In 2010 Surfrider Foundation Capricorn Coast Branch representatives joined The Keppel and Fitzroy Delta Alliance (KAFDA) to lend their local resources and knowledge to assist in the prevention of 3 industrial developments, including 2 coal export terminals in the Fitzroy River Delta, Keppel Bay and North Curtis Island within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The proposed developments included extensive dredging and construction with the potential for signficant negative impacts on the social, environmental and economic fabric of the local area including potential impacts to much loved local surf break ‘The Big Dune’. Surfrider Foundation representative’s sat on the board of KAFDA and played a supporting role in recruiting local, national and international support to oppose the development. Since the campaign’s inception local Surfrider Foundation representatives have been involved in preparing submissions, speaking at community forums, lobbying local, state and federal politicians, attending rallies and concerts and mobilising the local community to take action as apart of the KAFDA. After a number of years of pressure from KAFDA and other significant community groups and not-for profits, the proponents withdrew their development proposals. KAFDA and local Surfrider representatives are now looking at campaigning for specific legislative protection for the area to ensure any future proposals are unable to be made. For more information please visit the KAFDA website.