Biripi artwork features on environmental monitoring boat

PORT Macquarie Hastings Council has unveiled a First Nations design on one of its environmental monitoring boats, marking another step in the development of its Sea Country Action Plan with the Birpai community.

The unveiling took place at Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Macquarie, where Mayor Adam Roberts joined Biripi artist Jacinta Janik and Council staff to launch the vessel.

Mayor Roberts said the unveiling recognised both the region’s waterways and Birpai culture.

“Thank you to Jacinta for her design, which will now be seen in motion, moving up and down our waterways as our staff continue to do their work in maintaining our waterways and coastline,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity to combine PMHC’s cultural and environmental priorities.

“Our boats cover more than 200km of estuary between the Hastings River, Camden Haven, Lake Cathie and Lake Innes, inspecting 30 priority erosion sites each quarter by boat and drone survey.”

The boat, which is used to monitor more than 200 kilometres of coastline and estuaries across the region, now carries Ms Janik’s artwork.

Ms Janik was selected through a Council competition held last year to create the artwork.

She said the design reflects memories of growing up on the Mid North Coast.

“Growing up by the beach, I spent hours walking the shoreline with my family and collecting shells.

“These experiences fostered a deep connection to Country which continues to influence and inspire my artworks, such as this one,” she said.

“My art captures the natural patterns and rhythms of Country – flowing lines, organic forms and earthy tones that speak to harmony, movement and life.”

Council said the design will also become the identity of its Sea Country Action Plan, which is being developed with the Birpai community.

The plan aims to support marine ecosystems, include Birpai knowledge in the management of Sea Country and strengthen partnerships between Local Aboriginal Land Councils, government agencies and community members.

Council Coordinator Coast and Estuaries Ben Foster said the 4.5-metre Stacer Proline boat was chosen because it can access shallow waterways while also travelling long distances across local estuaries.

“It took us a bit of research to find the right vessel for our needs and one of the advantages is that it has a front deck for launching drones which help with our environmental surveys,” he said.

The boat is used throughout the year to monitor estuary health, inspect erosion sites and carry out biosecurity work along waterways across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

Currently PMHC’s Coastal Management Plan (CMP) is out for community feedback, both online and in-person sessions in Port Macquarie, Laurieton, Wauchope and Bonny Hills until 15 July.

Stage 3 and 4 of the CMP focuses on collaborating with the community, stakeholders and government agencies to explore potential management options, assess risks and opportunities.