Share our shores campaign

Maddie Glynn1 & Gary McPike2

1Manager Community Liaison & Education, Barwon Coast

2General Manager, Barwon Coast

 

Abstract

The Barwon coastline is within close proximity to local residential development and Melbourne.  With an increasing population wanting to come to the coast from resident populations and visitors, there is an increase in conflict of uses along our shores.  The coastline is public open space and should be equitable use by all.  The Share Our Shores campaign has commenced targeting the contentious issue of dogs on beaches. Conflict is occurring between dogs and other beach users, and at times this conflict is so significant it involves dog attacks.  Barwon Coast has experienced significant impacts to wildlife along our coastline that has led to serious injuries or death, and has seen an increase in risks to humans created by dogs, with some locals admitting they no longer visit the beach due to fear of an attack.

Barwon Coast, in partnership with other organisations including the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, Victoria Police, local veterinarians, Australian Veterinary Association and the City of Greater Geelong,  launched this campaign to bring the community together.  ShareOurShores promotes the respect, responsibilities and rights that are important in minimising conflict between different beach users and dogs. Community forums were held where a panel of experts discuss the pros and cons involved in dogs on beaches and provide information on the current dog controls that are in place.  .  Over summer, Barwon Coast engaged Federation University to develop and conduct a social research project on the impacts of population and dogs along the Barwon coast.  The Share Our Shores campaign continues to grow with upcoming free community workshops on understanding your dogs body language; a tool that will strengthen responsible pet ownership.  Later in the year community workshops will allow participants to collaboratively work towards developing potential amendments to the existing dog control orders.

The Share Our Shores campaign will go broader than dogs, and is now looking at an in school education program to address the increase of youth partying in the dunes and responsible boating along the Barwon River estuary.

Biographies

Maddie Glynn is the Manager of Community Liaison and Education with Barwon Coast and comes with nearly 40 years of environmental experience.

Whilst working with the then Victorian National Parks Service, her wildlife passion was strengthened whilst rehabilitating wildlife. Moving across to Fisheries Victoria in an educative role at a National and State level highlighted the need for an holistic approach to catchment management, which saw her move into a coastal planning role with the then Department of Sustainability and Environment.

In her current role with Barwon Coast, Maddie continues to strengthen working relationships with all agencies, organisations and individuals accessing the coast.  It is through this passion and drive, and working in a holistic manner that generates creative ways to reconnect people to the important values of the coast.


Gary McPike is General Manager of Barwon Coast, having occupied the position since April 2015, following 12.5 years at Otway Coast Committee as Executive Officer and previously General Manager of the Apollo Bay-Kennett River Public Reserves Committee of Management.

During the last 15+ years Gary has developed a strong understanding of all aspects of coastal Crown land management and the business and management model that operates in Victoria. He has been involved in all aspects of policy and strategic planning as well as being hands on with project managing capital works and natural resource management.

Previously he was self-employed for 22 years in the timber industry, hospitality, and major event management following a tertiary education in urban & planning studies.