CoastSnapWA was awarded a Special Commendation at the WA Coastal Awards for
Excellence in the Science and Research category. The awards held last week in
Mandurah recognise the outstanding efforts and achievements of Western Australians in
planning, managing and protecting our coast.
The CoastSnapWA program involves the community contributing to beach monitoring by
taking and submitting photos of the beach from fixed smartphone camera stands that
ensures photos have the same field of view. CoastSnapWA also includes a globally unique
aspect, the real-time monitoring of coastal community values. After uploading their
CoastSnap photo there is an option to participate in a short survey regarding what is
valued on the coast and how this may change over time.
Peron Naturaliste Partnership Chairperson and City of Rockingham Councillor Mark Jones
said the CoastSnapWA program is proving to be a fantastic tool to gather physical and
social values information. The data on coastal change, beach condition and community
values is extremely useful for local governments in the protection and management of or
treasured coastal areas.
“The project is also raising awareness of coastal processes, hazards and risks along our
coast, which is becoming increasingly important due to climate change,” Cr Jones said.
“Being recognised at the WA Coastal Awards for Excellence was wonderful and we would
like to thank all those community members who have contributed. Without your
involvement the program would not be the success it is. We would also like to ask that the
community continue to assist us in monitoring our coast”
Beaches involved in the CoastSnap WA initiative include Mersey Point Jetty, Rockingham;
Silver Sands, Mandurah; Heron Point, Birchmont; Binningup Beach; Eaton Foreshore;
Dolphin Discovery Centre, Bunbury; Dalyellup Beach; and Busselton Jetty.
More information is available on the PNP website and CoastSnapWA Facebook page.