We’ve recently wrapped up a funded project helping a stretch of the Mission Beach foreshore recover from the impacts of Cyclone Jasper.
The project focused on cleaning up organic and inorganic waste from the foreshore, reducing weed pressure, and supporting the natural regeneration of native coastal vegetation. It was funded by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation through the Environmental Cleanup and Local Conservation Program.
This stretch of the foreshore is familiar to many of us. It is a place we walk, visit, enjoy with family, and share with visitors. It is also an important coastal habitat. Healthy foreshore vegetation helps stabilise sand, reduce erosion, shade out weeds, support wildlife, and build resilience against future storm and cyclone impacts.
As part of the project, inorganic waste including plastics and other debris were removed through a community beach clean-up and the involvement of many school groups. These clean-ups helped remove rubbish from the beach and foreshore before it could continue to break down or move into the marine environment.
The organic waste and weed control work was carried out by our work crew over several weeks. This included removing mother-in-law’s tongue across the project area, targeting Singapore daisy in priority sections, and dealing with other weeds and problem plants encountered along the way, including syngonium and heliconia.
A key outcome of this work has been creating more space for native foreshore plants to regenerate naturally. In some areas, weed removal has helped reduce the capacity for invasive plants to re-establish, particularly where native vegetation and shade can now play a stronger role in recovery.
The project also created valuable opportunities for community engagement. While working with local school groups, our team spoke with students and teachers about foreshore management, weed removal, plastic pollution, and the effects of cyclones and severe weather on coastal environments. These hands-on experiences help young people understand the importance of caring for the places around them.
For us, this project sits within a much longer story of foreshore stewardship. We have been caring for and monitoring the Mission Beach foreshore for decades, and our close connection to this place means we can keep watching, learning and responding as conditions change.
While this funded project has now wrapped up, the work does not stop here. We will continue to monitor foreshore vegetation, watch for weed regrowth, support community clean-up efforts, and look for practical ways to strengthen the resilience of this important coastal strip.
Thank you to our C4 community, local students and teachers, volunteers, and DETSI for helping make this project possible.