Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beaches Finalist 2013Currumbin Beach, Queensland

Currumbin’s Clean Beaches storyJust far enough away, Currumbin Beach is known for the beach-village vibe, sandy beaches, calm waters, mangroves, internationally recognised surf break, as well as boating, fishing and surf club activities. There is something for everyone and a lot to be loved by the many ‘friends’ of Currumbin Beach.

Interestingly, the word Currumbin is of Aboriginal origin and means quicksand. An obstacle that once caused concern with creek crossings in the late 19th century. Currumbin Creek is strongly influenced by the dynamics of the coastal zone with tidal flushing and the movement of coastal sands. The creek is shaped by catchment processes upstream, with the headwaters starting at Mt Cougal National Park and the McPherson Range in the west. Catchment to coastal processes, as well as the legacy of coastal development and associated usage has also shaped Currumbin Beach.

Along the beachfront there is Flat Rock Creek to south, Elephant Rock nestled in the middle and Currumbin Rock at the mouth of Currumbin Creek. The geography is of particular character, especially the elevated, green backdrop opening million-dollar vistas of the Gold Coast. These prominent features support the natural vegetation with steep hillsides that contrast with the adjacent beaches of Tugun and Palm Beach.

The uniqueness of Currumbin Beach also extends to the community characters and in particular those involved in ensuring it is the cleanest. This involves strong partnerships between the City of Gold Coast, Griffith Centre for Coastal Management, local businesses, environmental organisations and the community. Fortunately, this has conserved Currumbin Beach to be the same tomorrow as it is today.

Long-term partnerships between the City of Gold Coast, Griffith Centre for Coastal Management and the community activate community action.

The Ecovillage at Curumbin has set a precedence for sustainable living, green building innovation and resource waste management, as well as community ownership and leadership. There are many other energy and water conservation initiatives at Currumbin RSL, Vikings SLSC, etc.

Currumbin RSL is committed to sustainable and connected communities through their environmental and social responsibility targets. Their vision of being ‘the best little club in the world’ helps protect the beach and surrounding coastal landscape. This photo showcases one of the passionate chefs cutting herbs from one of their 100% self-sufficient herb gardens - he thinks Currumbin Beach is the best beach in the world!

The City of Gold Coast has a long-term vision of healthy beaches and have proven success at Currumbin Beach with the dredging campaign to improve the health of the Creek and sustain beach width.

A creative way to educate the community about beach litter and marine debris at the SWELL Sculpture Festival. ‘Can’t Sea Through This’ sourced litter collected from Gold Coast’s beaches by the community, schools and council.

Gold Coast Surf World at Currumbin Beach has the largest collection of surf memorabilia in the southern hemisphere!

Indigenous culture celebrated at the Gecko House.

For more information please contact:Griffith Centre for Coastal Management griffith.edu.au/coastal-management gccm@griffith.edu.au I 07 5552 8506

“just far enough away”

Young Legends

Community Action & Partnerships

Heritage & Culture

Litter Prevention

Resource Recovery & Waste Management

Environmental Innovation & Protection

Urban sensitive design for energy & water

conservation

Active university students take action to keep the

beach clean with BeachCare and the community.

Bren Milsom, one of the many ‘friends of’ Currumbin is always

on the look out to ensure Currumbin Beach is the cleanest.