The Bellerive Bluff Landcare and Coastcare group held their first public meeting on December 7th, 2000.  How far have they come since then?

Image: The group's AGM in 2003!

In 2022 this group celebrated their 21st Birthday.

Throughout the last 21 years, the group has undergone many changes. From a humble meeting of  passionate community members, to winning national awards, the group has transformed the Bellerive Beach area with extensive track works, erosion control, revegetation, and even the decorative re-vamping of storm water drains. 

Image: "A working bee crew from the early days" 

From their first public meeting in the year 2000, the newly elected committee set out the following aims:

1. To identify and preserve the significant characteristics of the Bluff

2. To provide positive direction and guidance for new development in the area

3. To protect and enhance valued and significant characteristics and amenity of the area.

Image: The public notice from December 2000

Highlights

• Since 2002, 152 different households have taken out a membership or made a donation. 
• in 2004, the new Viewing Platform was officially opened.
• In 2009, the construction of a stairway to the fort was completed.
• The group have engaged many school communities: the Hutchins School, St Virgil's College, MacKillop College, Fahan School, Bellerive Primary School, and the Cottage school.

Awards

• 2011- they were recognised with the Tasmanian Urban Landcare Award. 
• 2011- Best Beach: Bellerive Beach, incorporating both bluffs - Tasmanian Tidy Towns / Keep Australia Beautiful Awards
• 2013- Graeme Rainbow - Clarence City Council Citizen of the Year
• 2013 - Runner ups for National Pride of Australia Awards. In recognition for turning 3km of weeds into a riverfront ribbon of paths, seats, stairs, and native plants. 
• 2020- Dal Hyland, BBLC committee member, recipient of the Clarence Citizen of the Year Award. Alderman Doug Chipman, Mayor of Clarence, said "Dal is someone who quietly achieves a great deal for his community in Bellerive.

Watch the celebration video 

Before and After Photos

Access to Kangaroo Battery Transformation

Before:

After:

The Beach Garden Transformation

Before:

After:

The Prisoner Project Transformation

Before:

After:

 Image: Arvind and Neale admiring their hard work

The Bellerive Bluff Land and Coast Care group greatly values the contributions of Les Curry, Ian Davenport, Greg Baker, Neale Matthews, David Ransley, Dal Hyland, Anthony Oakes, and David Heald, who have sadly passed away. 

Thank you to the contributions of all volunteers and supporters of the Bellerive Bluff Land and Coastcare Group - we can't wait for another 21 years of caring for this patch.