Victorian Landcare Magazine - Spring, Issue 92
Breamlea Coastcare has helped transform degraded dune and saltmarsh ecosystems while building a strong culture of environmental stewardship.
The group was established by local residents committed to conserving the unique coastal landscapes of Breamlea for future generations.
A major focus has been combating invasive weeds, including Polygala myrtifolia, purple senecio, aloes, succulents and Typha, which threaten native vegetation and sensitive saltmarsh habitats.
Through years of persistent volunteer effort, the group has reduced weed impacts, improved habitat condition and supported greater biodiversity along the coast.
The results can be seen in the health of the local coastline. Volunteers participate in weekly working bees focused on environmental weed removal, indigenous revegetation, habitat restoration and site monitoring.
These ongoing efforts have reduced the spread of invasive species, improved the condition of coastal dune systems and saltmarsh habitat, and enhanced biodiversity along the Breamlea coast.
One of the group’s most innovative initiatives has been its Adopt-a-Patch program. Supported through grant funding, the project encourages local residents to become active caretakers of small areas within the coastal environment.
Participants learn how to identify environmental weeds, remove invasive species and care for Indigenous vegetation.
The result is a growing network of community members taking direct responsibility for the health of their local environment.
Education and community engagement are central to the group’s success. Members regularly support activities during the busy summer season, help at environmental education programs for school groups and work alongside corporate volunteers on restoration projects.
These activities not only deliver on-ground outcomes but also help build a broader understanding of coastal conservation challenges.
The group is equally committed to fostering the next generation of environmental leaders.
By hosting participants undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Award, volunteers provide young people with practical conservation skills and firsthand experience caring for coastal ecosystems.
Their success is measured not only in healthier dunes, cleaner saltmarshes and reduced weed infestations, but also in the growing number of people who now feel connected to and responsible for the coastline they call home.
Since 1999, Port Phillip EcoCentre has connected communities with the health of Port Phillip Bay through citizen science, education and hands-on environmental action.
Its Baykeeper program has engaged more than 4,000 volunteers and a wide network of schools and partners to tackle coastal pollution, habitat loss and climate impacts.
Projects have ranged from microplastics monitoring and marine pest research to dune restoration and multicultural community engagement.
Since 2014, citizen scientists have measured more than half a million microplastic pollutants, helping inform policy, management and environmental protection across Port Phillip Bay and its catchments.