Combatting pollution and environmental damage on the rapidly growing North Coast is the focus of a new regional environmental task force.

“The hectic pace of urbanisation along the Dolphin Coast in recent years has put enormous pressure on our environment, most obviously in increased levels of air, water and land pollution,” says Brian Pottinger, who is to head up the new task force for the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra).

The announcement was made on World Climate Action Day last Friday.

While not an enforcement agency, the subcommittee will identify environmental issues, gathering data, reporting to authorities and collaborating on solutions.

ALSO READ: Docrra environmental committee targets pollution

Their action-driven approach includes a wide range of initiatives, including assisting legal prosecutions with environmental data, supporting enforcement agencies, monitoring air and water quality and reporting and following up on illegal waste dumping.

Pottinger believes a clean and healthy environment is a right.

“It forms the foundation of our well-being, our economy, and our shared future. It is worth defending.”

Docrra will use drone technology to track toxic burn sites, protect estuaries, review coastal development plans, support local conservancies, precinct management and beach-cleaning efforts.

They will be collaborating with partners to combat wildlife poaching, dog hunting, and marine plunder.

“The subcommittee’s mission is to connect the dots between community, conservation, and accountability to ensure the Dolphin Coast environment thrives,” he said.

“With collective effort, by increasing environmental surveillance, speeding up response times, and building co-operative solutions, we can restore the balance of our ecosystems and ensure that the Dolphin Coast remains a clean, healthy, thriving home for generations to come.”

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