Cockburn Volunteers Deploy Megaphones to Safeguard Historic Omeo Shipwreck
In a unique effort to protect a cherished maritime landmark, volunteers armed with megaphones have been stationed at Coogee Beach in Perth to deter visitors from damaging the Omeo shipwreck. The City of Cockburn has launched the second phase of this initiative, following a successful trial last summer, with trained Coogee Maritime Trail volunteers monitoring the federally protected site to promote responsible behavior.
Megaphone Patrols to Educate and Enforce Heritage Laws
From now until April 20, volunteers will be on duty from 7am to 1pm Monday through Saturday, and 9am to 1pm on Sundays, taking up strategic positions along the foreshore. Their primary role is to provide community education about the trail's history while using megaphones to call out individuals who climb on or remove parts from the Omeo wreck. Clare Courtauld, the City of Cockburn's service lead for sustainability and climate change, emphasized that this approach aims to address ongoing challenges with visitor misconduct.
"Their role is to provide community education about the trail's history, while helping protect the Omeo shipwreck by promoting responsible behavior, including not touching or climbing on the historic wreck," Ms Courtauld explained. Volunteers follow a specific script during training, such as announcing, "Good morning snorkellers. This is the City of Cockburn. Can those of you standing or climbing on the wreck please get off. Thank you."
Protecting a Key Cultural and Ecological Site
The Omeo shipwreck, which sank in 1905, is a central feature of the Coogee Maritime Trail, offering a sanctuary for marine life and an exceptional underwater experience for snorkelers and divers. As a site over 75 years old, it is automatically protected under the Commonwealth Underwater Cultural Heritage Act, making any disturbance, including standing on the structure, a legal offence. Ross Anderson, WA Museum curator of maritime heritage, highlighted the wreck's significance and accessibility.
"Being in shallow safe waters so close to shore, Omeo is the most accessible historic shipwreck in the metropolitan area and can be easily visited by snorkelers and scuba divers," Dr Anderson said. "Any human disturbance is prohibited as it may cause damage, and these protections ensure the site is preserved for future generations." The museum has collaborated with Cockburn council on the trail and supports the megaphone trial to sustain this cultural asset.
Evaluating the Impact and Future of the Initiative
While anecdotal evidence suggests a reduction in incidents since the volunteer program began two years ago, Ms Courtauld noted that it is too early to determine the specific impact of the megaphones. "This strategy will need to be implemented over a few years to determine a level of change," she stated. A public consultation period is open online at 'Comment on Cockburn' until April 22, after which the council will finalize a report on the trial.
If community feedback remains positive, the megaphones could become a permanent tool in the seasonal program, enhancing efforts to protect the Omeo shipwreck. This initiative underscores the balance between promoting tourism and preserving heritage, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore this unique underwater treasure.
