The City of Charles Sturt has 11.5km of coastline. Our coastal dunes form part of a dunal system that extends from Seacliff to Outer Harbour. The current sea level was reached between 6,000 and 7,000 years ago forming our current coastline. Prior to European settlement the back of our dunal system was periodically inundated and swampy, this area extending from West Beach northwards met with the salt marsh/tidal estuary that is now West Lakes.
Our coastal vegetation is described in detail in the book “Pre-European Vegetation Of Adelaide: A Survey From The Gawler River To Hallet Cove”. This book by D.N. Kraehenbuehl describes the main plant association (plant species that seem to commonly grow side by side) as: Open Heath, consisting of Olearia axillaris, Acacia longifolia var. sophorae and Leucopogon parviflorus. There were and are numerous other species that form the under-storey (lower shrubs and groundcovers) to these larger shrubs that form the more visible overstorey.
The plants listed on our ‘Local Coastal Plants’ brochure are the more common coastal plants that you will find along our coastal strip.
Our remaining narrow coastal strip is home to a variety of birds, insects and reptiles. Some of the more common species you may see along our strip include:
Australian Kestrel – Falco cenchroides
Pacific Gull – Larus pacificus
Shingle Back – Tiliqua rugosa
Bearded Dragon – Pogona barbata
For further information please see our Vegetation Management Plans or contact the Natural Resource Management Officer on 8408 1208.
Community Coastal Reference Group
The Community Coastal Reference Group is an advisory group to Council on matters relating to the management and protection of the coastal environment. The group consists of 15 members representing the broad interests of the coastal community, Council and the State Government.
For further information please contact Council's Natural Resource Management Officer on 8408 1208.