Moving beyond simple waste management, the Shire’s new summer campaign addresses growing pressures on popular swimming holes and natural recreation areas.
Each summer, the Bellingen Shire draws thousands of visitors seeking its cool rivers and waterfalls, lush rainforests, vibrant villages, and laid-back holiday atmosphere. This increased visitation brings welcome support to local businesses after another challenging year marked by rising costs and economic pressures. With this popularity comes heightened pressure on some of the Shire’s most fragile natural places.
Building on the ECO Destination Certification achieved in 2024, Bellingen Shire Council is strengthening its commitment to sustainable tourism with a new, expanded responsible visitor campaign for the 2025–26 summer season.
The new slogan, ‘Know Before You Go’ evolves the widely recognised ‘Go Before You Go’ messaging from the previous two summers into a broader, Shire-wide platform aimed at protecting waterways, wildlife habitat, and the visitor experience.
Mayor Cr. Steve Allan said the refreshed approach reflects both community expectations and the visible impacts occurring at rivers and natural recreation areas during peak periods.
“Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at eco certification,” Mayor Allan said.
“We’ve listened to our community and seen firsthand the pressures at popular sites. This campaign broadens our messaging to address the behaviours that have direct impacts on river health, wildlife, and local amenity during summer.”
Th
is year’s campaign focuses on simple, practical actions visitors and locals can take to keep natural areas healthy:
• Take all litter and waste home – including food scraps and dog waste
• Use town toilets before visiting natural areas and prepare for no amenities
• Keep dogs leashed and give wildlife space
• Stay on tracks and park only in designated areas
• Before swimming, choose zinc-based sunscreen and gentle insect repellent to help protect the waterways
The campaign will be seen across the Shire and includes a comprehensive set of tools to reach visitors at key touchpoints:
• A short, locally shot video for targeted social media advertising
• Roadside variable messaging boards in key areas with high traffic
• Radio and traditional media adverts
• A new suite of posters and pamphlets for local businesses and accommodation providers
• A dedicated webpage with tips and guidance for respecting sensitive environments
Local businesses are being invited to support the campaign by displaying promotional material and sharing information with visitors and locals both in person and via their social media pages.
Bellingen Shire Council General Manager Mark Griffioen acknowledges that places like the Promised Lands in Gleniffer experience significant pressure from peak tourist season, and that Council is working with partners to progress long-term, sustainable management solutions.
“In the meantime, Council is working to improve visitor information, including providing guidance on alternative spots to explore, and simple ways to tread lightly to help ease the load on these special areas,” said Mark Griffioen Council’s General Manager.
“Striking the balance between welcoming visitors and protecting these special areas is an ongoing journey.”
“Our community values our waterways deeply, and this campaign helps ensure visitors and locals understand how to care for them. It’s simple things such as seeing litter and picking it up that helps protect our wildlife and beautiful natural areas.”
“Our approach reflects who we are: connected, creative and caring of the place we call home.”
For more information or to explore the responsible visitor tips, visit: https://www.visitbellingenshire.com.au/Plan/Tips-on-how-to-explore-with-care
The Point