THE Shoalhaven area has always been known for its pristine beaches, though in recent years our cleanliness has been disrupted by few inconsiderate people.
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In response, local surfers and bodyboarders are poised to halt the indecent littering of the region’s surf breaks.
Local surfer Jed Garkut thinks littering on the beach is a “disgrace”.
“Where’s the love for nature?” he asked.
“I really don’t like rubbish at the beach, it sucks its beauty away like a leech.”
The problem could be helped by beach-goers using some common sense and having respect for the beach and its surroundings, according to many surfers.
Jed claims litter at the beach could be prevented by teaching the public how throwing rubbish on the beach is damaging to the local ecosystem.
“Rubbish at the beach can be prevented by establishing a community mindset that littering is detrimental to the environment and its beauty,” he said.
Some local residents believe better facilities at popular surf spots and beaches would help reduce littering at the area.
Jed believes more bins are necessary at beaches and surf spots popular with locals and visitors.
“When there are no bins, one starts to wonder, should I litter,” he said.
Shoalhaven City Councillor Patricia White supports the idea of better facilities at beaches in the local area, provided there there is enough community demand.
“This could definitely be a matter to be taken to council” she said.
“I would vouch for greater facilities as I believe they are sorely needed in the local area.”
Although the final decision will ultimately be made by council, local residents need to push the issue and make their views known to the councillors, according to Cr White.
“If enough residents want the issue addressed, then they need to go to the community forum on a Monday night and submit the issue” she said.
“The submission would then be considered by council, and actions can take place.”
Although council could provide better facilities at popular beaches and surf spots, the majority of the responsibility for the cleanliness of local beaches and breaks falls upon the locals who enjoy the coast.
Jed encourages local surfers and beach-goers to “do their duty to nature, by picking up their own and other’s rubbish”.
“We need to enforce the thought that we are responsible for the places we enjoy so much,” he said.
