Rainbow Beach Foredune Stabilisation and Rehabilitation Project
May the Rainbow Beach Spirit be with you
So what is Rehabilitation? What are its benefits?
Rehabilitation in a very broad environmental sense is to assist, to re-establish, to return a habitat as close as possible back to its former natural state.
Weeds pose a common and serious threat to coastal habitats along the South East Coast of Queensland, Rainbow Beach is no exception. As many of you would recall large tracts of lantana and exotics threatened our very own fore-dune either side of the beach access ramp adjacent to the Surf Life Saving Club. The presence of lantana and exotics on the Rainbow Beach fore-dune had encroached and isolated our native coastal plant communities. The result was native flora and fauna species decline, a lower level of coastal dune protection from natural occurrences and recreational impacts, it also detracted from the aesthetic value of our stunning Rainbow Beach environment.
The 2005-2006 Federal Government ENVIROFUND grant, enabled the local community groups to work together to eradicate the large tracts of lantana and exotics, stabilize the fore-dune slope, and revegetate with native coastal plant species.
Over time these efforts will rehabilitate the Rainbow Beach fore-dune complex to its former glory. Already the benefits are evident. By revegetating using plants propagated from local seeds we have not only kept the local genetics intact but also these plants will improve the habitat for attracting birds and native fauna. We have used a variety of coastal plant species to mimic the diversity of plants which would have previously existed.
By using native plants adapted to the harsh coastal conditions of salt spray, strong winds and dehydration, this vegetation covers the exposed slope rapidly, and at the same time increases its stability and protects this sensitive and highly exposed fore-dune complex from natural and recreational impacts.
Fencing minimizes recreational de-stabilization and erosion of the fore-dune slope, achieving an enhanced beach amenity along a high profile and impressionable site in Rainbow Beach, for locals, visitors and future generations to enjoy.
Without the spirited efforts of the following community groups the Rainbow Beach coastal fore-dune complex would still be threatened. Therefore, we extend our congratulations to the following:
- Cooloola Shire Council
- Rainbow Beach State School
- Surf Life Saving Club Nippers
- Rainbow Beach Boardriders
- Tin Can Bay Cityfarm
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
- Cooloola Coastcare volunteers
for recently taking out the Keep Australia BeautifulClean Beach State “Beach Spirit” Award. Thank you all for your commitment to the Rainbow Beach coastal environment, we look forward to working together again in 2006 as we tackle the rehabilitation of Site 3, the fore-dune in front of the Surf Life Saving Club.
Lena Andersen Project Consultant
