Media Release
Wed Dec 14, 2011
Maggies Beach, Cabarita
WINS Overall Cleanest Beach in NSW for 2011
Peter McLean and Ashley Baldry celebrating Cabarita Beach winning the State Clean Beach award. Photo: John Gass
On the back of winning multiple Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, Clean Beaches Regional Awards for the Northern Rivers, Maggies Beach at Cabarita has been named the OVERALL WINNER of the program for 2012. The beach has also walked away with the State Community Partnerships & Action Award.
The Clean Beaches program encourages diverse groups and individuals within a coastal community to form a Clean Beaches Committee and work together to identify and manage sustainability and beautification projects relevant to their beach. The program empowers coastal communities to actively work for a cleaner, more sustainable environment through the sharing of knowledge, experience and resources.
So, what makes Maggies Beach so special? The Northern Rivers beach is a living testament to the community’s commitment to the ongoing protection and conservation of the beach, headland and dune system. The community is justifiably very proud of their coastline. The area is well signposted with interpretive signage well placed. The track constructed through the littoral rainforest and up the headland has been well planned to accommodate both the visitor wanting to get to the best vantage points, and the natural environment struggling to regenerate.
A wide cross section of the community is involved in the management of the beach, young and old, including the surf clubs, local youth groups, schools and business. Cabarita Beach Dunecare, Cabarita Beach/Bogangar Residents’ Association, Cabarita Beach Business Association, Bogangar Public School, Cabarita Beach SLSC, Cabarita Youth Service, Cabarita Boardriders Club, Tweed Coast Girls Boardriders Club, Cabarita Beach Sports Club, and Tweed Shire Council – Natural Resources Unit were all involved.
Visiting Cabarita for the second time in as many weeks, CEO of Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, Peter McLean praised coastal communities for their passionate approach to environmental management.
“It is a great achievement for any beach to be recognised at a Regional and State level in the Clean Beach Awards. The beach is central to the life of coastal communities so of course competition is fierce, and at times emotional. This local passion to protect and enhance that which is irreplaceable is what keeps our coastline in safe hands”. Peter observed.
Presenting the Overall Clean Beach Award for 2011 to Ashley Baldry of Cabarita Beach Dune Care, Peter said he believed that the efforts of the community deserved wide recognition.
“Following a rigorous judging process involving submission, on-site assessment and ranking by the Office of Environment and Heritage, Maggies Beach emerged from the pack as the clear winner of State Overall Clean Beach Award and the Community Partnerships & Action Award. The beach and surrounds wouldn’t be in the state they’re in had it not been for the consistent love and care of the community. We warmly congratulate Maggies Beach and the Cabarita community for their impressive efforts and encourage coastal communities to view the management of Maggies Beach as a benchmark. ” Peter said.
Beaches, Council’s and community groups right along the coast have been recognised in the Clean Beaches Awards for their commitment to the protection and improvement of their beaches, dunes and waterways. We congratulate all Regional and State Winners; your contribution is priceless.
For a full list of Regional and State Winners Click Here
Media enquiries: Contact Media & Communications Manager, Carolyn Oakley on (02) 9633 3380.
Comment and Interviews: Contact Keep Australia Beautiful NSW CEO, Peter McLean on 0416 227 158.