Our coastline is one of the most loved parts of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, from sandy beaches and rocky headlands to our vibrant estuaries and marine life. Coastcare Week is the perfect time to celebrate these special places and learn how we can all play a part in protecting them.
This national week shines a light on the volunteers, community groups, organisations and everyday locals who help keep our coasts clean, healthy and resilient. And the good news? There are plenty of simple, local actions you can take to get involved.
Capture Change with Coastal Snap
Our coastline is always shifting. With Coastal Snap, you can help scientists track shoreline change by taking a simple photo from a marked camera stand at Town Beach or Lighthouse Beach.
It only takes a moment, but each photo helps build a long-term picture of how our coast is changing over time.
How to get involved:
Find the Coastal Snap stand
Line up your phone with the frame
Snap and upload using the instructions on-site
Learn About Ocean Plastics
For schools, community groups or events, Council offers an Ocean Plastics Talk that explores how plastic travels through our environment and what we can do locally to reduce its impact.
This session is a great way to deepen your understanding and inspire practical action.
Take 3 for the Sea
Every piece of litter removed from the beach or foreshore makes a difference. Take 3 for the Sea is an easy way to help. Simply pick up three pieces of rubbish whenever you visit the beach, river or lake.
Why it matters:
Even small items like bottle lids, food wrappers and cigarette butts can harm marine wildlife. Taking just a few seconds to remove them helps keep our waterways safer and cleaner.
Be a Wildlife- Friendly Visitor
Our beaches and dunes are home to shorebirds, native plants and coastal wildlife. A few simple habits help protect these fragile environments:
Keep dogs on leads in designated areas and always follow local signage
Stick to marked paths and boardwalks to protect dune vegetation
Give shorebirds space, especially during breeding seasons
Take your rubbish home or use nearby bins
Avoid disturbing dune systems by sliding, running or climbing on them
These small actions help protect nesting sites, prevent erosion and reduce stress on local wildlife. Click here to learn more.
Help Collect Data with AUSMAP
Join local AUSMAP activities and help map microplastics across our beaches and waterways.
Volunteers sift sand, record findings and contribute to a national dataset used to understand pollution hotspots and guide solutions.
AUSMAP is a nationwide program using citizen science to document microplastic pollution, to work towards a cleaner and healthier future.
Enjoy, Protect and Celebrate
Coastcare Week is a reminder that our everyday choices shape the future health of our coastline. Whether you’re taking part in Coastal Snap, joining a beach clean-up, attending an Ocean Plastics Talk or simply keeping your dog on a lead, every action counts.
Together, we can keep our coastlines healthy, resilient and beautiful, now and for generations to come.
