WILDCARE Deslacs

  Launching the Natural Values Sign at Clifton Beach
Visitors to Clifton Beach can now learn more about the natural values of the locale, thanks to stylish new signage in the adjoining picnic area. The sign gives information about the three adjoining reserves that make up this conservation area.

Clarence City Council Mayor Doug Chipman and Councillor Sharyn Von Bertouch were on hand to mark the occasion. Commenting on the way the design reflected the cultural and natural values of the area, “It’s a beautiful sign” Mayor Chipman said to the artist commissioned to undertake the work, Kath Chapman, of Design Soiree, Cremorne.

Clarence City Council has been very supportive of Wildcare Deslacs and been a valuable partner in maintaining the group’s momentum. The natural values sign was funded by a Clarence City Council Community Support Grant. It marks another step in the implementation of the 2013 Clifton Beach Coastal Reserve Activity Plan - collaboratively developed by Clarence City Council; Wildcare Deslacs; Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service; the Clifton Beach Surf Lifesaving Club; and other interested members of the community. Clarence City Council has provided funding to work in partnership with these stakeholders to:

• undertake landscape and revegetation activities
• upgrade beach access and dune fencing
• planting in the local park and along Clifton Beach Rd

Council has also supported the rubbish clean ups with funding and/or practical support on Clean Up Australia Day (pictured). Peter Feil, Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger at the South East Field Centre, Seven Mile Beach, expressed appreciation of the work of Wildcare groups, such as the one operating at Clifton Beach. The Community Action in Reserves (CARes) groups assist in Reserve management across the state. Wildcare Deslacs work with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service on protecting the short-tailed shearwater rookery on the Cape Deslacs reserve (pictured). Ian Mace, Wildcare Deslacs president, thanked both key partners and then outlined the other kinds of work done by the group, which was formed in November 2008. This includes work with the Pipeclay Lagoon Oyster Growers Association removing feral oysters from the Pipeclay Lagoon Reserve (pictured) and work with the University of Tasmania Tasmanian Shoreline Monitoring and Archiving Project (monitoring the effects of sea level rise on vulnerable coastlines). It is all part of the Wildcare Deslacs mission of 'Caring for Clifton'. Have a listen to the group's theme song Time For Wildcare