Such effort has been largely invested in the form of volunteer community tree planting activities, the removal of weeds and the collection of litter and marine debris from waterways, parklands and beaches.
“The Association aims to make a real difference on a regional scale, to restore Gold Coast’s catchments to places of beauty, clean water and native habitat that will support the community and wildlife for the centuries to come,” said Bardhold Blecken, the president of the Association. “In some locations on the Gold Coast, we have seen first hand what effort with the right plan and resources can achieve, especially when collaboration is central to a conservation-focused conversation.”
Partnerships with the City of Gold Coast and SEQ Catchments have been central to such success that the Association hopes to build on with establishing more relationships with key players in the environment. That includes government bodies, local businesses, recreation-based groups, and industry partners.
“We encourage anyone who is interested in restoring Gold Coast’s waterways to connect with the Association. Membership is free, and we welcome those who align with our objectives,” said Mr Blecken.
If you want to see Gold Coast’s environment restored to places of beauty and clean water, connect with the Association to find out how you can contribute. For more information, please visit www.goldcoastcatchments.org or email info@goldcoastcatchments.org.
By Naomi Edwards, Gold Coast Catchment Association
Photo of Richard Anderson of the Nerang Riverkeepers
———————
The waterways of the Gold Coast
There are five distinct waterway courses on the Gold Coast, which form ‘catchments’. These include: Albert-Logan, Coomera, Broadwater, Nerang, Tallebudgera, and Currumbin (including Coolangatta).
By definition, a catchment is an area with a natural boundary, where surface water flows to the central waterway. From source at the hinterland to the ocean, this flow of water defines distinct boundaries, where smaller reserves, creeks, lakes and canals, and larger rivers and wetlands connect the freshwater, estuarine and marine environments. Wherever you see water, it is part of a catchment, and further, connects the many other environments.
The Gold Coast is a water city—meaning our waterways feed the many water environment, from the hinterland to the coast. More importantly, the waterways support the diverse ecosystems and the water-loving lifestyle Gold Coasters love. (Source: www.goldcoastcatchments.org)
