In a powerful display of international environmental partnership, a crew of United States Navy submariners has rolled up their sleeves to help protect Western Australia's precious coastline from the escalating threat of erosion.
Hands-On Help for a Precious Coastline
The collaborative effort saw approximately 15 crew members from the USS Vermont join the City of Cockburn's environmental operations team on Tuesday, November 18. The mission focused on the shores of Coogee Beach, where the team worked to install an impressive two tonnes of brushing and manually removed invasive plant species.
This specialised brushing technique is a cornerstone of modern coastal management. It involves strategically placing natural materials like twigs, branches, and other vegetation directly onto the dunes. These materials act as a natural barrier, trapping wind-blown sand and significantly reducing its movement, thereby stabilising the dune system and fortifying the beach against erosive forces.
A Coastline Under Pressure
The initiative is a critical part of the City of Cockburn's ongoing and multi-faceted campaign to mitigate the impacts of coastal erosion. This environmental challenge is being intensively driven by the effects of climate change, which brings rising sea levels and more frequent severe weather events.
The city's comprehensive coastal management program extends beyond brushing to include other vital strategies such as sand nourishment, revegetation with native species, and continuous shoreline monitoring. The urgency of this work is underscored by a sobering statistic: more than 50 metres of shoreline in Cockburn has been lost to erosion over the past two decades.
Strengthening Ties On and Off the Water
Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett welcomed the support from the visiting US Navy personnel, highlighting the value of strong partnerships. "Our coastline is one of Cockburn’s greatest natural assets, and protecting it requires hands-on work and strong partnerships," Mayor Howlett stated.
The submariners are in Australia ahead of the formal establishment of the Submarine Rotational Force — West, a program designed to create a regular rotation of visiting US submarines in Western Australia. This initiative aims to strengthen both defence and community ties within the Indo-Pacific region.
US Consulate Perth Consul General Colleen Altstock praised the coastal rehabilitation activity as a valuable experience for the crew. "It’s terrific that submariners from USS Vermont were able to assist with dune protection at Coogee Beach during their visit to WA," she 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."
Ms. Altstock also noted the US Navy's enthusiasm for community engagement, adding that the submariners relish opportunities to give back to the communities that host them. She expressed anticipation for more such interactions as the AUKUS security pact continues to develop, signalling a future where defence collaboration and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.
