Australian Surfrider Foundation National Conference - 11-12 March 2000

Surfrider Foundation A U S T R A L I A MISSION STATEMENT The Surfrider Foundation is a non profit organisation dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Australia's oceans, waves and beaches for all people through research, conservation, education and community involvement. OBJECTIVES Educate the community as to the fragile nature and value of the Australian coastline. * Act as a media spokes body on any issue pertinent t .Io the Australian coastline. * Mobilise supporters to rally behind Surfrider Foundation endorsed campaigns * Gather information and access scientific research to provide an authoritative voice on issues relevant to the Australian coastline. * CLICK HERE TO READ - SURFIN TAILS - SURFRIDER FOUNDATION, AUSTRALIA Background Surfrider Foundation is wholly dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Australia's coastal zone, for all people, through Conservation, Activism, Research and Education (CARE). Founded on the Gold Coast in July 1991, Surfrider Foundation is non-profit, non-political, and non-discriminatory, and is currently Australia's fastest growing conservation organisation. Surfrider Foundation is a company limited by guarantee, registered by the Australian Securities Commission. Structure Surfrider Foundation operates 58 branches from it's national headquarters at Burleigh Heads. Representatives from these branches make up the Surfrider Foundation National Council. They meet annually to discuss policy, networking and broader issues. To present qualified information, the Foundation has mustered some of Australia's best talent to sit on the Surfrider Foundation National Advisory Board. Ranging from environmental educator Dr. Juliet Goldman, high profile world champion Tom Carroll, environmental management and ecotourism expert Professor Ralph Buckley, and the likes of 1994 Australian of the Year Ian Kiernan OAM. Over-seeing the Foundation's national direction is a five-member National Board of Directors. Meeting quarterly, four of the Directors represent the North, South, East and West regions of Australia; the fifth Director represents national interests. Facilitating communications, administration, development and broader strategic matters is Surfrider Foundations' Executive Director and Board Chairman, Mr. Matt Keys. Membership Membership is open to all. Closely-monitored demographics show a broad cross-section of the Australian coastal community including surf retailers, club and community organisations. State of Our Surf Report is an ongoing research project, the aim of which is to provide information on land use, development, direct and diffuse sources of pollution, litter, public access and recreational use intensity at beaches represented in the study. The 1993 SOS Report covering 439 beaches around Australia was released to a hungry media at NSW Parliament on November 30, 1993. The findings of this report continue to be reported widely in mainstream media and are used by private and public sectors as a benchmark information database. A New report, presenting data on more than 45 000 kms of Australian beaches, will be released in July 1995. Networking 75% of Surfrider members have volunteered to assist the Foundation in achieving it's objectives. The Foundation is largely an information disseminator, sourcing and providing up-to-date information is largely an information disseminator, sourcing and providing up-to-date information. Through a well-structured National Council, member organisations, and environmental affiliates, the Surfrider Foundation is an effective coastal networking force. Dob-in-a-Polluter Created by Surfrider Foundation, data gathered DOBINPOL is forwarded onto the relevant regional, state and federal authorities. DOBINPOL is promoted though the media, in particular by joint venture Community Service Announcements with Triple J. The pilot system is well patronized by a concerned community who call the Foundation's toll-free reporting line. Epidemiological Surveys Surfrider Foundation is compiling a •big thick book of lists' to anyone suffering from sewage/pollution-borne disease. Anecdotal evidence has been replaced by a by a National and regional database of beaches and waterways which may make ocean-users sick. Details include urban run-off, climatic conditions, nature of illness and specifics. The survey is being promoted through surfing/ocean lifestyle magazines, including Tracks, Australian Surfing Life, Underground Surf and Freesurf. Coastlines Coastlines is the official newsletter of the Surfrider Foundation published quarterly. Coastlines includes the Executive Director's National Coastal Environment Report and Surfrider Regional campaign updates. International Affiliation Surfrider Foundation has firm exchange relationships with coastal environment organisation's in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, France, Portugal, Indonesia and New Zealand. Surfrider Foundation Australia is currently formulating an international charter with these groups. Education One of the Foundation's highest priorities. The National Office, together with it's branches, provide information to schools, universities, community groups and individuals. The Foundation's National Director of Education, Mr Bob Maffot, is a former school principal and has developed education strategies the implementation of which is pending funding. National Surfing Recreation Reserves The foundation has nominated 12 •special areas' considered worthy of this status and has produced a blueprint document to pilot the scheme. Surfrider Foundation successfully lobbied the Queensland Government for South Stradbroke Island T be included in the Southern Moreton Bay Marine Park Reserve. South Stradbroke Island in Queensland is to become Australia's second surfing Recreation Reserve. South Stradbroke Island in Queensland is to become Australia's second surfing Recreation Reserve after Bells Beach which was dedicated in 1972. Storm Water Task force Described as the hidden villain, urban run-off adversely affects the marine environment and poses a threat to ocean-users. The SWTF is being trialed in Sydney's northern beaches, Central Coast, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland. One of the key initiatives of the SWTF is the stenciling of gutters, footpaths, and storm water drains with: •This Drains To The Beach'. .. SWTF reinforces public awareness of the connection between land use and the sea. Ocean Care Day A national day of awareness and action, the Foundation created OCD and launched it with the Commonwealth Marine & Coastal Community Network nationally on the first day of summer in 1993. An annual event, OCD is set to be a major event in Australia's calendar, kick-starting the 'Summer of Coastal Action'. Research Through the Foundation's Environment Science Director, Dr Rex Campbell, Surfrider Foundation has identified critical research issues relating to the wellbeing of Australia's coastal environment. Integrated Catchment Management Surfrider Foundation has been instrumental in the development of a pilot ICM project for Loders Creek in Queensland. This pilot will be developed and adopted for national implementation. Campaigns Surfrider Foundation campaigns remain high profile. Ocean sewage out falls, storm water pollution, catchment management and coastal degradation remains our highest priorities. Campaign rallies have attracted up to 10,000 people at various hot spots throughout Australia. Merchandise & Marketing The Foundation marketing varies from product endorsements to industry promotion of enviromnentally-friendly fabric for surf wear. In addition, there are regular awareness, motivational and issue related advertising and stories in the print, radio, and television media. The foundation also has it's own label of t-shirts and caps in eco-colours and fabrics. Media The Foundation has strong media ties with all international, national, state, regional and local media sources. The Foundation's profile exposure extends to popular television such as Home and Away, Totally Wild, Paradise Beach and 7.30 Report to name a few. Submissions The Foundation and its representatives attend Commissions of Inquiry, have chairs on varied committee's and continue to submit to forums and governments on all three tiers. Infancy, it was Surfrider Foundation and it's representatives who made the largest number of submissions to the recent Coastal Zone Inquiry conducted by the federal Government's Resource Assessment Commission. Campaigner of the Year / Member of the Year An annual recognition and incentive to those individuals who have made substantial contributions to the protection of Australia's diverse marine ecosystems and the Foundation's mission. JIM BANKS. Described as the 'Surfer's surfer'. Jim Banks: shaper, writer, champion, family man, explorer and traveler. His deep respect for the coastal environment and surfers rights is highly regarded internationally. MADELEINE BENNISON B.A. Sydney-based, Madeleine is well versed in the administrative procedures of non-profit organisations and marketing. Madeleine advises the Foundation on matters of corporate policy and gender quality. CAPT Wm. BLIGH-WARE RD. B.SC. M.SC. Ph. D. A father of four and leader of the Bounty revival voyage, Dr. Ware has been decorated by the Australian Government, The Australian Geographic Society and The International Ocean Society. Hon. JOHN BRADFORD MP. B.Ec. Dip. Ed. A member of Federal Parliament, Johns time is devoted between Canberra and his coastal seat of McPherson on the Gold Coast, advising the Foundation on our legislative process. He is an active surfer, pilot and former president of Collaroy SLSC. PROF RALF BUCKLEY A global surfer with 400 papers published in his name, Ralf is the Director of the International Centre for Ecotourism Research. His major works centres on impact assessment, environmental economics and trade and the environment. DENIS CALLINAN The •surfing solicitor', Denis is the founder of SAND - Surfers Against Natures Destruction, formed in 1985. Instrumental in gaining Peter Garrett's support for the surfing environment, he is a practicing lawyer with Moynihan and Callinan at Burleigh Heads. TOM CARROLL Voted Australia's most popular surfer for 8 years, Tom is regarded as one of the world's great surfing ambassadors and talents. Tom is a former two-time world surfing champion. Tom is also a director of Quiksilver Australia. PETER GARRETT Although better known as the chrome-domed super hero of Midnight Oil fame, the former President of the Australian Conservation Foundation is one of the planet's greatest ambassadors for the environment. A qualified lawyer and sometimes surf photographer, Peter has assisted the Foundation in Australia and the United States. GEORGE GREENOUGH Ex Californian, George is nothing short of a legend in the development of surfcraft design. His renowned knowledge of the ocean and natural forces assists the Foundation in its surf enhancement program. JULIET GOLDMAN PHD Juliet and her husband Professor Ron Goldman, are well known advocates of social justice, but it is Dr Golman's love and work with animals, marine and terrestrial, that have brought her to the Surfrider Foundation. Juliet, who is senior lecturer at Griffith University is an education consultant to the RSPCA and is the Foundation's consultant on the Department of Primary Industries Shark Operations Review to reduce bye-catch. CHEYNE HORAN One of Australia's favorite surfing icons and four-time world title runner-up. Cheyne develops awareness within the professional surfing ranks for the Foundation in his international travels. Hon. RICHARD JONES MLC Richard is a high profile, high-action Democrat in the NSW Legislative Council and provides the Foundation with up to date information on environmental matters. IAN KIERNAN OAM. A vocal supporter of the Foundation, Ian is at the forefront of changing Australians attitudes on environment damage prevention. He is the Chairman and Founder of Clean Up Australia and more recently attached to the United Nations with Clean Up the World. He is also the chairperson of the Foundations annual Clean Waters Conference. TOM KIRSOP A true environmental veteran, Tom has been the driving force behind many successful campaigns along the New South Wales coast. He is part of the management of the Total Environment Centre and assisted in the operation of the NSW office of the Surfrider Foundation. President of North Narabeen Board riders at the age of 62. DR PETER MacDONALD MP. BS. MRCGP. DA. DRCOG. Peter is one of Sydney's leading voices in the fight for clean water and the health of ocean users. His extensive epidemiological knowledge assists the Foundation Blue Water Task Force program. Hon. IAN McMANUS MP. Member for the South Coast seat of Bull, Ian supports the Foundation with information on State Government and issues south of Sydney. RUSTY MILLER A former United States surfing champion, Rusty now lives in northern New South Wales where he is in tune with current surfing lifestyle trends and was the first member of the Surfrider Foundation in Australia. He has represented the Foundation in the United States and South America. BOB MOFFATT BSc. Dip. Ed. MACE. Grad Dip. Ed. Admin Formerly attached to Queensland Department of Education, Bob is best known for his tireless work in marine biology and coastal education. Head of Wet Paper Publications, he is an active surfer. A consultant to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Water Resources Commission, UNESCO, local government and schools, Bob is also the recipient of the inaugural Surfrider Foundation •Member of the Year'. BOB MORRIS PhD DSc SRSC SGS SARI. A former advisor to the British government, Dr. Morris has developed a framework for greater community consultation through Advisory Groups to the British government, Dr. Morris has developed a framework for greater community consultation though Advisory Groups to local government. His work as an educator and marine scientist takes him to many parts of ..the Australian and South Pacific coast's. MIKE PERRY. A consummate surfer, Mike's assistance since the Foundation's inception molded much of the shape and direction of our original work. A former editor of Surfer Magazine in the United States, He founded surfing publications in Australia and now heads Surf Alert across Australia. JOHN TOZER BE. MIE MAWWA. John is a consulting engineer and has been responsible for advising Australia's first chapter of the Foundation in Coffs Harbor, mid north coast of New South Wales. DR DAVID TREE. Based on the Gold Coast, David has developed and advised the Foundation on medical matters pertaining to the health impacts on surfers in polluted waters. A keen surfer, David assisted in the formation of Blue Water Task Force, a water quality pro .gram. KIRK WILLCOX. Kirk is the name behind the protests against ocean disposal of sewage on Sydney Beaches throughout the 1980's. Kirk has written extensively for journals and newspapers on the state of our marine environment and is a leading social commentator for many ocean users. Ald. ALPH WILLIAMS BA. Originally from Santa Cruz in the United States, Ald. Alph has represented the Foundation internationally and chaired Annual General Meetings for the Foundation. He is undoubtably one of this country's most outspoken local government representatives for clean water and surfers rights. DR. CLYDE WILD. A former vice-president of the Gold Coast branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Clyde is better known for his work in Applied Ecology at Griffith University.