In September 2010, the Shire of Ravensthorpe hosted a site visit to West Beach and Two Mile Beach near Hopetoun.

Pedestrian access to West Beach has recently been improved and includes a defined and consolidated path with steps, a raised deck and platform with stairs onto the beach.

Planned works to respond to damage caused by motorised vehicles, horse traffic along pedestrian access and vandalism of infrastructure at Two Mile was outlined; some of this will be implemented in early 2011 as part of SCMG's Coastwest '10 project.

In June 2010, SCMG members had a site visit hosted by the Shire of Esperance's Kath Little to Wylie Bay and Lovers Cove.

Wylie Bay to Cape Le Grand is 22km via the beach. New signs have been installed at Wylie Bay following a number of serious accidents to remind off road vehicle users that they use the area at their own risk. The signs provide safety tips and emergency contact information.

At Lovers Cove on Dempster Head, vehicles have illegally accessed and traversed a precariously steep and slippery rocky slope, within the coastal area around the townsite that is closed to vehicle traffic.

Measures to control vehicle access will be implemented here through the Shire of Esperance's component of SCMG's Coastwest project in late 2010.

Cr Don Lansdown chaired the SCMG meeting.

Congratulations to the successful recipients of Coastwest grants 2010!

The support of Coastwest in funding our project will allow the South Coast Management Group, local governments and community groups to implement the regional coastal strategy Southern Shores 2009-2030 and build on outcomes of the first regional Vehicles in the Coastal Zone forum conducted Bremer Bay in 2009.” Bill Auburn, Chairperson, South Coast Management Group

The "Community engagement in sustainable recreational vehicle management" project will include community and coastal user engagement and education, including delivery of the Vehicles in the Coastal Zone Forum 2010 and on-ground works in each local government area to rehabilitate damage caused by off road and 4wd vehicles and facilitate appropriate and sustainable use in sensitive coastal areas.

This project will engage the community, coastal users, stakeholders and land managers through undertaking essential practical action and on-ground works to rehabilitate areas and promote positive messages in sustainable vehicle usage, to minimise impacts to sensitive coastal areas of the South Coast.” Dylan Gleave, Coastal, Marine and Water Program Leader, South Coast NRM

Further info: Minister's media statement: Coastwest grants awarded to 25 projects (15/06/10)

In April 2010, SCMG members had a site visit around Wilson Head. Shire of Denmark officers Helen Heydenrych and Sam Williams hosted the event.

The scene was set at McGeary's carpark, overlooking Ocean Beach. Future linkages between the sites and the upcoming review of the Coastal Management Plan were highlighted.

Recent on-ground work was showcased at Black Hole carpark, including improved drainage management, two pedestrian access ways down to the rocks and a coastal location sign placed at the back of the carpark in full view from the steps.

The group finished up at Sinker Bay at the southern end of the road and discussed management options for the site.

At the meeting, Cr Alex Syme was recognised for his membership and thirteen year contribution to SCMG, 1997-2009. Alex served on the Committee for a number of years and still keeps in touch as SoD Cr proxy.

Thanks to Shire of Denmark for a great site visit and meeting!