Environment

Coastal Management

Overview

Victoria's coastline is a highly prized asset, providing environmental, social and economic values.

Management of the coastline is shared between the three levels of government, with a variety of government agencies responsible for implementation of legislation, planning and management. The Australian Government generally controls waters beyond three nautical miles from low water mark, excluding the Westernport and Port Phillip Bays. Inside this boundary the Victorian Government exercises control of activities, including management of crown land, protection of flora and fauna, licencing and management of a variety of recreation and economic activities.

Above the low water mark local government is responsible for a range of regulatory and planning powers that influence the management of the coastal zone. These include:

Land use planning and management, including public land management and urban development
Provision of infrastructure for a range of amenities, recreation, access and development uses
Provision and maintenance of stormwater and sewerage infrastructure
Waste and litter management
Community education, advocacy and capacity building
Environmental protection.

Councils also have a role to play in issues such as visual amenity, community education, erosion control and hazard management.

Initiatives

The MAV advocates for and provides assistance to coastal councils across the state as issues arise. In regard to matters involving Port Phillip Bay, the MAV recognises the role of the Association of Bayside Municipalities (ABM) as a key participant in management issues.

The Association of Bayside Municipalities (ABM)

The MAV provides the ABM with secretariat support and policy analysis. The ABM is comprised of the 10 councils with coastal frontages, and identifies, resolves and advises on matters of common interest to the bayside councils and aims to improve the overall management of the coastal environment in Port Phillip Bay.

Find out more about The Association of Bayside Municipalities>

Resources

Websites

The Association of Bayside Municipalities (ABM)

This website provides information about the role ABM's and current activities, links to member council websites, reports and presentations.

http://www.abmonline.asn.au

National Seachange Taskforce

The National Seachange Taskforce was established as a national body to represent the interests of coastal councils and communities experiencing effects of rapid population and tourism growth.

http://www.seachangetaskforce.org.au

Victorian Coastal Council

The Victorian Coastal Council (VCC) is the peak body for strategic planning and management of the Victorian coast and provides advice to the Minister for the Environment. The VCC has developed the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002 and is responsible for the Coastal Spaces Initiative, which will further implement the Government's overall policies for protecting the coast and managing development in coastal Victoria.

http://www.vcc.vic.gov.au

Publications / Presentations

National Coast to Coast Conference 2006 – ALGA presentation

The presentation made by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), highlights the importance of local government engagement in coastal zone management through the regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) model, outlines hurdles faced by local government and presented case studies. The presentation also explored ideas for future NRM programs to increase local government participation and improve environmental outcomes.

Download ALGA presentation File size: 290 KB

The Role of Local Government in the Management of Port Phillip Bay

This presentation was made by Naree Atkinson, Executive Officer Association of Bayside Municipalities (ABM), April 2005, to the Port Phillip Bay Ecosystems, Uses and Management Seminar. The presentation provided an overview of the complex coastal environment and management structures that operate in the Port Phillip Bay environment. It included a discussion of local government’s role, teh challenges facing the sector and how the ABM is providing councils and agencies with an opportunity to address them.

Download The Role of Local government in the Management of Port Phillip Bay File size: 35 KB

Association of Bayside Municipalities newsletter – (2006)

Download ABM Newsletter October 2006 File size: 226 KB

National Coastal Survey Report (2004)

Available from the: http://www.alga.asn.au/policy/environment/coasts/survey/report.php

In 2004, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), with financial assistance from the Australian Government, undertook a survey of coastal councils nationally. The purpose of the survey was to provide an insight into:

The level of awareness of the issues councils are facing in coastal zone management
The activities councils have undertaken in response to these issues
Council training needs to assist in managing coastal natural resources
Council awareness and involvement in regional natural resource management (NRM) groups.