ABOUT US
Questions and answers about SANE
Saturday, 07 May 2011 09:34
Q1. I was wondering if you could tell me some background information on SANE?
SANE was formed by a guy called Charles Bartlett in 1988 out of concern for how the then Barrabool Shire (mis)treated the Bells Beach Reserve; using heavy handed and ill conceived methods of providing access to people and car traffic that caused unnecessary damage to the natural environment. SANE was also formed at about the same time as the 13th Beach Ocean Outfall (Sewerage Treatment Plant) was being constructed. SANE was instrumental in ensuring that the plant was upgraded from primary to secondary treatment of sewerage.
Since then we have focused primarily on restoring the Bells Beach Reserve to a more natural state. Surprisingly, people might not appreciate that large sections of the Reserve had become significantly modified over time and that a large number of serious environmental weeds were invading and replacing the indigenous plant life. SANE has been working to restore the balance now for some 23 years. The bottom line is that restoration and careful stewardship is by necessity a long and slow process (eg. weeding, planting, planning, etc) . Degradation and damage on the other hand, can be fast and very destructive (eg. trampling and illegal driving of vehicles over vegetation- or worse still, heavy machinery)..
Q2. How SANE was funded in 1988?
Self funded. We held fundraisers at the local Torquay Hotel and other venues. Eventually , in about 1992 we got some financial assistance from State Government through the Coast Action initiative.
Q3. The views you hold by SANE about natural environments?
Natural Environments are disappearing locally, nationally and internationally at a level not before seen by the entire history of humanity. Unfortunately we have a biodiversity crisis on our hands. You might want to look at the following website: http://www.well.com/~davidu/extinction.html
Q4. What are the main issues that SANE attempt to resolve and develop?
The human race co-habitates this planet with an enormous array of other non-human species (plants, insects, animals, marine and terrestrial) etc. We have an obligation to manage ourselves so that they have a chance to live successful reproductive lives also. In relation to the Bells Beach Reserve, as humans we use that place as an area of recreation and recreation only. However, for a whole host of non-human things, it is home, their food base, or as part of their critical area of habitat (marine and terrestrial!). SANE's objective therefore is to inform and influence people about the role of Bells Beach as a place where nature exists at a high level of ecological integrity - but that can only continue to occur if we humans are willing to share it with that function in mind.
Q5. How you promote SANE and influence decisions about the Coastal environment?
Website, at the RipCurl Pro at Easter, Committee member on the Bells Beach Steering Committee (which informs the Surf Coast Shire), speaking engagements, etc.
Q6. How do you believe that SANE has helped to change human’s relationships with the environment?
Without doubt, the success we've had has been as a result of consistency and determination to continue year after year doing work in the Reserve. This has allowed us to build up a level of kudos and respect by land management agencies (eg. SurfCoast Shire, PARKS VIC) and other key stake holders (eg. RipCurl). I think it is pretty obvious over the time that we have been involved that the ecological integrity within the Reserve has increased significantly. For the regular punter that passes through there, it is just a much more enjoyable experience in comparison to how it was ( ie. the degradation trajectory that it was on before we formed).
Q7. What’s the current project that you’re working on?
Developing a display in the SurfWorld Museum that highlights nature (marine and terrestrial) within the Bells Beach Reserve. This will be a significant investment of time and energy by SANE members as we see it being an important tool for informing the public about the non-surfing values of the Reserve. We will be partnering with PARKS VIC, the Museum of Victoria and various other local talents to change two rooms within the SurfWorld complex to tell the story. When we finish it we hope people will not only be surprised by what they see, but also understand their role (as humans) on how they can either contribute or degrade their natural environment.
About Us
Thursday, 13 May 2010 00:37
SANE was formed in 1988 by the local community to provide high quality ecological stewardship for the Bells Beach Reserve. The Reserve is subject to significant ecological pressures arising from intense recreational demands, human population growth and urbanisation, as well as tourism. Environmental weeds and feral animals are also key issues.
SANE works with the land management agencies of Parks Victoria and the Surfcoast Shire within the Reserve. Also, since the year 2000 an ongoing corporate partnership with RipCurl has significantly increased the capacity to roll out large scale environmental activities within the Reserve.
Mission
Don't Destroy what You Came to Enjoy. To have fun. Plant the odd tree and catch a few waves! Walk and ride. Throw ball for dog. Talk. Catch up for lunch.
History
The Bells Surfing Reserve is unlike anywhere else in the world. It is a unique part of the Australian coast line and has a special place in surfing culture. SANE seeks to protect and enhance the reserve's natural beauty and that of the surrounding bushland. Our reefs, with a great variety of marine life, rugged cliffs, species-rich heath land and the unique coastal woodlands of the Surf Coast all combine to make up the beautifully diverse Bells Beach surfing reserve. 50 years of visitors and an influx of people living and enjoying the area has taken its toll. damaging eco systems and the land significantly. Through volunteer work once a month we can help reduce this impact. Although SANE is primarily a surfer's organisation, we also welcome and need all people who share similar aims about the need to protect natural environments to join us in our attempts at saving the coast. Are we going to celebrate our 21st birthday?
The local flora and fauna (marine and terrestrial) are under constant and increasing pressure from a relentless desire by people to humanise all aspects of our surrounds.
S.A.N.E., along with other local environment groups, are trying to introduce some awareness and long term vision in a short term world. Much has already been changed irreversibly
- and change is a fact of life
- but we are losing control of our ability to assess the benefits of change with its rapid (and accelerating) pace.
S.A.N.E. represents the growing movement towards respect for the coast's future inhabitants and guardians who will hopefully enjoy life in this area for many, many generations to come.
Here are some of the things S.A.N.E. are doing to ensure a healthy future for our coastline:
plant indigenous trees, shrubs and groundcovers
brush matting
coastal clean up
weed control
erosion and drainage control
promote care of coast at special events
produce educational videos
assist in the interpretation of our coastal ecosystem
assist in the design and implementation of lookouts & tracks
liase with and act as a consulting body to: Surfcoast Shire, Bells Beach Steering Committee, NRE, Coastal Management Co-ordination Committee, Local Surfing Industries, and other coastal environment groups.
Work with local primary/secondary schools and welfare agencies in working bees and education.
