Hard work pays off for Friends

The group has been working on revegetating a 2km stretch of coastline between Hillarys and Marmion since 2011.

Co-ordinator Mike Norman said it was a tremendous result.

‘During 2011 and 2012, work has increased thanks to a Coastwest grant, more help from corporate volunteers, schools, church groups and community groups many of whom have never worked in a natural area before,’ he said.

The Friends of North Ocean Reef also has been hard at work, rehabilitating a 3km stretch of coastline.

Co-ordinator Marjorie Apthorpe said 129 native plant species had been identified in the project area. The Mullaloo Beach Community Group has been working on 1.5km of coastline north of the Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club.

Co-ordinator Marie Macdonald said the group had been working to reduce erosion, revegetate with native species, weeding, installing fencing and rubbish removal.

Mr Norman said volunteers had spent 5447 hours working to improve the health of coastal areas in 2012, up from 2839 hours in 2011.

‘In 2013, the three friends’ groups have more extensive work planned to build on the achievements to date, in both expanding the areas rehabilitated and finishing off areas previously worked on,’ he said.

To volunteer, visit joondalupcoastcare.com.