The Bouvard Coastcare Group is dedicated to maintaining the fragile and coastal dune environment between the Yalgorup National Park and the Harvey Estuary.

Recreational land use and development pressures had impacted heavily on this stretch of coast, creating large eroded and unstable areas, particularly amongst the dunal systems. Led by Malcolm Flett, the group has carried out substantial on-ground projects to rehabilitate large areas of coastal vegetation.

Photo: Tims Thicket before dune rehabilitation

Melros, Tims Thicket and White Hills dune restoration

This project was broken down into several stages due to the large scale and area of restoration required. On-ground works comprised a range of planting, brushing, access formalizing, dune reconstruction, bunting, fencing, rubbish removal and signage.

The total cost of these projects amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars, with thousands of volunteer hours being committed. With most of the initial stages completed, the team has noticed successful revegetation and prevention of further erosion. With defined walkways in place from Melros to Tims Thicket, the area is now popular for cycling and walking. By liaising with groups such as 4WD clubs and developers who may have impacted on these dunes in the past, BCG has actually received assistance from them in its projects.

The team’s success has led to a string of community and coastal awards, with Malcolm Flett receiving a Centenary Medal in 2003 and a WA Coastal Award for Excellence for Outstanding Coastal Leadership. Group awards include Outstanding Community Group Effort and the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award for a Community Group or Event.

Photo: Tims Thicket after dune rehabilitation