Dr Sally Gregory educating students about the significance of the Tallebudgera Creek ecosystem and the threats to it's fragile marine life.

Tallebudgera Creek is one of the Gold Coast’s most loved natural spaces — but beneath the surface, a hidden crisis is unfolding. I'm Dr Sally Gregory and since 2020, I’ve been diving under the GC Highway bridge to remove dangerous fishing line and debris from this fragile estuarine ecosystem. What began as a personal mission has grown into a community effort. Together, we've removed over 60 kilometers of fishing line (that's enough to reach from Tallebudgera Creek to Brunswick River!), thousands of hooks and sinkers, nets, litter, e- bikes and fish traps — all from the public swimming area.

We are calling on the City of Gold Coast Council to formally recognise the importance of Tallebudgera Creek, consult with the community, and support a collaborative Tallebudgera Creek Management Plan that protects this special place for future generations. 

Therefore, we the undersigned, respectfully petition the Council of the City of Gold Coast to:

1. Acknowledge the environmental, cultural, social, recreational, and economic importance of the Tallebdugera Creek estuarine system.

2. Undertake a study to identify all stakeholders in the Tallebdugera Creek, including environmental volunteers working to clear the system of litter, improve water quality, and restore the adjacent natural areas.

3. Consult with the State Government, all stakeholders, and the wider community to develop a Tallebudgera Creek Management Plan that encourages the enjoyment of the waterway (and surrounds) in an environmentally responsible way.

4. Support the work of environmental volunteers working within the waterway by identifying grant opportunities to cover equipment and consumable costs, gear servicing and repairs, including air tank refills.

Sally removing 50m of the 60 kilometers of fishing line, hooks, sinkers and other threats to swimmers, paddlers and marine life - one dive at a time.

Speak up now so your kids, and their kids can still swim, explore, and fall in love with Tallebudgera Creek - just like I did. Thank you - Sally, The Tallebudgera Creek Fairy.

NOTE: funds donated through Change.org go to Change.org and NOT this project.