The Coastal Conference awards were a fabulous part of the three-day conference that attracted 250 delegates from across Australia to Merimbula last week.

The shire’s oyster farmers were recognised for their ongoing commitment to the health of our local estuaries, innovative practices and participation in cutting edge research, winning the Public Good award.

Cuttagee’s Stuart Cameron was awarded the Local Hero for his dedication to the local coastal environment and in particular his work on the highly acclaimed coastal weeds project.

Mr Cameron has been the driving force behind the success of this program over the last 10 years, that sees two annual sweeps undertaken of all the shire’s beaches, cliff tops and coastal reserves to remove invasive weeds and litter.

The Bermagui Dune Care group was among those congratulating Mr Cameron on his Local Hero status, emailing all members with the good news.

“The Protecting the Wilderness Coast Weeds Project, which Stuart established by uniting various government departments for funding, has resulted in weed free Far South Coast beaches,” a Bermagui Dune Care spokesperson said. 

“Each year for the past 10 years or so, twice a year, Stuart has overseen three Local Land Council groups, walking, weeding and collecting marine debris along the entire coast of Bega Valley Shire, and more recently part of Eurobodalla Shire.

“Also thanks to Stuart and the project, Bermagui Dune Care has been able to undertake planting and revegetation activities since 2009. Plantings have been undertaken according to the plan of management also written by Stuart. Weeds on the headland reserve such as kikuyu and blackberry are being shaded out while others such as moth vine will need ongoing work.” 

In addition, Tathra Landcare and the South Durras Landcare group were announced as joint winners of the Community Involvement award.

The award was in recognition of Tathra Landcare’s 25-year commitment to protecting and improving the Tathra environment, its successful fight against bitou bush and its recent contribution to the Tathra bushfire recovery.

Bega Valley Shire Council’s environmental services coordinator, Derek van Bracht, said the awards were a very well-deserved recognition for the many years of commitment that all the winners have made to our shire’s coastline.

Mayor Kristy McBain said there was no doubt that “the amazing condition of the Bega Valley Shire’s coastal environments are a direct result of the actions of people and groups like Tathra Landcare, Mr Cameron and his project teams from the Local Lands Councils, and our local oyster farmers”.

“The combined passion they have for our coast is second to none,” Cr McBain said.