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Coast To Coast - An Epic Walk Along Victoria'S Coastline Ends

On Sunday morning, Mr Lynn Murrell became the first person to complete a continuous solo walk along Victoria's 2000 kilometre coastline when he walked into Cape Howe on the New South Wales border.

By Minister for Environment - 19th April 2005 - Back to News

Lynn began his journey, named Walk the Talk, at Nelson on the South Australian border on January 4 this year. He has walked an average of 20 kilometres a day, carrying a third of his body weight, for 103 days, to complete his epic journey.

The Minister for Environment, John Thwaites, said that Lynn’s journey had taken him through 18 National or Coastal Parks and past all of Victoria's 24 Marine Parks and Sanctuaries and that the walk has raised awareness of Victoria’s magnificent coastline, parks and national parks.

These assets provide recreational, economic and environmental benefits for visitors and Victorians.

"Lynn has also passed by 57 Surf Live Saving Clubs, and 78 coastal caravan parks, and witnessed the hard work of 350 Coast Action/Coastcare groups," Mr Thwaites said.

"He has met with many of Victoria's coastal carers including local town residents, indigenous representatives and local government and I look forward to hearing more about what these groups have had to say," he said.

Having worn through two pairs of shoes, a delighted Mr Murrell said his journey had presented many physical and mental challenges, but it had only reaffirmed his love for Victoria's coastline and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

"Victoria has one of the world's most spectacular and diverse coastlines and we all need to do our bit to preserve this wonderful asset for future generations," Mr Murrell said.

"Over the past three months, I have been able to see first hand the beauty and uniqueness of our coast and the challenges involved in caring for it.

"I continue to be amazed and inspired by the beauty of our coast and also by the huge numbers of people who love and care for it".

Mr Murrell was inspired to undertake his journey after a long history of involvement in coastal issues. As a member of the Victorian Coastal Council, Chair of the Western Coastal Board, and President of Friends of Cape Nelson Landcare/Coastcare, Mr Murrell has been privy to extensive talk about managing and conserving Victoria's coasts. His walk was a chance to put his love and enjoyment of the coast into action.

"I've wanted to get out and walk the talk for a long time" he said.

"In Victoria about 20,000 volunteers care for the coast and thousands more enjoy it for recreation.

"All along the coast, I have been able to speak with the huge variety of people who care for our coasts and witness the tremendous efforts being carried out to protect these areas for future generations"

As part of his walk, Mr Murrell is encouraging Victorians to directly support Life Saving Victoria. Any donations made will support the 57 Life Saving Clubs along Victoria's coastline.

More than 96 percent of Victoria's 2000 kilometre coastline is public land, which is managed strategically by the Victorian Coastal Strategy and a large number of Coast Action Plans. Over 27 public committees of management are responsible for managing and protecting Victoria's coastal areas, in addition to large numbers of volunteers.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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