DuneCare volunteers wasted no time on 17th January 2024 pitching in to construct new sand traps at the Clarence Valley Council Wooli Depot Shed at the Wooli Oval.  The following day, (a very hot one in Wooli) DuneCare volunteers gathered in numbers to install a total of 44 new sand traps extending northwards along the beachfront to the pedestrian access point opposite St Margaret’s Church (Scope Street). That work augmented the number of sand traps installed from the very most southern end of the Village by villagers and Clarence Valley Council prior to Christmas 2023.  The newly scraped section of beach was very exposed during December and January, but plantings by DuneCare volunteers, coupled with some very timely rain has seen the beach grass and ground covers taking hold.  A series of photos show the sand traps being installed  on the 18th January 2024. Further photos show the progress of sand building up in traps in early March 2024.  Many thanks to the DuneCare volunteers, both locals and those holidaying here for that effort in January.  The timing couldn’t have been better. The sand has built up considerably in the traps.  We are now looking for another band of volunteers to help make the sand traps in readiness for another installation day over Easter and the school holiday in April.

At the recent CCPA AGM held on 10th January 2023, the CCPA Executive Team of Bruce Bird, (President), Peter Dunn (Vice-President), David Phillips (Treasurer) and Lyn Phillips (Secretary) retired their positions after 14 years of volunteer service to the community.  The CCPA membership wish to thank this team for their efforts from the very beginnings of the organisation to the very latest activities resulting in 2nd rejuvenation of sand on Wooli beach just before Christmas 2023.  This has involved many hours of work liaising with the local community,  Clarence Valley Council and NSW State Government agencies, including the Department of Environment & Heritage and Crown Lands to develop a plan to protect Wooli.   The way in which CCPA has found a way forward has been through considered planning and collaboration with various bodies. It could be considered to provide a model for other locations dealing with the effects of coastal erosion.

A new executive has stepped up to continue with this work and to further develop strategies for the continued protection of Wooli in its unique setting within Yuragir National Park, the Solitary Islands Marine Park and Solitary Islands Marine Reserve.  The incoming CCPA Executive Team is Bruce Ward (President), Paul Coves (Vice-President), Roger Goldsmith (Treasurer) and Sharon Nelson (Secretary).  Sharon is also the DuneCare Wooli Co-ordinator.  While DuneCare is a separate organisation from CCPA, the opportunity for liaison between these two organisations can only benefit the Wooli community and  environment.   The executive team are supported by an 8-member committee and general membership.

In the days leading up to Christmas 2023, a number of sand traps were erected on the newly scraped section of the lower part of the beach, just above high tide.  This can be attributed to the efforts of both DuneCare volunteers and Clarence Valley Council.  The effect of some very windy days at Wooli has now seen the start of the build up of sand around the sand traps.  The heavy rainfall over New Year has brought about the re-emergence of some already established ground covers with green leaves poking their heads up in various places along the top edge of the scraping.  It is now time to give the regeneration programme a helping hand by joining the  DuneCare effort and volunteering to install more sand traps and plant out the exposed face of the sand scraping.  While it may look like a secondary dune, it not that yet.  It will take time & effort to stabilise the migration of sand by installing sand traps and planting out.   Read more about how you can assist at DuneCare Newsletter.  No matter how much time you are able to contribute, become a DuneCare member to volunteer.