The urgent question now is whether even small changes in sea levels due to climate change will wreck this natural balance and trigger devastating coastal erosion.

The key measurements are being recorded on equipment constructed by a joint University of New South Wales and University of Plymouth (UK) team, in what is believed to be the single largest array of scientific instruments ever deployed in experimental coastal research. On the remote beach at “Le Tru Vert”, literally ‘the green thing’, in Bordeaux, a group of 90 international is hoping to unlock the secrets of coastal seabed movement, and in doing so map the likely impact of climate change on coastlines.

UNSW’s Dr Ian Turner says preliminary results show a single wave can shift the sea bed by up to 2cm and move large amounts of sand. Over a three week period total movements of 100 metres have been recorded, he said by phone from France.

But, nature is constantly seeking equilibrium, and no matter how extreme the short term movements, over a tidal cycle the actual change in the beach is very small.

“The beach is constantly changing over short time periods, but over weeks nature rights itself and we have no idea why,” he said.

“We need to understand the fundamental science behind this balance between the erosion and deposition of sand.”

Dr Turner, who is in France for until mid-year with his colleague from UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory, Dr Chris Blenkinsop, says the research confirms that the world’s beaches are very sensitive environments. In Sydney, the research will be especially relevant to UNSW’s work on the exposed Collaroy Beach coastline, which is vulnerable to erosion and could be devastated by rising sea levels.

“Relatively small changes in the wave climate could cause relatively large impacts on beaches, in the same ways small temperature changes can disrupt natural ecosystem,” said Dr Turner.

“But, it is also possible our research could show that because beaches have this ability to find a natural equilibrium they may have the ability to adjust to rising sea levels.”

The first step, he said, is to model this extraordinary natural equation once tests are completed in Bordeaux. The international research team is being hosted by Bordeaux University and the French Navy.

-Louise Williams

]]> http://www.surfridernb.realsurf.com/wp1/2008/04/25/deep-math-at-work-on-our-beaches/feed/ http://www.surfridernb.realsurf.com/wp1/2008/04/03/position-statement-long-reef-surf-life-saving-club/ http://www.surfridernb.realsurf.com/wp1/2008/04/03/position-statement-long-reef-surf-life-saving-club/#comments Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:47:09 +0000 admin http://www.surfridernb.realsurf.com/wp1/?p=91 Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club (LRSLSC) premises:

“The building (facility) should be for the purpose of LRSLSC activities only. Given this, we believe there is no need for a second level of the structure.

The footprint of the new premises should be no larger than the existing building. Therefore, there should be no additional intrusion into the surrounding dunes. Also, any new structure should be no more visually intrusive than the existing building.”

A wet weather bypass lasting about 80 minutes occurred at North Head
Sewage Treatment Plant at about 3.30am this morning. It was caused by
an external power supply failure.

This meant that eight megalitres of stormwater and effluent did not
pass through the full treatment process. The flow was partially
screened to remove solid particles and debris. It then bypassed the
plant and was discharged to the cliff face rather than through the
deep ocean outfall. This flow was heavily diluted by large volumes of
stormwater.

Below is an extract of the speech taken from Hansard:

“Mr ROB STOKES (Pittwater) [5.23 p.m.]: I inform the House of an event in
my electorate of Pittwater last weekend and I acknowledge the valuable work
being carried out by the Surfrider Foundation throughout New South Wales.
On Sunday the Surfrider Foundation, as part of its annual conference held
at Narrabeen, organised for more than 70 surfers to paddle out to the
beautiful Turimetta Head. This is the site of the largest remaining
cliff-face sewage ocean outfall in Sydney. Every day 16 million litres of
effluent from the Warriewood sewage treatment plant is pumped into the sea
at Turimetta. …..

…..The Surfrider Foundation has done considerable work over the years to
highlight this issue. I was delighted to take part in the paddle on Sunday
as part of its campaign. Indeed, I am proud to have been a member of the
organisation over the past decade and to support the work that it does. I
take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate members of the
foundation for fighting to clean up the ocean, in particular Chris Tola, Dr
Rex Campbell, Brendan Donahue, Paul Maddock, Don Norris, Professor Andy
Short and Tom Kirsop-a veteran of the surfing community who has many years
experience of the particular issue at Turimetta Head…….”

Read the entire speech by clicking here

With Northern Beaches branch president Brendan Donohue hosting the
proceedings, we heard an very entertaining account of the lot of the
surfer’s wife from his partner Wendy Harmer and then moved on to the
conference key note address from Doug Lord from the Department of
Environment and Climate Change. Professor Andy Short (University of
Sydney) outlined the importance of surfing reserves and was followed by Tom
Kirsop who gave an inspiring account of 15 years of activism on Sydney’s
Norther Beaches. Peter Whish Wilson and Thomas Moore provided a
compelling update on the Tasmania Pulp Mill campaign and the Tim Frazer
told the story of the fight against a breakwall at Bastion Point, near
Mallacoota.

After the lunch break Neil Lazarow presented some ground breaking research
as he detailed the socio-ecnomic impact of surfing and was followed by
Simeon Michaels who described his epic kayak paddle from Sydney to Hobart
and gave useful insights on how to run a campaign (evidently the secret is
to incorporate adventure, humour, intelligent arguments and hot chicks and
your campaign will be a winner!). Don Norris (Realsurf.com) then led an
innovative session on surf forecasting, accompanied by Ben McCartney
(Coastalwatch.com.au) and Ben Matson (Swellnet.com.au). In a presentation
that really resonated with the audience Jillian Cupitt and Syd Smith told
us how to engage the youth of Australia in climate change and
sustainability, then Toni Wilson briefed us on the activities of the
Coastal Environment Centre (our fantastic conference venue). Steve Titus
from Carneys Lawyers took us through a practical case study of dealing
with inappropriate development that he had experienced first hand in
defending the shack communities of the Royal National park, just south of
Sydney. Nick Carroll rounded out the day’s presentations with an
insightful presentation on the golden rules for dealing with the media.

The day closed with a surprise appearance by 7 times womens’ world
titleholder Layne Beachley who was on hand to present a Surfrider
Foundation Hall of Fame award to legendary Northern Beaches branch member,
Tom Kirsop.

At the ’secret’ conference party venue a catered BBQ and live
local band kent the crew going until the early hours of Sunday morning.

SUNDAY…

The Sunday morning paddle out to the ocean outfall at Warriewood Headland had around 70 starters, including Nick Carroll, Mayor of Pittwater, David James and local MP Rob Stokes, who arrived late after paddling down from Mona Vale.

Thanks to all who attended the conference, paddle out or AGM. Also, a big
vote of thanks to the organising committee for staging the most successful
conference for many years.

Click here for slideshow of more pictures from Saturday

Click here for slideshow of more pictures from Sunday’s paddle out

Overview of the paddle out location

Paddle Protest to Poo Point

Surfrider Foundation wants people to paddle out on Sunday morning October 21, from Turimetta Beach to a place few have been.

At 8.45am Sunday October 21, surfers, skiers and bodyboarders will paddle out to Turimetta Head, site of Sydney’s remaining cliff face sewage ocean outfall.

‘People aren’t fooled. They know that sewage, pulp mills and global warming harm our oceans. Come show your concern”, said Dr Rex Campbell from Surfrider Foundation.

Both the new Mayor of Pittwater, David James, and the new MP for Pittwater, Rob Stokes, will take part in the paddle out. Both were recently elected on an environment platform.

“If our politicians work together great things can be achieved, like halting the 16 million litres of sewage daily disposed of from Turimetta Head, that is ending up on our beaches.”

It is now 15 years since Surfrider Foundation began lobbying to reduce sewage disposal and after getting UV disinfection into the Warriewood treatment plant in 2000, Surfrider and Pittwater Council have been seeking funding approval for a sewage re-use project.

“We are looking forward to hearing what news the new Mayor has on this exciting project, to treat and re-use sewage water on Council parks and gardens”, said Dr Campbell.

Surfrider Foundation is holding its National Conference ‘Waves of Change’ that same weekend and the public are invited to come hear 12 speakers including Nick Carroll, Andy Short, Wendy Harmer and others, address topics like the Tasmanian Pulp Mill, Federal Coastal Policy, Activism on the Northern Beaches and Surf Forecasting.

More details here: or call Paul on 0414 983579.

Surfrider Foundation is a not for profit environmental organization.

Media enquiries contacts:
Dr Rex Campbell, Surfrider Foundation on ph 9913 9668/0423889899.
Brendan Donohue, Surfrider Foundation NB President, ph 99815461/0422900501

After much work by many hands, we have now finalised the program for the Waves of Change Surfrider Foundation conference and AGM. We’ve reproduced it below, but if you’d prefer to print out the nice brochure we made, then please CLICK HERE for the Waves of Change brochure (PDF).

Need no further convincing? Then why not attend the conference by clicking here to sign up.

WAVES OF CHANGE Conference Program

Friday 19th October - EVENING

6:30-8:30pm Conference Welcome Drinks
Coastal Environment Centre
Lake Park Road
North Narrabeen NSW

Hosted by Lia Colabello, Surfrider International. Simeon Michaels will also present on his epic Sydney – Hobart kayak paddle.

Saturday 20th October

9:00-9:30 am Registration and coffee

9:30-10:00 WELCOME
Brendan Donohoe Branch President. Surfrider Foundation, Northern Beaches
PLUS Traditional Indigenous Welcome

10:00-10:10 Reflection - Wendy Harmer - Comedienne/Author

10:10-10:30 CONFERENCE OPENING
Chris Tola - Chairman, Surfrider Australia
Lia Colabello - Surfrider Foundation International

10:30-11:00 Key Note: Coastal Management Policy -
Latest developments and implications for surfers
Doug Lord (Dept of Environment and Climate Change)

11:00-11:30 morning tea

11:30-11:50 CONSERVATION

Surfing Reserves – Coming to your break?
Prof. Andy Short

11:50-12:50 ACTIVISM

16 Years of Activism
- SFA Northern Beaches Branch
Tom Kirsop
Launceston Pulp Mill campaign
Peter Whish Wilson
Dr. Thomas Moore
Bastion Point campaign
Tim Frazier

12:50-1:35pm lunch

1:35-2:45 RESEARCH

Socio Economic Impact of Surfing – Government’s understanding? Not well informed
Neil Lazarow
Surfboard Technology & Design
Greg Webber
Surf Forecasting - Past, Present & Future
Panel – Aussie surf forecasters
Don Norris – RealSurf.com
Ben McCartney – coastalwatch.com.au
Ben Matson – Swellnet.com.au

2:45-3:35 EDUCATION

Engaging our Youth in Climate Change & Sustainability
Jillian Cupitt
Coastal Environment Centre
Sharon Kinnison
Better Get A Lawyer, Son! Surfers and the Law
Steve Titus (Surfing Lawyers Assoc.)

3:35-4:00 afternoon tea

4:00-4:30 The Golden Rules of Campaigning & the Media
Nick Carroll

4:30-4:35 CONFERENCE CLOSE
Brendan Donohoe & Chris Tola

SATURDAY NIGHT!

Let’s BBQ! All food provided, some drinks too,
but BYOB if you can please

WHEN: 7:00pm

WHERE: SECRET venue announced only to conference attendees

*** *** ***

Sunday 21st October – ALL DAY

8:00 - 9:30 am Paddle Out - Warriewood Ocean Outfall
(from Turimetta Beach)
10:00 - 10:15 Welcome and housekeeping

10:15 - 10:30 Outcomes of the Conference

10:30 - 11:45 Branches Update x 5

11:45 - 12:00 morning tea

12:00 - 1:00 Branches Update x 5

1:00 - 1:30 lunch

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

1:30-2:30 pm Surfrider Foundation Business:
1. Registration
2. Opening of Meeting
3. Apologies Received
4. Proxies Received
5. Chairman’s Report
6. Directors Report
7. General Managers Report
8. Finance Report
9. National Awards
• Supporter of the year
• Campaign of the year
• Branch of the year
• Volunteer of the year
• Appreciation Certificates
10. Audit Report
11. Adoption of AGM 2006 Minutes and
Business Arising
12. Election of Directors
13. General Business
14. Proposed Venue for 2008 AGM and
National Conference
15. Close

2:30 - 3:00 Surfrider Policy Debate

3:00 - 3:15 afternoon tea

3:15 - 4:00 Board Meeting

4:00 Close!