SYDNEY, 6 JULY 2020
A five-metre long walk-in trailer with interactive displays and a science discovery station – known as the Ocean Action POD – was at The Waterfront, Shell Cove on the weekend so locals could learn more about caring for the stunning marine background that frames the Shellharbour City Council and Frasers Property Australia community.
Part of Ocean Action Weekend, which also included the Shell Cove Clean Up and a plant sale of species with low fertilisation needs, the Ocean Action Pod is a pop-up multimedia educational experience created by the Total Environment Centre to engage people with the growing problem of plastic pollution.
The Pod’s programs include a range of educational games, films and props, a Mini-Pod and Pod-free options for a variety of sites and audiences.
Shellharbour City Council Mayor Marianne Saliba was encouraged by the strong turn-out from the local community to learn more about their environment.
“With the flooding of the harbour planned to commence shortly, there was no better time for the community to engage in a fun and educational experience to learn how to play their part in caring for our beautiful ocean-side community,” Ms Saliba says.
“Once the water enters the harbour it needs to stabilise and comply with strict environmental criteria before the entrance sandbar can be removed to allow for full tidal exchange. While this process may take months, it has been wonderful to see members of the local community acting now to ensure they play their part.
“The locals who volunteered their time, expertise and knowledge for Ocean Action Weekend should be commended – we’re lucky to have them in our community,” she says.
The stormwater catchment system that will flow into the harbour stretches from near The Links Golf Course to Shellharbour Road Bus Depot. Along the way, stormwater is cleaned by a series of in-ground devices such as pollutant traps and jellyfish units to remove rubbish and other solids, as well as by engineered environmental wetlands, before it enters the harbour.
Ocean Action Weekend was about educating the community on different ways to ensure the stormwater run-off that goes into the harbour in the months ahead does not carry pollution. Recently installed stencilled signage in local drains, in an eye-catching design by Shell Cove local Christine Bernasconi, reminds people that “the sea starts here” and “the drain is just for rain”.
The Shell Cove Clean Up on Friday and Saturday, organised by local resident Kellie Kaschubs, involved a team of local volunteers putting on their gardening gloves to pick up rubbish and raise awareness about the importance of reducing litter and keeping the beautiful new harbour clean.
Also, as part of Ocean Action Weekend, president of the community garden group Trevor Gollan hosted a plant sale, introducing the community to species that require little fertilisation and are therefore better for the ocean. Fertilisers are often washed down the drain and end up in our ocean when used in the garden.
Locals leaned how chemicals such as phosphorous (found in lawn fertiliser) and others used in household activities like car washing can also be dangerous to the ecological balance of the wetland systems and the harbour, potentially causing algae blooms and harming marine life.
Simone Dyer, Development Director Shell Cove, Frasers Property Australia says it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep the new harbour clean and thanked the community’s environmental champions.
“Ocean Action Weekend was a great success, there was lots to do and learn, and it’s clear that there’s a real passion for the environment among the Shell Cove community. The new boat harbour, 12 hectares in area and 4 to 4.5 metres deep, will become a visual icon of the region so it’s important we all play our part to keep it healthy and beautiful,” Ms Dyer says.
The Waterfront, Shell Cove is a masterplanned community in a natural coastal setting surrounded by beaches, parks and wetlands but close to schools, transport and major centres.
A focal point of the new community will be the 270-berth boat harbour and Shellharbour Marina next to the lively town centre featuring a retail precinct anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, with specialty shops and restaurants on the marina’s edge. A hotel will be positioned adjacent to The Waterfront Tavern, children’s beach, water play areas, library and community centre.
The boat harbour and Shellharbour Marina are on track to open in the second quarter of 2021.
The Waterfront Sales Centre is open, however online sales services, virtual meetings and private appointments are also available. To book an appointment or for more information, call 13 38 38 or visit www.thewaterfrontshellcove.com.au.