Rabbits, rats, snakes and weeds will be the focus of a new strategy for Illawarra beach dunes.
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Wollongong City Council's Dune Management Strategy will target areas around the 17 surf lifesaving clubs from Stanwell Park to Windang, building on the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan.
The strategy plans to eradicate vermin, control vegetation, manage dune scarps and improve public safety.
"I can't stress how important it is to get this right," Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said yesterday.
"It is of extreme importance for residents, tourism, the city and economy.
"We have to take stability into consideration, the classic concern of line of sight, manage vegetation, budgeting, costs and labour."
Consultation with numerous organisations and community groups will also be carried out.
Beach Care Illawarra argued for better dune management during a council debate on coastal protection late last year.
"We congratulate council for identifying and taking steps to address dune issues," spokesman David Grubb said.
"We wish to express very clearly that we strongly support dune management and support [the] recommendation to prepare a new dune management strategy."
The council has launched an online survey allowing the community to comment on issues around management of beaches and dunes.
The survey will be available until February 28.
The Dune Management Strategy is expected to be completed by mid-2013.