Landcare Award applauds Claudia’s coastal crusade
Yorke Peninsula’s Claudia Smith has been recognised for her ongoing commitment to protecting and improving the Tippara Springs area, with an Indigenous Land Corporation Land Management Award at the 2015 SA Landcare Awards in Waikerie last week.
Claudia, a member of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resource Management Board, is a passionate advocate for the Narungga Community.
A Narungga Elder, Claudia raised concerns in 2013 about damage to the Tippara Springs area, a significant archaelogical site located within a large dune blowout near Cape Elizabeth.
The area, which fronts the Eastern Spencer Gulf Marine Park which was established to protect squid spawning grounds, holds great significance for Claudia’s family.
Her father was a custodian of the area, a responsibility which now rests with Claudia who instigated the Tippara Springs Coastal Restoration project for country that was being damaged by unauthorised 4WDs, motorbikes and quad bikes.
Funded by community grants, the coastal restoration project is managed by a working group made up of local Narungga Community members, community volunteers, as well as State and local government agencies.
Among the projects undertaken by the group was a Community Planting Day held over Easter this year, which saw coir logs installed to stabilise damaged sand dunes and block off unauthorised tracks, updated signage erected, and more than 600 locally-grown coastal seedlings planted.
It was a highly successful community event with cross-cultural knowledge sharing a highlight and on-ground works providing ongoing benefits to both the local community and the environment.
NRM Board Presiding Member Eric Sommerville has congratulated Claudia on her outstanding efforts and vision for the area, and applauded her success in the SA Landcare Awards.
"Claudia’s passion for the Tippara Springs area and the work she has done in bringing together community to work to restore and maintain this vital and culturally-significant region of the Yorke Peninsula is outstanding," Mr Sommerville said.
"The Northern and Yorke NRM Board congratulates Claudia on being recognised as a winner in the 2015 SA Landcare Awards, and thanks her and her community for their ongoing efforts in making a tangible difference to the environment."
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