Like most Australian’s I love the beach. I crave the crunchy feeling of sand between my toes, the sea breeze in my hair and the sun’s heat on my skin. I don’t feel right when I’m away from water that’s why I live by the ocean, like 85 per cent of my fellow Australian’s.
A seagull swoops on two girls enjoying fish and chips on Kingston Beach, Tasmania. ©RachelKurzyp
When I did live away from the sea, I dreamed of water often.
During my two years living in England I visited Brighton five times. It wasn’t the same though, with the smooth pebbles and red and white stripped fold out chairs which you could hire for £5 for the day. I wanted beach towels and the yellow and red stripped surf life guards.
A lady enjoys a stroll down the beach after her swim on Kingston Beach, Tasmania. ©RachelKurzyp
When people asked me about Australia during my travels, their questions were about our beaches; sun, surfing, sharks, life guards, thongs (flip flops to non-Australian’s) beer, and tomato sauce on fish and chips. They were envious of our lifestyle and our beach culture.
A young girl fly’s a kite with school friends on Kingston Beach, Tasmania. ©RachelKurzyp
Our coastal zone is Australia’s most vital national asset.
It drives our economy, provides most of our country’s jobs and is where most Australian’s recreate. Yet most of us take our beaches for granted. With global warming and climate change already causing damage to Australia’s coastal zones, our way of life is no longer secure. Although we should celebrate Australia creating the world’s largest network of marine reserves, there still much more to be done. Looking after the interests of both our fishing industry and marine conservation is a delicate balancing act.
A young man taking is his morning jog on Kingston Beach, Tasmania. ©RachelKurzyp
So next time you head to the beach and slip, slop, slap, why not act too and help protect our beaches.
If you’re not sure how to help or want to learn more check out the organisations below who are making waves in coastal preservation.
- Australian Government
- WWF Australia
- Australian Conservation Foundation
- Green Peace Australia
- Clean Up Australia
- Ocean Watch Australia
- The Australia Marine Conservation Society
I’m not associated with nor was I paid to mention the above organisations. I chose them based on my understanding of their work in the protection and conservation of Australia’s coast lines.
Featured images by Rachel Kurzyp.
