A crew of U.S. Navy submariners visiting Western Australia has teamed up with the City of Cockburn to help protect local beaches from coastal erosion.
About 15 submariners joined the City’s Environmental Operations team on Tuesday 18 November to install two tonnes of brushing and undertake hand weeding of invasive species at Coogee Beach.
Brushing involves the installation of natural dune stabilisation materials, such as twigs, branches and vegetation, which help to prevent the movement of sand.
The collaboration forms part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce the impacts of erosion along the coastline, which continues to face pressure from climate change.
More than 50m of shoreline in Cockburn has been lost to erosion over the past 20 years.
Mayor Logan Howlett said the activity was a welcome show of support from visiting members of the U.S. Navy.
“Our coastline is one of Cockburn’s greatest natural assets, and protecting it requires hands-on work and strong partnerships,” Mayor Howlett said.
“We appreciate the submariners taking time out of their demanding schedules to help maintain our beaches. It’s a great example of community spirit and cooperation across nations.”
The visiting submariners are in Australia in advance of the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force-West, a regular rotation of visiting U.S. submarines in Western Australia aimed at strengthening defence and community ties in the region.
U.S. Consulate General Perth Consul General Colleen Altstock said the coastal rehabilitation opportunity was a valuable activity for the U.S. Navy submariners.
"It's terrific that submariners from USS Vermont were able to assist with dune protection at Coogee Beach during their visit to Western Australia,” Consul General Altstock said.
“Not only did they get to see one of the most pristine and beautiful coastlines in Australia, but they were also able to speak with locals and lend a hand to the City of Cockburn.
"Submariners always love volunteering and giving back to the cities and towns that welcome them with open arms.
“We look forward to continuing to see members of the U.S. Navy interact with the local community in the future as AUKUS moves full steam ahead."
The rehabilitation work complements the City’s broader coastal management program, which includes sand nourishment, revegetation and shoreline monitoring.