Published on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at 8:09:51 AM
Please attribute information below to Shire CEO, Scott Wildgoose.
On Monday, 27 October representatives from the Shire of Gingin and Dandaragan attended the 2025 WA Coastal Forum and presentation of the Western Australian Coastal Awards for Excellence. Shire President - Cr Linda Balcombe accompanied by Shire of Gingin staff, Scott Wildgoose – CEO, Ruth March – Executive Manager Operations and Assets and Matilda Agnew – Communications and Marketing Officer set out at 7am for a day of learning, collaboration, networking and education. The forum consisted of a number of presentations from statewide scientists, planners, coastal managers and engineers, volunteers, community leaders and Traditional Owners.
Anthony Seymour (Shire of Dandaragan) who coordinated the Coastal Recreational Track Management Masterplan (CRTMMP) project presented an overview of the CRTMMP explaining how a collaboration from three regional Shires has addressed and planned for the management of a statewide problem.
After the Coastal Forum, we were invited to attend the Western Australian Coastal Awards for Excellence presentation as the CRTMMP was announced as a finalist in the Coastal Management award category.
We are thrilled to announce that the CRTMMP received the Special Commendation Award for Coastal Management, an overview of CRTMMP is outlined below:
The CRTMMP developed by the Shires of Gingin, Dandaragan and Coorow aims to reduce the impact of 4WDs on sensitive coastal environments while retaining recreational beach driving. The plan protects the conservation and cultural values of coastal reserves through a coordinated, cross-regional approach to a widespread coastal management issue in Western Australia. Key initiatives include educational pamphlets, signage at approved tracks, and cameras to monitor vehicle activity - supporting both community awareness and responsible access.
The project was inspired by Dr Mic Payne from the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) and the Turquoise Coast Management Group and is overseen by a steering group consisting of representatives from all three Shires, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and NACC. Funding for the project was received from the WA State Natural Resource Management grants as well as contributions from the three Shires. Noteworthy contributions to the project included Anthony Seymour who coordinated the project, Will Miler (GIS), Lauren Miles (proof reading), Matilda Agnew (graphic design and publications), and the respective works crews and rangers (sign location identification and installation), in addition to all three Shires CEOs who supported the project.
The Shire sincerely thanks the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, CoastWA, and the judging panel for the award, and extends its gratitude to the unknown individual who nominated the CRTMMP for consideration.
For more information about the CRTMMP, please visit: https://www.gingin.wa.gov.au/play/recreation/protect-our-coast.aspx
Shire of Gingin media contact:
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
T: (08) 9575 5100
E: media@gingin.wa.gov.au
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