Go before you go Campaign launch
Published on 15 December 2023
As we approach the bustling holiday season, the Bellingen Shire is encouraging visitors and locals to help protect our pristine waterways and remote swimming holes from the unintended consequences of their own popularity.
Increased visitors to these swimming holes in recent years, both local and from afar, has led to an increase in rubbish and pollution, posing a threat to the ecological treasures that define these recreational spots. Acknowledging this, Mayor, Cr Steve Allan highlights the importance of responsible tourism and is reinforcing the messaging from the recent Riverwatch campaign “Go Before You Go”. Bellingen Shire Council is supporting the campaign through its own advertising and targeted messaging, which will roll out over the peak summer season as a vital step towards preserving the Shire’s natural assets.
“Whether you’re a resident, a worker, or a visitor we all have a role to play in protecting the Shire's special areas. With the increasing numbers visiting our swimming holes during the peak season, our waterways and surrounds are under strain. We call on everyone to join us in being guardians of our beautiful, natural places,” says Mayor, Cr Steve Allan.
Go Before You Go Campaign:
Bellingen Shire Council is encouraging all visitors to plan their trips conscientiously. The natural recreation spots beyond the township are not serviced with toilets, making it imperative to “Go Before You Go” at the nearest public toilet. Mayor, Cr Steve Allan highlights: "It is important that locals and visitors alike recognise that we are all guests on Gumbaynggirr Country. This region is home to some of the world’s oldest and ecologically rich rainforests.”
The campaign will connect with audiences through an array of distribution channels. Local businesses will feature campaign flyers, while roadside advertising will be strategically placed at township exits. Additionally, Council will allocate resources for print, radio and digital advertising to consistently reinforce the campaign’s key messages throughout the holiday season.
We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful water recreation sites, but it’s crucial to do so responsibly. This campaign says it clearly, "Go before you go” at the public toilets before leaving the township. The campaign also encourages everyone to be guardians of the Shire, Mayor Cr Steve Allan emphasises, “As guardians, let’s tread lightly together, protect the land, respect ancient cultures, and ensure the longevity of our Shire’s natural beauty.”
The Shire has a network of public toilets across its three townships. A list of where these facilities are located has been made available on the Council’s website: bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Business/Tourism/Go-Before-You-Go-Campaign
This resource serves to assist individuals navigating the Shire, allowing them to identify the nearest public toilet before departing from any of the townships.
The five key takeaways from the campaign to help us protect Bellingen Shire’s ecological treasures are:
- Go Before You Go: Make a pit stop at the public toilets before leaving the township.
- Leave No Trace: Carry all your rubbish with you to preserve the pristine environment.
- Pick Up After Your Pets: Enjoy pet-friendly sites responsibly by keeping pets on a leash and cleaning up after them.
- Be Sun Safe and Sunscreen-Wise: opt for mineral-based sunscreens like zinc to avoid harmful chemicals in waterways.
- Explore Responsibly: If parking is challenging, look for designated areas to avoid damage to riverbanks and ensure safety for all. The Shire offers countless beautiful places to explore, from the mountains to the sea. If the car park is full, adapt your plan and find another spot. Consider visiting popular areas at quieter times of the day.
Council’s aim of the Go Before You Go campaign is to highlight the shared responsibility of all people wishing to enjoy the special locations of the Shire, and to do so in an environmentally responsible way. We invite everyone to be part of the solution to ensure the Bellingen Shire remains a paradise for generations to come.