Category: Groundswell – WA Coastal & Marine News
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Successful 2026–27 CoastWA grants announced
The Minister for Planning and Lands has announced grants worth $4.09 million for 35 projects addressing coastal erosion, hazards and management across Western Australia. Since 2021, the CoastWA program has invested more than $22.4 million in projects that strengthen the State’s ability to manage and protect its coastline. Key projects include addressing erosion at Lancelin,…
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Care For Hedland Shines on the Global Stage at the International Sea Turtle Symposium, Hawaii
Care For Hedland Environmental Association Inc (the Association) has returned from the 44th International Sea Turtle Symposium (ISTS44) in Kona, Hawai‘i, after a landmark week of global collaboration, scientific exchange and international recognition for its over two decades of community‑led conservation in Port Hedland, Western Australia. The 44th International Sea Turtle Symposium was held 28th…
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Looking Toward 2050: Reflections from the State of the Blue Economy Forum
The 2026 State of the Blue Economy Forum, convened by Blue Assembly, brought together a diverse cross-section of Western Australia’s coastal and marine sector to collectively consider the future of WA’s coast, ocean and blue economy out to 2050. Held at Gage Roads in Fremantle, the forum encouraged attendees to think beyond immediate pressures and…
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Perth NRM celebrates Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday at the WA Museum
Perth NRM celebrates Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday at the WA Museum On Saturday 9 May, a community of environmental educators came together in celebration of Sir David Attenborough 100th birthday with a dynamic activation at WA Museum Boola Bardip’s Community Science Lab. Perth NRM was one of six exhibitors at the WA Museum, alongside Invertebrates Australia,…
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Strengthening WA’s coastal and marine communities of practice
Across Western Australia, many coastal and marine groups are working toward similar goals but often in isolation, despite shared environmental challenges. Forming a community of practice can bring community groups, scientists, local governments, educators, Traditional Owners and environmental organisations together around place-based challenges to exchange knowledge and learn from one another. This can strengthen collective…
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Community, culture and science unite at Coastal Forum
Despite wild weather lashing the coast, a packed audience of community, conservationists and partners gathered for Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s annual Coastal Forum — united by a shared commitment to protecting one of Australia’s most treasured shorelines. Hosted with the support of the World Surf League and Line in the Sand, the forum brought…
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Port Hedland’s Flatback Turtle Season in Review
The 2025/2026 turtle season at Port Hedland’s beaches is drawing to a close, and it’s been a year of highs, lows, and new beginnings. Volunteers have been monitoring flatback turtles at Cemetery and Pretty Pool Beaches, recording nesting activity, protecting nests, and educating the community about these iconic marine reptiles. Nesting Numbers and New RecruitsThis…
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CoastWA Grants Now Open
The CoastWA Grants are now open for applications. There are four streams of funding available, which are administered by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure. The Coastal Management Plan Assistance Program provide grants of up to $200,000 to develop coastal hazard risk management and adaptation plans…
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Communities Unite to Protect WA’s Coast
WABCU 2025 Public Report Released The WABCU 2025 Public Report from Tangaroa Blue has just been released, highlighting the extraordinary effort of communities across Western Australia to protect our coastline from marine debris. Held every October since 2005, the WA Beach Clean-Up (WABCU) is Australia’s longest running large-scale annual community-led beach clean-up event. This year’s…
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From Cyclone Scars to Living Dunes
Floreat Main Beach Restoration (2024–2025) The Floreat Main Beach dunes were subject to significant erosion following Cyclone Alby in 1978. Rubble from the original Surf Life Saving Club building, damaged during the cyclone, remained visible in the eroded dunes as recently as 2023. Project Overview (2024–2025) During 2024 and 2025, Cambridge Coastcare undertook a project…