Media Release

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) and Shell Australia today launched the 2005 Shell Coastal Volunteers Great Ocean Roadshow at Barwon Heads, kicking off five days of environmental volunteering aimed at caring for the coast for Easter.

During each day of the Roadshow teams of volunteers, managed by CVA, will work at specified sites all in the name of helping the environment and conserving a vital piece of Australia’s natural heritage. Locations that will receive special attention include Barwon Heads Bluff, Breamlea, Airey’s Inlet, Moggs Creek and Apollo Bay.

Chairman of CVA, Mr Neil Jens, said today’s launch provided a unique opportunity to showcase the tremendous work volunteers undertake in Australia, and was enthusiastic about the results the program will bring to the environment.

“The Shell Coastal Volunteers Great Ocean Roadshow is a great initiative and as people prepare for their Easter trip, our team of volunteers will be helping to care for this spectacular coastline in preparation,” said Mr Jens.

“The program is just one of the 2000 projects CVA coordinates throughout Australia, however it is full of significance from an environmental, cultural and historical perspective.”

Shell Coastal Volunteers is an initiative of CVA, Australia’s largest practical conservation organization, and Shell Australia.  It is now Australia’s largest and most successful volunteer program with a coastal zone focus.

Shell Geelong Refinery Manager, Mr Geoff Ellison, said the 2005 Great Ocean Roadshow was just one example of the exciting initiatives that Shell Coastal Volunteers undertakes.

“Shell entered into partnership with CVA in 2001 to commemorate our centenary of operations in Australia. Since then together we have helped protect and rehabilitate more than 400 of Australia’s significant coastal locations,” said Mr Ellison.

“Shell employees play a key role as volunteers, receiving paid leave from the business to work on some of the 100 Shell Coastal Volunteer projects each year.

“We are proud that our employees will, this week, be working together to protect one of the most important environmental assets in Australia - the Great Ocean Road.”

Day One - Monday 21 March 2005: Barwon Heads Bluff

Volunteers will be able to enjoy the beautiful views across Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove as they participate in a day of conservation activities at a site full of historical significance. The Barwon Heads Bluff was the original starting point of the Great Ocean Road, a fitting site for the launch of the program.

Day Two - Tuesday 22 March 2005: Breamlea

In conjunction with the Greater City of Geelong, the team of volunteers will work on the shores of Breamlea, a coastal centre just near Anglesea. Breamlea is home to many sand dunes that are in danger from various plant species that have invaded the area.  The removal of sea splurge, an exotic weed that originates in ballast water from the northern hemisphere, will be of high priority.

Day Three - Wednesday 23 March 2005: Airey’s Inlet

Volunteers will be able to enjoy the picturesque township of Airey’s Inlet whilst working to protect the coastal environment, through the removal of tea tree. Tea trees have covered the dunes and are a threat to many species in the region. Removal of the tea tree is imperative to enhance bio diversity at the site and protect the sand dunes at the Airey’s Inlet beach.

Day Four - Thursday 24 March 2005: Moggs Creek

Just two kilometres from Fairhaven, the tiny town of Moggs Creek is situated in a small valley that shelters homes from the sea winds. Volunteers will be involved in assisting with litter collection and weed removal.

Day Five - Friday 25 March 2005 Apollo Bay

The final day of the Great Ocean Road Show will be held on the foreshore of Apollo Bay. Apollo Bay nestles into the picturesque green foothills of the Otway Ranges, and it is here that some of the most spectacular coastal scenery can be seen. The team of volunteers will assist the local council with developing track work along the coastal area, an activity important to many of the plant and animal species at the site, as it will protect them from the affects of human impact.