Where did we come from?

A Coastal Management Group was formed in 1991 by Councilor John Cooper from the Shire of Busselton.

The Group covered the coastal zone from Mandurah through to Esperance and members used to meet on a regular basis to discuss coastal issues.  They identified the fact that although Western Australia had 33% of Australia's coast line there was no Commonwealth or State funding expended for coastal management and planning.

In 1995-1996 due to the distances involved a decision was made to divide into South Coast Management Group  (covering coastal zone from Esperance to Denmark) and the South West and Peel Coastal Management Group (CoastSWaP - covering coastal zone from Mandurah to Walpole).

CoastSWaP's membership includes nine Local Governments, Volunteer Coastal Community Groups, Sub Regional Catchment Councils and Government Departments from Mandurah through to Walpole.

We assist with Coastal Management and Planning in the South West and Peel region by organising exchange of information forums, lobbying for resources, facilitating regional initiatives and encouraging collaboration. The Group has been successful in lobbying for Commonwealth and State Funding and then successful in gaining Coastal Facilitators to Western Australia.

CoastSWap also had input into the Donaldson Report and other Coastal Documents. In addition, CoastSWap members have also been on various Coastal Assessment Panels. We launched the "Adopt a Beach Kit" into Community Groups and Schools and have worked with many schools and groups over the years.

Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School were one of the most successful schools on this program and used it to look into the ocean off Dalyellup Beach, where they monitored seagrass and fish life within the area off the coast.

They produced a Video and web site with this information on board.

CoastSWaP has organised many workshops throughout the South West and will continue to do so in the future to enable participants to share their experiences and  give them the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to continue with the protection of the fragile coastal environment.