We’re lucky enough to have the best backyard in the world—endless pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters brimming with wildlife and a labyrinth of magical canals and foreshore parks. But if we want to keep enjoying this dreamy set-up for years to come, we need to get serious about protecting and enhancing it, and the City of Gold Coast wants your help to make it happen.
That’s right, the community (YOU!) is being asked to give their opinion on what they love most about the Coast and how we, as a collective, can best enhance the coastal locations and beyond. These all-important findings will help inform the development of a new City Strategy, and in particular, the Coastal Lifestyle Strategy, created to help transform and enhance our coastal spaces. Even better, by completing the survey, you can enter the draw to win one of five $500 eftpos gift cards*.
Want to suss out how else you can help keep our gorge beaches and coastal areas looking schmick? Here are some small acts that can equal big changes.
Have Your Say
We’ve touched on it but one of the biggest—and quickest ways—you can enact change is by speaking up and having your say. So it’s fortunate that right now, the City of Gold Coast is doing just that, giving you the chance to have a positive impact on the future of your home. The 10-minute survey (that’s just one rendition of All Too Well—Taylor’s version) is super simple to fill out online and asks questions like: Which beaches do you visit the most? What do you like most about our coastal area?, and How you think we can best enhance our coastal locations and the surrounding areas?
The sky's the limit with your suggestions too, with all ideas welcomed. Perhaps you want more beach wheelchairs available to make our oceans accessible for all, or perhaps you simply want more bins dotted along the canals to make disposing of your rubbish that much easier.
And, to thank you for sharing your thoughts, everyone who completes the survey can enter the draw to win one of five $500 eftpos gift cards—that’s a lot of new swimmers to debut at your fave beach. To be in the running, simply fill in the survey, and enter your details for the comp when prompted. Learn more about it here.
Pick Up Your Garbage
This kinda feels like a no-brainer but in case you need reminding, pick up your rubbish. It’s crippling our coasts, with litter like food wrappers, polystyrene containers and tin cans wreaking havoc on our beautiful wildlife. Not only is leaving your rubbish behind having deadly consequences for our fauna, but it’s also a major safety hazard, blocking storm drains which results in even more damage to the coast during storm and flood season.
The easiest way to get involved? Get in an endorphin high while making use of our coastal locations by picking up rubbish as you run along the waterside paths, heading for a lush coastal walk, or using outdoor workout equipment.
Keep An Eye On Your Drains
Sustainability starts in your own home. Every day we’re responsible for thousands of harmful chemicals that are washed down the drain, into our sewers and eventually, out into the ocean. While we might think we’re buying a “green” detergent, for example, you must check the label to see if the ingredients being used are actually eco-friendly. Pro tip: look for ones that are low in phosphates. In the kitchen, reduce your use of cooking oil by allowing meats to cook in their own juices (tastes much better too FYI). If you have a lot of oil left over, pour it into a small hole in the garden and mulch.
Next time you’re preparing to chef it up in the kitchen, swap the stovetop for a BBQ and enjoy a picnic outdoors around our lakes and foreshore parks. Extra tip: pack the spray olive oil and a stand-up paddle board to make the most of our always-on weather.
Get Among The Community
Help to grow the greenery and community beyond the gold on the GC by planting native trees and getting involved in the areas that need it most.
Not only does this provide shade for those wanting to bask in the great outdoors, but it also offers a home to our abundant wildlife, helping to nourish our delicate ecosystem. The easiest way to do it? Get your hands dirty by participating in a local tree-planting event.
No, you don’t need a degree to be a citizen scientist, you simply need to have a passion for the environment and a desire to be a part of the solution. The Gold Coast is brimming with free events that you can donate your time and energy to, with the Gold Coast Council’s Our Beaches Dune Planting and CoastSnap being a great place to start.
Or you could engage with local organisations helping with marine rescues and research like Ocean Connect, Seaworld Foundation and Dolphin Research Australia. They’re just some of the amazing *free* events you can be a part of. Check out citizen science meet-ups here and marine volunteer events here.
Another great way you and the whole family can get involved while still enjoying our coastal spaces and foreshore is through community programs and facilities. Volunteer your time at the local surf club with the kids for Nippers and help bring in more boards and gear to make the most of the coast. Let the council in on your favourite riverside spot to catch a break for more seating options or sporting courts to make the most of your RnR.
Just a reminder, the community engagement survey runs from 14 May—10 June 2024, don’t miss out on the chance to have your say. Head here to make a difference.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Gold Coast City Council and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied.