Burnside joins effort to restore South Australia’s coastal reefs
The City of Burnside is proud to support a new statewide environmental initiative that invites South Australians to enjoy their seafood while helping restore precious marine habitats.
Shells for Reefs, a State Government program delivered in partnership with the University of Adelaide and fish habitat charity OzFish, is encouraging community members and businesses to drop off clean oyster, mussel and scallop shells for recycling. These shells will be transformed into the building blocks of new shellfish reefs along South Australia’s coastline.
Burnside has been selected as one of only a handful of collection points, with a designated drop-off bin now available in the Burnside Civic Centre car park, for residents wanting to play their part in coastal recovery following this year’s algal bloom. Other collection points include Port Noarlunga Jetty and Tennyson Dunes.
The recycled shells will contribute to a major reef restoration project at Largs Bay, with more than nine tonnes of shells expected to be used to create new habitat for oysters and other marine life. Additional community-led reef projects are also planned across the Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas and Kangaroo Island, delivered in partnership with councils, local groups and Traditional Owners.
City of Burnside CEO Julia Grant said the city was proud to be selected as a Shells for Reefs collection site.
‘This is a great example of how small actions, like dropping off your leftover seafood shells, can support significant environmental outcomes,’ Julia said.
‘Burnside is known for getting behind sustainability initiatives and this program gives residents another tangible way to help restore and protect our natural environment.’
‘Our community has always taken pride in caring for the environment, from our parks and foothills to the wider natural landscapes we’re connected to. By taking part in Shells for Reefs, Burnside is demonstrating that every council, even those inland, can contribute to healthier coastlines and stronger marine habitats.’
Shellfish reefs play an essential role in keeping our coastal waters healthy. As oysters grow, they naturally filter the water around them, removing impurities and improving clarity. This steady filtration helps create the right conditions for seagrass, fish and countless other marine species to thrive, strengthening the overall health of the ecosystem.
After donation, volunteers will sanitise and prepare the shells before placing them in biodegradable cages or mesh bags, which will then be positioned on the seafloor to form the foundations of new reefs.
Residents and businesses can drop off their clean shells at the Burnside Civic Centre collection bin until the end of March 2026. The bin is located in the main centre car park in the northwest corner at the intersection of Portrush Road and Fisher Street.
A new volunteer portal – listing programs and events the community can contribute to, including shellfish restorations – is available on the Government’s dedicated algal bloom site: algalbloom.sa.gov.au/get-involved.
L to R: City of Burnside CEO Julia Grant, Group Manager Environment and Infrastructure James Brennan and Environmental Sustainability Manager Dr Philip Roetman.
