SECCI
(South East Coastal care Initiative)
The South East Coastal Care Initiative (SECCI) is a not-for-profit community group formed by locals who care deeply about our coastline. We’re commercial and recreational fishers, residents, businesses, and community members coming together to protect and enhance the beautiful South East coast.
From storm damage and erosion to sand build-up and access issues, our coastline faces growing challenges that affect our environment, lifestyle, and local economy. Sand build-up also threatens nearby seagrass beds, which help stabilise the seabed and support marine life. The loss of these seagrass beds accelerates erosion and leads to a decline in biodiversity.
SECCI works alongside councils and government to find practical solutions, bring the community together, and secure a healthy, thriving coastline for generations to come.
We’re a group of doers.
We don’t come with problems — we come with environmentally sustainable, long-term solutions.
Working together to protect our coast
MISSION:
To advocate for sustainable coastal management, represent community interests, promote evidence-based solutions, and facilitate community engagement in coastal issues.
VISION:
To ensure the long-term health, accessibility, and sustainability of the South East coast of South Australia for the benefit of local communities, businesses, and the environment.
Current Projects & Priorities
key focus areas
SECCI is focused on practical, community-driven action to protect and enhance the South East coast. These are our initial strategic priorities:
Sand management & erosion control
Developing long-term, sustainable solutions to restore natural sand flows, reduce erosion, and protect coastal ecosystems.
Cape Jaffa Sand Management Project – working to reduce erosion, remove excessive sand build up, protect sea grass beds, and provide a long-term lasting solution for marina access.
Maria Creek Restoration – Develop a sustainable plan to reopen the creek and maintain safe access.
Community Engagement & Membership
Mobilising local residents, businesses, and visitors to get involved.
Launching SECCI membership for individuals and organisations.
Hosting community meetings and forums to share updates and shape local solutions together.
Government Advocacy
Building strong partnerships with local, state, and federal government to secure long-term funding and policy support.
Preparing strategic submissions and participating in policy discussions.
Establishing relationships with key decision-makers.
Education, Research & Awareness
Building knowledge and understanding to support sustainable coastal management today and for generations to come.
Partnering with agencies and researchers to monitor water quality, biodiversity, and coastal processes.
Raising awareness of coastal issues and solutions within local communities and among visitors.
Current Projects
CAPE JAFFA SAND MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Coastal Works Taking Shape
SECCI is supporting strategic sand management works at Cape Jaffa to open the marina and widen east side beach access, while protecting vulnerable coastal areas from erosion. During this process, we will also address the western side sand build-up that has affected the marina mouth, the broader ecosystem, and valuable seagrass beds.
Stage 1:
With the marina mouth currently closed, we have taken the opportunity to begin trucking several thousand cubic metres of sand from the western beach to the eastern side. This proactive step will help ensure that the scheduled dredging works throughout November 2025 have a lasting and meaningful impact on the health and accessibility of the marina.
These works are being carried out in alignment with the long-term sand and dredge management strategy developed by Magryn & Associates and adopted by Kingston District Council. The strategy outlines a sustainable approach to managing sediment movement at Cape Jaffa, including the use of both land- and sea-based equipment to achieve the recommended annual target of 150,000 m³ of sand movement. Our current efforts are a significant step toward meeting that target this year.
Stage 2:
Work with key stakeholders to develop a long-term solution that supports sustainable sand management practices, protects environmental values, and ensures the ongoing accessibility and functionality of the Cape Jaffa Marina.
Cape Jaffa Marina — Top: Early 2025 | Bottom: October 2025
secci pRIORITY PROJECTS
SECCI is focused on delivering practical, community-driven initiatives that support sustainable coastal management across the South East. These key projects reflect current priorities, with regular updates to be shared as each one progresses.
🌊 Cape Jaffa Sand Management
Strategic sand management works are underway to widen beach access, protect vulnerable coastal areas, and address sand build-up affecting nearby infrastructure. This includes redistributing excess sand, pumping from key locations, and importing new sand to stabilise the foreshore and strengthen coastal buffers.
🌿Maria Creek WORKS Project
Supporting the development of a long-term, sustainable solution to reopen and maintain Maria Creek, ensuring safe access for the community while reducing environmental impacts.
🛥 Kingston Boat Ramp
Working with stakeholders to advocate for upgrades and improved coastal management at the Kingston boat ramp, ensuring reliable access and supporting the local community, tourism, and recreational users.
🌉 Cape Jaffa Jetty
Working with key stakeholders to remove excess sand build-up around the jetty and develop a long-term plan to ensure the vital sea grass beds are replenished and marine habitats are preserved. This will help protect the jetty, support local ecosystems, and maintain this important coastal area for future generations.
🌾
Kingston Jetty
Collaborating with stakeholders to make sure that, once the new jetty is completed, vital sea grass beds are replenished and marine life is supported through environmentally sustainable sand management practices. These measures will help enhance biodiversity, boost tourism, and reduce long-term maintenance and sand management costs.
💙 BECOME A MEMBER
South East Coastal Care Initiative (SECCI) welcomes individuals, businesses, and community groups to become members and support our mission to protect and enhance our coastline.
Simply click
Join Us, complete the membership form, and email it to
info@secci.org.au.
Membership helps us:
- Represent local voices in government and policy discussions
- Deliver strategic advocacy on coastal management
- Share research and information with communities
- Build a sustainable, long-term coastal stewardship network
🌟 DONATE TO OUR CAUSE
Every donation, large or small, helps us protect the places we all love and enables SECCI to continue delivering meaningful outcomes for our community.
We’d love to hear from you — please contact us if you’d like to make a donation or support our coastal care initiatives.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a question, an idea, or want to get involved, SECCI welcomes community members, businesses, and partners to connect.
✉️
Email:
info@secci.org.au
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Website:
www.secci.org.au
