GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN 2015–2020 Coastal Board Authorised and published by the Victorian 71 Hotham Street, VIC 3844 Government, Department of Environment, Phone: (03) 5172 2543 Land, Water and Planning, 8 Nicholson Street, East , September 2015 Electronic copies of the plan are available online at www.gcb.vic.gov.au. © The State of Department of If you would like printed copies or have any Environment, Land, Water and Planning questions about the plan, please contact us Melbourne 2015 using the details above.

Members of the Gippsland Coastal Board at the time of preparing this Regional Coastal Plan were: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Cr Richard Ellis (Chair) You are free to re-use the work under that Mr Ian Needham licence, on the condition that you credit the Mr Peter Jennings State of Victoria as author. The licence does Mr Paul Smith not apply to any images, photographs or Mr Michael (Des) Sinnott OAM branding, including the Victorian Coat of Mr Rod Thomas Arms and the Victorian Government logo. The Gippsland Coastal Board proudly To view a copy of this licence, visit http:// acknowledges Victorian Aboriginal creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/ communities and their rich culture; and pays deed.en its respects to the Traditional Owners in the ISBN 978-1-74146-784-0 (Print) Gippsland Coastal Region. The Board also ISBN 978-1-74146-785-7 (pdf) recognises the intrinsic connection of Traditional Owners to Country and Disclaimer acknowledges their contribution in the This publication may be of assistance to you management of land, water and resources but the State of Victoria and its employees management. do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Unless stated, images sourced from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Front Cover Top: rocks. Bottom from left: Entrance. Sailboats at Lakes Entrance. Fishermans Landing, Tyers. Photos: Destination Gippsland. Bottom right: Lakes Entrance, Victoria. c1920-1954 Photo: Rose Stereograph Co. GIPPSLAND REGIONAL I COASTAL PLAN

CONTENTS

Minister’s Foreword II Balanced Decision Making 18 List of Figures Chair’s Foreword II 4 Managing regional population and tourism Figure 1: The three levels of 1 Introduction 1 pressures 18 planning for coastal management 1 1.1 The role of the Gippsland Coastal Board 1 4.1 Background 18 Figure 2: The Gippsland coastal region 3 1.2 What is the Regional Coastal Plan? 1 4.2 The Boating Coastal Action Plan 19 4.3 Activity and recreation nodes 20 Figure 3: Indicative map of the 1.3 How the Regional Coastal Plan will be used 4 key regional social, economic and 1.4 Who we work with on land and water 4 4.4 Key challenges and actions 21 environmental values of the Gippsland coastal region 8 1.5 Priority actions for the Gippsland coastal region 5 5 A regional approach to foreshore management 22 Figure 4: Managing visitor Valuing and Understanding the Coast 7 5.1 Background 22 satisfaction with their coastal 5.2 Integrated coastal management 24 2 Coastal values 7 experience – key amenity values 10 5.3 Key challenges and actions 25 2.1 Environmental values 7 Figure 5: Community coastal 2.2 Social values 9 6 Adapting to climate change and increased values guide decisions in the coastal hazards 26 Gippsland coastal region 13 2.3 Economic values 11 6.1 Background 26 Figure 6: Indicative map of current 2.4 Protecting coastal values 12 6.2 Adaptation planning to manage flooding boating hierarchy of facilities from 3 The dynamics of the coast 14 and erosion 26 the Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan 2013 19 3.1 Coastal processes 14 6.3 Key challenges and actions 29 Figure 7: Indicative map of 3.2 Climate change 14 Implementation 30 foreshore and waterway managers 23 3.3 Connections to catchments 16 7 Supporting communities caring for the coast 30 Figure 8: Map indicating areas for 3.4 Demographic trends 16 7.1 Background 30 hazard assessment and adaptation planning (based on coastal 3.5 Visitation trends 16 7.2 Actions 31 instability and low lying areas) 28 3.6 Industrial processes 17 8 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 32 List of Tables 9 References 34 Table 1: Gippsland region priorities Appendices 35 for actions 5

Cowrie Photo: Destination Gippsland II GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN

MINISTER’S FOREWORD CHAIR’S FOREWORD

The coast is close to the hearts of the This Plan will support government Gippsland is a uniquely spectacular part organisations that gave feedback about many Victorians who live near it, or visit agencies, community and industry of Victoria, with its unspoilt wilderness, the draft plan. These actions will help it, and enjoy all that it has to offer. groups to work more collaboratively in pristine beaches and rich array of to: Communities along the coastline are managing the coast. It will help coastal wildlife on land and underwater. – make sure the coast continues to be deeply connected to their local managers and communities tackle Alongside our coast’s pure white sandy the place we love, while planning landscape and care about the future of challenges on the coast in their region beaches, headlands and peaks are the for more people wanting to visit and the coast. more effectively, and with greater significant oil, gas and coal resources settle here; coordination. It will enable us to be Our coastal environment is complex that supply much of Australia’s energy. – improve the way communities plan and constantly changing, and there are more responsive and adaptable as pressures change over time, and our For Gippsland’s residents, our coast is a for coastal flooding so that it makes many pressures that need to be source of well-being and relaxation, an sense to them but doesn’t leave understood and managed better. As understanding of climate change implications improves. attractive expanse to enjoy with family future generations with a debt they Minister and a Local Member of a and friends. can’t pay; coastal area, I appreciate how The local knowledge, passion and important it is to understand, protect enthusiasm of Victoria’s coastal Whether it’s on a boat exploring the – simplify foreshore management and and care for the things we love about managers and communities is Lakes network of waterways, camping make more out of the available the coast. invaluable, and I look forward to down the Prom or Cape Conran, surfing resources and our joint efforts; and on the Bass Coast or walking along the Victoria has a strong coastal planning working together to ensure that the – continue to support and encourage diverse natural, social, cultural and Ninety Mile Beach, we recognise that more community involvement in and management framework, based on Gippsland is a paradise for all. the Victorian Coastal Strategy (2014). economic values of the coast that we protecting those coastal values we The Gippsland Coastal Board has enjoy today remain for future This plan acknowledges all the good love. generations. developed this Regional Coastal Plan to work going on to identify, understand I would like to thank the Board for their build on that framework and outline and protect the local, regional and work in developing the Plan. As well, I statewide values of the coast and to how the Strategy should be put into The Hon Lisa Neville MP want to thank everyone who practice. support that work on the big issues at a contributed to the Plan by coming to Minister for Environment, Climate regional level. Change and Water meetings, writing a submission and The actions outlined in this Plan are discussing these important issues. aimed at addressing the regional These efforts mean the Plan will make a priorities identified by the Board with difference to the way we look after our the help of the many people and coast over the next five years.

Councillor Richard A Ellis Chair, Gippsland Coastal Board

Metung Photo: Roberto Seba, Tourism Victoria GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 1 COASTAL PLAN

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The role of the

Gippsland Coastal Victorian Coastal Developed by the Sets statewide direction Victorian Coastal for coastal planners Board Strategy Council and managers The and Coast Regional Coastal Board (commonly known as the Gippsland Coastal Board) is a statutory planning and advisory body with extensive experience and expertise in coastal matters. The Board provides Developed by Translates state-wide strategic guidance for coastal Regional Regional Coastal direction by identifying Coastal Plans Boards regional values, initiatives management of Victoria’s Gippsland and management gaps coast. It has specific functions under the Coastal Management Act 1995. These are to: – Develop coastal action plans Clinton Rocks, (including this overarching Regional Developed by coastal Croajingolong National Coastal Sets local direction and Coastal Plan); Park, . public land managers 1.2 What is the Regional Management (eg. local municipalities develops sub-regional or issues – Provide advice to the Minister, the Coastal Plan? Plans & committees of based operational plans Victorian Coastal Council and management) – Liaise with, and encourage the government on coastal development The Regional Coastal Plan for the cooperation of, government and other matters in the region; Gippsland coastal region is a statutory departments, councils, public Coastal Action Plan endorsed under Figure 1: The three levels of planning for coastal management – Prepare and publish guidelines for authorities, industry, community Part 3 of the Coastal Management Act coastal planning and management groups and those involved in the 1995. Its contents meet the requirements in the region; planning and management of the of section 23 of that Act. region in developing and – Facilitate the implementation of the The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 identifies that the term ‘coast’ means: implementing strategic solutions to The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 sets Victorian Coastal Strategy, coastal the broad framework for managing the action plans and coastal guidelines matters affecting the conservation – The marine environment – nearshore marine environment, the seabed, and use of the region’s coast. coast and the basis for developing and waters out to the State limit of three nautical miles for the region; regional coastal plans and coastal – Facilitate public awareness, More broadly, the Board seeks to be an management plans (Figure 1). The – Foreshores – or coastal Crown land up to 200 m from the high water mark consultation and involvement in the advocate for coastal issues. It aims to Gippsland Coastal Board has focussed – Coastal hinterland – land directly influenced by the sea or directly development and implementation work with agencies, local councils and this overarching Plan on identifying and influencing the coastline, and with critical impacts on the foreshore and of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, communities in the Gippsland coastal prioritising those management actions nearshore environment region to shape future expectations that cannot be achieved more effectively coastal action plans and coastal – Catchments – rivers and drainage systems that affect the coastal zone, guidelines in the region; and about how the coast and use of the at either the local or state level. coast will change over time, how we including and coastal The Regional Coastal Plan provides a should respond to those changes, and – Atmosphere – near, around and over the coast as defined above. how we should use and manage the regional framework for planning and coast to protect its values. decision-making on both public and 2 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN

freehold land at the local level. It also The principle of ‘Integrated Coastal Zone provides a focus for all agencies with Management’ (ICZM) underpins the responsibility for coastal management Gippsland Regional Coastal Plan. ICZM to act together to plan and manage the is about working across a geographic coast by: area (land to sea), across different land – Interpreting and implementing the tenures (public and private), and across Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 and organisations and jurisdictions its hierarchy of principles at a (national, State, regional and local). regional scale; ICZM is achieved through both formal and informal collaboration and – Facilitating integration across coordination between the various jurisdictions to increase efficiency groups using and managing the coast. and effectiveness; This plan has three parts: – Identifying regional coastal values and strategic priorities to be – Chapters 2 and 3 give an overview accounted for; and of the values of the Gippsland coastal region and the key issues – Identifying solutions that address affecting them; systemic gaps in coastal management. , Wilsons Promontory As a statutory document, the Regional – Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 set out the The Plan will provide the framework for Photo: Peter Jennings Coastal Plan has important links with strategic objectives for the region agencies, community and industry other statutory instruments. In (as regional priorities); and groups working and engaging with particular, as outlined in the Victorian decision makers on emerging strategic – Chapters 7 and 8 explain how the Coastal Strategy 2014, the broader land regional priorities for the Gippsland Board intends to work with its partner use planning system is important for coastal region. The Plan will also guide agencies and other stakeholders, the implementation of the Strategy, the development of coastal and summarises how the plan will Regional Coastal Plans and coastal management plans. be implemented, including the management plans (see Appendix 1). process of monitoring and reporting. The Plan’s primary audiences are local The relationship between these policies councils, committees of management, and plans is through: state government agencies and peak – The State Planning Policy Framework bodies with coastal management which requires coastal planning to responsibilities. It also aims to provide Sea urchin be consistent with the Strategy and landowners, volunteer groups and relevant coastal action plans coastal communities with an (including the Regional Coastal Plan) understanding of the framework for and regional growth plans; and managing and protecting coastal Pelicans at – Sections of local planning schemes values in the region and how they can Photo: Destination contribute to that. Gippsland through Municipal Strategic Statements and Local Planning Policy Frameworks. GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 3 COASTAL PLAN

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I r I I I R y I – Undertake integrated planning Lake I w Sydenham I H Ewing Marsh C Tamboon Inlet i s Marlo v I ce a n Glenmaggie I in Lake pe ra e I I Pr Lake Con Inlet Inlet r I I I King Tyres and provide clear direction for the Catchment Management Authority I I Lakes Ma ra I I I Paynesville Heyeld I Entrance I Stratford Lake future; and Th I Gippland Lakes o I mso Victoria n R I Coastal Park

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wy BAW BAW e I I r I I I I I I I I Morass – Ensure the sustainable use of I I I I Lake Loch Sport I I I I I I I I I I Sale I I I I I I Wellington I I I La Trobe natural coastal resources. I I Rive Lake I I r h I I Moe Traralgon I I I I I I I Reeve c I I I I I I a Drouin I I I I The Heart I I I e I I I I I I I Rosedale I I I I Morass Lake B ng Lang I I I a Riv I I I L er I I an Coleman Only when the above principles have I rim Cr y Paradise Beach I I er eek M w Trafalgar Golden Beach H

Churchhill d SETTLEMENT ROLE AND GROWTH been considered and addressed: n a l e s l er p i v p i i M s R Mirboo North B – Ensure development on the coast s r G Ba u Regional city (Latrobe City) t h LATROBE h t e u Seaspray T n o is located within existing modified Jack Smith ar C S ra r Lake R e y A ive e t Sub regional network l r k e and resilient environments where be i n r Woodside N A t R g iv ver n er the demand for development is lett Ri e Regional centre Pow s R Yarram i v evident and any impacts can be r e Inverloch e r v Foster i Waterbody Town R Toora managed sustainably. Venus in w Port Bay T ar Port Welshpool Albert Parks & Reserves Small town Waratah The actions in this Regional Coastal Bay Softwood Plantation & State Forest Promote growth Plan support these principles and Sandy Point work to make sure that decision C p a p e Liptra Council boundary Support growth Darby Swamp making on the coast is guided by,

Sealers Catchment Management Authority boundary Sustainable growth and consistent with, the Victorian Tidal Swamp River Coastal Strategy 2014. Highway Source: Regional Growth Plans

Figure 2 The Gippsland coastal region. 4 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN

1.3 How the Regional There are two types of statutory waterway managers in Victoria. Waterway managers Coastal Plan will are appointed under the Marine Safety be used Act 2010 to manage vessel activities and associated issues (along with Marine In line with the hierarchy of principles in Safety Victoria). In Gippsland, catchment the Victorian Coastal Council 2014, the management authorities have statutory Regional Coastal Plan outlines key responsibilities under the Water Act regional issues and priorities and identifies 1989 to protect and enhance waterway actions and outcomes to be achieved. health. The Plan will build the evidence base to A number of other organisations have guide future planning and establish responsibilities in identifying and foundations to progressively improve protecting the Gippsland coastal region’s management decisions. This will help community values: these include the to better target investment, improve former Gippsland Lakes Ministerial coordination and promote best Advisory Committee, Regional practice. Importantly, the Board will use Development Victoria, Fisheries Victoria, the Plan to work with other managers Progress Jetty, Paynesville Fairy terns water corporations, regional tourism and stakeholders to increase the Photo: Destination Gippsland Photo: Annette Hatten boards and Vic Roads. understanding and appreciation of the coast, protect its values and further Many of these organisations have improve management arrangements coast. This is a state-wide issue raised in 1.4 Who we work with planning processes for their coastal and outcomes. the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014. management responsibilities. For on land and water example, local councils have statutory Where existing Coastal Action Plans are The budgets of coastal management planning processes and contribute to still relevant, local managers may agencies at state, regional and local Just as people use the coast for a range regional growth plans, and catchment continue to use these plans. It is levels are expected to remain highly of reasons, there are a number of management authorities have regional expected that over time these constrained over the next few years managers on land and water responsible catchment and waterway strategies. sub-regional Coastal Action Plans given the current economic conditions. for different areas and issues. These The Board aims to use this Plan to work would transition into Coastal Therefore this Plan has been designed managers cover from the catchment to with these organisations to achieve the Management Plans where needed. to set realistic expectations about what the sea. Foreshores are managed by a best outcomes for the Gippsland coast. can be delivered and by when. The range of organisations. Parks Victoria is The Regional Coastal Plan will also Board anticipates that most of the key responsible for managing national This plan helps clarify the roles and support investment planning and actions can be delivered within existing parks and other conservation areas. responsibilities for several specific decisions. Ongoing funding arrangements budgets of management agencies. Others with significant responsibilities issues particularly for managing and are essential in enabling coastal managers However additional funding will be Principle in the Gippsland coastal region include adapting to climate change (Chapter 6). to meet their responsibilities and to needed to carry out some further committees of management, Traditional It also identifies actions to clarify better understand, protect and manage The Gippsland Coastal Board will planning and management steps such Owners, catchment management responsibilities for other issues which coastal values and assets. Current participate in a review of funding as detailed coastal hazard studies and authorities, Gippsland Ports and local will help to improve coordination and revenue streams, such as income from arrangements for coastal adaptation plans. Over the next five years councils. collaboration between managers. camping areas and caravan parks on management by the Victorian the Plan provides the framework for Crown land, are important. However, Coastal Council and the state, regional and local agencies and during the consultation for this plan Department of Environment, Land, the private sector to work together on many organisations and individuals Water and Planning, as outlined in attracting funding to carry out these expressed their concerns that funding the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014. additional pieces of work. was a limiting factor for managing the GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 5 COASTAL PLAN

1.5 Priority actions for These regional priorities reflect: the Gippsland – Key issues identified in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 which are coastal region relevant for specific attention in the Gippsland coastal region (see Table 1 1.5.1 Regional priorities and Appendix 2); The Gippsland Coastal Board identified – Issues identified as important by five regional priorities: stakeholders during the consultation – Managing and protecting coastal process; and values; – Areas where the Board can provide – Managing impacts of residential and leadership and influence. tourism growth to balance access The actions in this plan will contribute and protect natural, social, cultural to these priorities by: and economic values; – Supporting the work of a range of – Integrating coastal planning and organisations and groups management on the foreshore; responsible for understanding, Mobile Marlo sandbanks – Adapting to climate change and managing and protecting the broad increased coastal hazards; and values of the Gippsland coast; – Supporting communities to – Building the evidence base for VCS 2014 Key Issues Gippsland Regional Priorities contribute to protection and ongoing management, particularly Managing for population Chapter 4 – Managing regional population and tourism management of the coast. for the way we use the coast; growth pressures – Improving the integration and Adapting to a changing climate Chapter 6 – Adapting to climate change and increased coordination of management; and coastal hazards – Developing approaches to Managing coastal land and Chapter 5 – A regional approach to foreshore encourage sustainable development infrastructure management including better consideration of Valuing the natural environment Chapter 2 – Coastal values coastal hazards and impacts from Integrating marine planning Contribute to proposed: review of the Coastal climate change. Management Act 1995, new Marine and Coastal Act, and new management arrangements and oversight of The actions apply across both public marine parks, coasts and bays and private land tenures. None of the regional priorities can be considered in Integration of key issues Chapter 3 – The dynamics of the coast isolation. Each action is linked; Chapter 7 – Supporting communities caring for the recognising these linkages will lead to coast better outcomes from the implementation of the Regional Coastal Plan. Table 1: Gippsland regional priorities

Bancroft Bay at dusk. Photo: Destination Gippsland 6 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN

VISION

A healthy coast appreciated by all, now and in the future 1.5.2 The Plan at a glance

KEY STATEWIDE COASTAL ISSUES (as identified in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014)

Managing for Adapting to a Managing coastal land Valuing the natural Integrating marine population growth changing climate and infrastructure environment planning

PRIORITY GIPPSLAND COASTAL ISSUES

Managing and protecting Managing regional population A regional approach to Adapting to climate change and Communities supported to coastal values and tourism pressures foreshore management increased coastal hazards care for the coast

THE GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN ACTIONS

CHAPTERS 2 AND 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 7 The Gippsland Regional 1. Work with partner organisations to implement actions in 1. Prepare guidelines for the 1. Develop a systematic approach to 1. Work with partner organisations to Coastal Board will work the Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan. development of coastal management prioritise areas for detailed coastal improve understanding of coastal values with relevant organisations 2. Work with public land managers and waterway plans. hazard assessments and adaptation and processes by organising: to improve the managers to: 2. Develop a process that brings local planning. a. a biennial regional coastal understanding and a. map and categorise visitation infrastructure managers to work together where it is 2. Refine methodologies for conducting conference; and appreciation of coastal throughout the region; sensible for a coastal management detailed coastal hazard assessments b. regular information sharing events values and processes. b. develop a service-level hierarchy for visitation plan to be developed across multiple to identify high risk areas, and clarify – such as the infrastructure; and land managers. From this, local public the role of flood studies in the hazard Connections Partner Group and land managers can put together assessment process. c. document and analyse effectiveness of existing Gippsland coastal inter-agency precinct or master plans. approaches to demand management (including 3. Refine methodologies for local forums. parking fees, entrance fees, camping fees, leasing 3. Work with Traditional Owners adaptation planning, including 2. Work with statewide community arrangements, licensing arrangements and the preparing multi park plans that addressing barriers to practical local groups and programs to: use of smart-phone apps). include coastal areas. adaptation actions. a. support all community coastal 3. Identify priority areas for visitation demand 4. Ensure there are current coastal 4. Continue, or undertake new, detailed volunteers to collect data about the management. In particular: management plans (including coastal hazard assessments and coast to inform local decision-making; foreshore management plans) in place adaptation planning, particularly for a. resilient parts of the landscape where visitation b. support community groups to in the Gippsland coastal region where the priority areas identified in 1. can be encouraged; better link with Traditional Owners needed. 5. Implement identified adaptation b. vulnerable parts of the landscape where demand to work on joint coastal projects; responses through local decisions, for might be reduced by encouraging visitors towards and example updating local planning alternative sites; and c. attract volunteers from a broad schemes, coastal management plans c. vulnerable parts of the landscape with unique range of age groups, particularly and emergency plans, and prioritising young people. visitor experiences and limited scope to reduce future works. demand. 3. Promote and support the work done 4. Using the data from actions 1, 2 and 3, develop a by local coastal and marine community Visitation Demand Framework to guide local groups including, but not limited to, decisions, support investment and communicate Reefwatch, Seasearch and with users. EstuaryWatch. VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 7 COASTAL PLAN

2 COASTAL VALUES

The Gippsland coastal region provides in the Croajingolong National Park and to a growing population. The Gippsland significant environmental, cultural, at Wilsons Promontory, extensive dune Lakes Ramsar site covers an area of social, and economic values for all barriers, and systems in 58,824 hectares and includes Lake Victorians (see Figure 3). The region’s the Gippsland Lakes and the Ninety Wellington, , Lake King, sandy , numerous sheltered Mile Beach area, coastal embayments Lake Bunga, Lake Tyers, Macleod Morass and spectacular stretches of such as Corner Inlet, and and Lake Reeve. The Corner Inlet beach are unlike any other coastal Andersons Inlet in South Gippsland and Ramsar site covers 67,192 hectares region. Understanding these values is the drowned river valley of Mallacoota including a unique system of barrier essential for effective decision-making. Inlet.1,2 The region’s estuaries link islands and tidal . It is a This broad range of values is managed catchments to the coast and the feeding, nesting and breeding area for and monitored by different organisations marine environment. This creates a thousands of waterbirds and one of the including catchment management diverse mix of highly productive most important areas in Victoria for authorities, Parks Victoria, local councils, ecosystems that support a rich and resident and migratory shorebirds. It diverse range of wildlife, vegetation also has the world’s most southerly committees of management, VicRoads, 5 water corporations, Gippsland Ports, communities and nursery areas for population of white . The Traditional Owners, the Environment many animals. Croajingolong National Park has been Protection Authority, regional bodies Coastal vegetation and sediments internationally recognised as a Biosphere Reserve since 1977; it is one and the Department of Environment, The Burrunan dolphin, Tursiops provide ecosystem services by 6 Land, Water and Planning. 2.1 Environmental australis, resembles the bottlenose sequestering carbon (known as ‘blue of only 15 in Australia. dolphin but also show numerous carbon’) in , seagrass values distinctions 2.1.1 Marine Ecosystems Photo courtesy of the Gippsland meadows and coastal saltmarshes. Australia’s southern coast is unique. Principle The Gippsland coast features extensive Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee The Gippsland coastal region supports There is no other east-west expanse of The Gippsland Regional Coastal and diverse natural environments, as many species listed in migratory bird temperate shoreline in the southern Board will support and work with noted in The Gippsland Coastal and agreements with Japan (JAMBA), China hemisphere. Some of Victoria’s marine all coastal managers to improve Marine Asset Framework (2011). Its aggregation areas for blue, southern (CAMBA) and the Republic of Korea species, such as the eastern blue groper, the understanding, appreciation environmental values are of national right and humpback whales, and (ROKAMBA) as well as threatened species, occur nowhere else in the world. and international significance. With its breeding colonies for Australian and such as the little tern, Lathams snipe and protection of the Gippsland Gippsland is home to marine habitats overlapping cool and warm temperate New Zealand fur seals. Inter-tidal and hooded plover. Places like Shallow coast’s values. of state significance, such as the Corner zones, the region supports over 3000 habitats, such as sand flats, rocky shores Inlet and Nooramunga Marine and Inlet Marine and Coastal Park which has plant species, 500 terrestrial vertebrate and rock pools, support diverse marine Coastal Park – Victoria’s largest marine species, several hundred fish species and protected area – have long been the largest area of broad-leafed life and seabirds. Other significant 5 1,2 seagrass in Victoria. a vast number of invertebrate fauna . coastal and marine habitats include identified for their state significant 3 Numerous species and ecological seagrass meadows along parts of the coastal habitat for waterbirds. The Burrunan dolphin, only recently communities are listed as vulnerable, Gippsland coast and the southern most Parts of the Gippsland Lakes and Corner classified as a new dolphin species, is threatened or endangered, including global extent of mangroves in Corner Inlet are wetlands listed under the endemic to southern Australian waters the nationally vulnerable subtropical Inlet. Over 60 per cent of important international .4 The and is most commonly seen in two and temperate coastal saltmarsh bird areas (defined by Birds Australia) Gippsland Lakes are one of Victoria’s resident populations in coastal Victoria: community. Some significant habitats within the state occur in the region. most important environmental assets the Gippsland Lakes and . The Gippsland Lakes Environment Fund for vulnerable fauna include nesting The natural environments vary and a local, national and international supported research into the dolphin and roosting sites for fairy terns and dramatically. They include large areas of icon. The Lakes are a major tourist and its habitat requirements.7 hooded plovers, migration paths and relatively untouched rugged coastline destination, recreation area and home 8 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN O m r e Mt Gibbo ive o y R H ra ur w M y Mt Cooper ver Mt Bogong Ri wy no Mt Misery S r Falls Creek Mt Cobberas No1 ive e R Mt Tambo ALPINE at eg NATIONAL PARK Mt Taylor el Mt Cope D NSW Mt Seldom Seen M W Omeo Mt Delegate on onna G Mt ar y nga Cobungra re Mt Bowen o w tta at G H H R Mt Phipps A e w iv lp l s er i e a y e Mt Howitt n Mt Nugong n Bonang Mt Canterbury c e g t n ip i R r d n y Mt Darling P

a R NATIONAL PARK VIC R d COOPRACAMBRA Mt Wake eld Mt Ewen Mt Baldhead Mt Ellery NATIONAL PARK Mt Reynard g Rd n g C Mt Kaye Ge M i n a no n d Mt Mcleod a W a a Dargo n R i n i c i v Mallacoota n e v Mt Elizabeth R a o g l i r a r e B B i n i Mt Tambontha D v Inlet s i o v T Ri t Ryan Peak R e h v e Mt Wellington t N g B er Genoa Peak

r u r a ic o g S o B r Mt Drummer e y d r R r h b n e AVON o o r G l r w m i s C i v o m y b a

n r Mt Murrungowar

e Mt Blomford a m MITCHELL RIVER e Mt Tara R R

r WILDERNESS PARK R T Mallacoota e i i R i Mt Buck v Cann River v v i Gabo Island k e NATIONAL PARK e Pretty Sally e v r r r R e Licola Mt Hump D r a Bruthen Mt Raymond iv Mt Cann rg Orbost e Swan o Nowa Nowa r L Mt Useful i R Lake c Ben Cruachan Dock d itche o M ll Rive CROAJINGOLONG NATIONAL PARK la r Bairnsdale Inlet R d Avo BEWARE REEF CAPE HOWE n R wy Marlo Cape an Lake iv ces H Conr MARINE SANCTUARY MARINE NATIONAL PARK er Prin Glenmaggie Baines Lakes Entrance Stratford Ewing Marsh BAW BAW SHIRE Heyfield Paynesville Swamp Thomson POINT HICKS River MARINE NATIONAL PARK Meerlieu Lake Prin Lake Loch Sport ces Fwy Victoria Sale Wellington Rosedale La Trobe River Lake Warragul Moe Reeve GIPPSLAND LAKES LATROBE CITY HOLEY PLAINS COASTAL PARK an Cre NATIONAL PARK Traralgon rrim ek e h M c Morwell s a e e B g n r a Seaspray ive Mirboo North R R ss i NINETY MILE BEACH a Korumburra k B c e e l MARINE NATIONAL PARK e l i z Woodside M Leongatha t r S

River A Yarram owlett y lbe y P w rt Ri t ss H ver e Macalister Longford Ba n i Irrigation District gas plant Foster Barry Port N Toora Welshpool Beach Ramsar Venus Bay site CAPE LIPTRAP Coal-red CORNER INLET COASTAL PARK NOORAMUNGA MARINE Aboriginal site power stations MARINE & & COASTAL PARK COASTAL PARK of signicance SHALLOW WILSONS p INLET ra PROMONTORY C a pe Lipt MARINE & Darby Angling Parks COASTAL PARK Swamp NATIONAL club Victoria PARK

BASS STRAIT O shore oil Tidal River Port & gas

WILSONS PROMONTORY Shipwrecks Lamb & wool MARINE NATIONAL PARK

Life saving club Beef & dairy

Caravan park Tree plantation

Figure 3 Indicative map of the key regional social, economic and environmental values of the Gippsland coastal region (not to scale). VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 9 COASTAL PLAN

The Board notes the work of the with high levels of salt and reduce their 2.2 Social values Victorian Environment Assessment water needs. The Gippsland coastal region has a Council in documenting Gippsland’s Foreshore ecosystems bridge people’s wealth of social resources. The larger marine values and making movements between land and water. towns of Warragul, Traralgon, Sale and recommendations for managing those People enjoy swimming, surfing, diving, Bairnsdale have social networks values in its Marine Investigation Final fishing and boating through foreshore 3 associated with employment, training report. The report identifies many access. People also enjoy relaxing and institutions, sporting and artistic life. different types of marine habitat in the walking on the foreshore. In some Smaller coastal settlements like Venus Gippsland coastal region. These include places, infrastructure such as pipelines Bay, Port Albert, Loch Sport and Marlo pelagic habitats (the water column for gas and oil need to go across have strong links to neighbourhood, within the ocean), deep rocky reefs, foreshore areas. sub-tidal rocky reefs, intertidal family and place. Many locations along shorelines, including rock platforms and 2.1.3 Hinterland Ecosystems the Gippsland coastline like Lakes sandy beaches. Entrance, Paynesville and Mallacoota Behind the foreshore, the region has a are major tourist towns that represent The Victorian Government has number of nationally significant strong long-standing connections for committed to reviewing the Coastal estuaries and coastal wetlands, as well the families and friends who share Management Act 1995 and as ecologically significant habitats such these places.8 management arrangements for marine as the Gippsland Plains, coastal forests Port Albert, low tide parks, coasts and bays. These initiatives and coastal heath. People are attracted to life on the Photo: Peter Jennings will be the primary mechanism to Gippsland coast by its scenic beauty, These habitats are represented in the improve the integration of marine and recreational amenity and housing parks system, good examples being coastal planning – a key issue in the affordability. Coastal settlements in Wilsons Promontory, Croajingolong and Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014. Gippsland range from towns such as . Rivers and Lakes Entrance to villages and hamlets 2.1.2 Foreshore Ecosystems estuaries of state significance occur on such as , Gipsy Point, Sandy both public and private land. The Foreshore ecosystems are particularly Point and Seaspray. Around 40 per cent Mitchell, Snowy and Bemm Rivers are of Gippsland’s population is located in important: they form the link between all Heritage Rivers with significant marine, estuarine, freshwater and villages and settlements of less than estuaries that are part of the engine 500 people. terrestrial areas. Foreshore habitats room for the carbon and nutrient cycles include the beach, dune system, that support coastal plants and animals. The importance of the coast to the headland scrub, mangroves and community is evidenced by the high saltmarshes. In southern and , level of volunteerism. People willingly Paynesville foreshore towns and farms have now replaced give their time to be involved in has multiple uses Unstable low-nutrient soils, made original habitat in some ecosystems, so Photo: Destination largely of sands that hold little water, monitoring, managing, protecting and Gippsland not all species are fully protected in restoring coastal values. interact with wind and salt to provide parks and reserves. Further changes in Squeaky Beach track in the critical influences on coastal land use have the potential to affect Wilsons Promontory vegetation. Plant communities growing National Park those species. Therefore it is important Photo: Garry Moore, in these areas have evolved to cope to think through the best way to Tourism Victoria with this challenging environment. safeguard them. Examples include the native spinifex that binds shifting sand dunes, as well as moonah and sheoak trees whose narrow leaves enable them to cope 10 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN

2.2.1 Amenity values 2.2.2 Cultural heritage values 2.2.3 Aboriginal cultural Many factors affect people’s enjoyment The Gippsland coastal region is endowed Facilities Sensory Access Vegetation heritage of the coast and contribute to their well with significant coastal cultural heritage. Availability of clear visitor The ability to see and Abundant and healthy The Gippsland coastal region has cultural being by providing amenity values. Some of these values are embodied in information and well hear waves, feel sand, looking vegetation (including heritage significance to its Traditional taste salt and smell mangroves and sea grass Figure 4 describes how different tangible objects, such as buildings, designed and maintained Owners, including the Gunaikurnai. facilities (chairs, playgrounds, seaweed will increase beds) that supports animals attributes of the coast can contribute to landscapes, shipwrecks, places of benches, tables, toilets, bins) satisfaction with (like birds, reptiles and sh) is Aboriginal people of the area have the way people appreciate and value it. significance and artefacts. Some cultural for general use will increase amenity. This relates the most important factor in increasing satisfaction with strong connections with the region: Some aspects of amenity are tangible, values, though, are intangible: they satisfaction with amenity. to the naturalness at Note the facilities must not the beach including amenity. The exact type of their stories of place, and the tens of such as paths and natural vegetation. include the connections to traditions detract from the ‘naturalness’ open space free vegetation that improves thousands of years of physical evidence Others are intangible, such as open many people feel, including Aboriginal, of the place. Proximity of from obtrusive amenity di ers for individual of their presence, remind us of these development. locations and needs to be space, views, links to places or people, maritime and agricultural history. Other paths and access along the beach, as well as proximity to understood at each location. links. The region contains many or the knowledge that wildlife is forms of cultural value arise from cafes and shops. The type of Indigenous vegetation is archaeological sites, such as midden preferable as this has benets present.9 holidaying and recreational customs. facilities expected at di erent sites, artefact scatters, scar trees and locations will vary. for other values also. The sense of wellbeing people derive Connections to natural heritage, camping places. The ancestors of these from the coast is intrinsically linked to including culturally significant landscapes groups managed traditional areas now our ability to maintain or enhance the and biodiversity, are also meaningful. inundated; groups moved as the coast quality and extent of natural views, The Gippsland coast has other abundant Natural line changed over thousands of years. Safety Physical Form native vegetation and natural heritage values as well. Its rich maritime SATISFACTION Aboriginal people have an ongoing and landscapes. The built environment also history is a prime example. The wreck of WITH intimate relationship with coastal and The ability to use the THE COAST Beaches with a contributes to people’s enjoyment of the Sydney Cove longboat in 1797 was coast safely is an more natural physical marine environments, with continuing the coast: it provides us with physical the first recorded wreck of a European attractive feature for a form (including sand, social, spiritual or traditional connection. particular beach and rock pools, dune and visual access to the natural vessel along Victoria’s coastline; it also can be enhanced by system, cli s) and Land and sea country is a term for the environment and its associated resulted in the first European exploration signage about hazards, without concrete whole environment, integrating land, intangible values. of . the presence of a will increase intertidal areas and sea, and including life-saving club and satisfaction with For example, the tracks, paths and Port Albert, established in 1841, is other facilities. amenity. natural, heritage, material and spiritual boardwalks that allow people to move noteworthy as Gippsland’s first port. components. This connection is the basis for maintaining cultural traditions and to, from or along the beach help Several buildings and sites in Port Albert Water Quality Clean Beaches improve amenity. At the same time are listed in the Victorian Heritage Register. passing on knowledge across generations. they provide people with access to the Other sites listed on the register include: Pollution is identied as No litter or little litter in In 2010, the Gunaikurnai were recognised sights and sounds of the ocean. an important part of the sea or around the – the area associated with construction satisfaction with the beach will increase under the Native Title Act 1993 as Traditional Similarly, picnic facilities enable people of the artificial entrance to the beach and can a ect satisfaction with amenity. Owners of approximately 1.3 million to enjoy the time they spend beside use such as swimming, This is based on the hectares in Gippsland extending from Gippsland Lakes at Lakes Entrance; boating, as well as relationship between the coast. presence of litter and near Warragul to the Snowy River, north – the light stations at Gabo Island, Point commercial and High amenity values also create health recreational shing. satisfaction with to the , and Hicks and Wilsons Promontory; and Water that is free of oils, the beach. including 200 metres of offshore sea benefits by encouraging people to be colours, litter and smells more active by involving themselves in – the Paynesville government slip and will increase satisfaction territory. This area includes the coastline bushwalking, boating, cycling, winch shed. with amenity. between Corner Inlet and the Snowy River. The Gunaikurnai have a close canoeing, surfing, snorkelling, diving, The wilderness values of the Gippsland relationship with, and traditional fishing and a range of other activities. coast are important to Victoria. There is responsibility for, the land (Wurruk), waters nowhere else like it. Its wildness provides Figure 4 Managing visitor satisfaction with their coastal experience – key amenity values Amenity values are diminished by the (Yarnda) and air (Watpootjan) as a insights into the natural connections (derived from ) presence of inappropriate or intrusive connected whole that forms the basis between land and water. It also holds development, degraded environments, of their cultural practices. odour, litter and noise. cultural significance for many. VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 11 COASTAL PLAN

The Gunaikurnai are also the Registered communities and protect cultural Aboriginal Party for this area with heritage and the condition of the statutory roles under the Aboriginal natural environment. They are also Heritage Act 2006. interested in establishing marine ranger The Gunaikurnai also have joint teams to achieve this. management responsibilities for significant areas. In their recognition 2.3 Economic values and settlement agreement with the The commercial uses of the Gippsland state government, several parks and coastal region include recreation, coastal reserves were transferred to them tourism, agriculture, commercial and under the Traditional Owner Settlement recreational fishing, shipping, renewable Act 2010 to be jointly managed with the energy and petroleum extraction. Each State. This includes several areas around of these has direct and indirect benefits Gippsland Lakes (Gippsland Lakes to local and regional economies. Coastal Park, Lakes National Park, Gippsland’s coastal economy is based Gippsland Lakes Reserve on Raymond largely on natural resources. Coastal Island), Lake Tyers State Park, Corringle dependent economic sectors include Foreshore Reserve, Mitchell River Captains Cove, Metung oil and gas in Bass Strait, fisheries, National Park, Buchan Caves Reserve, Photo: Roberto Seba, commercial ports, shipping, commercial New Guinea Cave (in Snowy River Tourism Victoria boating and services supported by National Park) and Tarra-Bulga National coastal settlements and tourism. Park. The agreement also includes three per cent of output. Recreational rights to access and use Crown land for The Gippsland coastal region is an boating in Gippsland Lakes for example traditional purposes including fishing, important centre for commercial and adds $163 m to the regional economy. hunting, camping and gathering in recreational fisheries with large Key tourism assets in the coastal zone accordance with existing laws. commercial fishing fleets operating out include the Gippsland Lakes, Wilsons of Lakes Entrance, Corner Inlet and Port There are significant cultural values, Promontory and Mallacoota Inlet.8 Franklin. Together with the eastern zone interests and aspirations throughout Tourism, recreation and economic abalone fishery based at Mallacoota, the complex of marine, coastal and development are all supported by the Gippsland’s estimated annual commercial national parks on and around Wilsons road network managed by Vic Roads. catch contributes over $20 million to Promontory. 8 Non-commercial economic values the Victorian economy. The economic Left: Fishing nets at Fishing at Lake Traditional Owners in the region have a contribution of recreational fishing will Lakes Entrance Tyers estuary include storm and flood protection, strong interest in being more effectively be boosted by the Victorian Government’s Photo: Destination Photo: Tim Ellis erosion buffers and nutrient cycling. involved in coastal management. Target One Million plan to improve fishing Gippsland These ecosystem services provide Protecting cultural heritage is a major opportunities and increase participation. significant benefit to the community. concern, as is sharing the responsibility For example, mangroves protect The coastal towns of Mallacoota, Lakes settlements such as Lakes Entrance, for caring for country. Traditional Owners against wave erosion, sea grass beds Entrance, Port Albert, Port Welshpool, Port Welshpool and Port Franklin. bring together natural and cultural values act as nurseries for important fish Port Franklin and Walkerville have by working on country. The Gunaikurnai Agriculture, forestry and fishing are species (such as bream and whiting) long-standing ties to the commercial seek to contribute their skills and collectively the biggest employers. They and coastal vegetation including fishing industry, which in some cases is knowledge in managing country as a provide 26 per cent of jobs and 13 per saltmarshes, mangroves and seagrasses still a major economic driver for the partner in land and sea management to cent of total regional output. Tourism fix nutrients and carbon. settlements. Commercial fishing is still a improve the well-being of their generates five per cent of jobs and major source of employment for 12 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN

2.4 Protecting coastal potential work. Another example is the The following chapters outline actions to Gippsland Lakes Natural Assets Report address priority regional issues including values Card; it identifies key environmental population changes, coordination of The diverse and highly valued indicators such as water quality, wetlands management, and the implications of environmental, social, cultural and and seagrass, as well as a methodology climate change, particularly the effects economic values of the coast are for monitoring the overall health of this of flooding and erosion. affected by a range of pressures and important area. threats, such as increasing use, coastal development, invasive pest plants and animals, pollution, litter (particularly Case study – Ninety Mile Beach plastics) and climate change. The management of development at Ninety Mile Beach highlights the Under the Coastal Management Act 1995, importance of having appropriate well considered planning in place to regional and local decision-makers must protect coastal values. have regard for the coastal values described above when working with The beach between Bass Strait and Lake Reeve is the longest stretch of their communities on coastal planning uninterrupted beach in the country. Between 1955 and 1969, areas along the and management. beach were subdivided into about 11,800 lots which were sold. It later became Diver with Brown apparent that the physical characteristics of the land made these areas Leatherjacket, Corner Inlet The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 social and economic values of the unsuitable for development. These characteristics included easily erodible identifies a hierarchy of principles to Marine National Park Photo: Museum of Victoria Lakes. The Strategy set the direction for coastal soils, poor conditions for effluent disposal and high quality vegetation guide planning and decision making. future investment, coordination, and landscape. The Board uses this as the basis for research and monitoring of the health Various planning and management programs were applied from the mid- developing policies and actions to the Board notes the work by catchment of the Lakes, particularly the processes 1970s with limited success. Wellington Shire Council’s Ninety Mile Beach Plan manage the factors that contribute to management authorities in estuaries affecting, and implications from, water was developed to resolve the long running planning and management issue, coastal values. Appendix 3 lists coastal and wetlands in response to statewide quality issues. It is built on working with and comprises planning controls to restrict further inappropriate development plans in the region. directives in the Victorian Coastal Strategy a broad range of partner organisations and a program to assist the transfer of private lots into public ownership. The hierarchy of principles helps us to 2014 and the Victorian Waterway and groups. The Strategy was be explicit and consistent about how Management Strategy 2013. The supported by the 2001 Gippsland Lakes The development of the Ninety Mile Beach Plan followed several years of we refer to the different types of values, catchment management authorities’ Environmental Study10 commissioned extensive collaboration between local and state governments. The Council’s and how we prioritise actions and regional catchment strategies and by the Board and subsequent work long-term strategy for the area was backed by a detailed Land Capability investment. Regionally, this helps us waterway strategies identify significant about salinity issues, environmental Assessment which supported the finding that further development should be identify where these values are most natural values to prioritise investment. watering, algal blooms and other water prohibited. This culminated in approval of a four year funding agreement with concentrated, and, in particular, helps us Similarly, the Board notes work by local quality issues. The 2015 Corner Inlet the Victorian Government in June 2011 for $6 million for the Council’s recognise where they may be at risk due councils in planning and managing Water Quality Improvement Plan is Voluntary Assistance Scheme. to coastal processes or human activities. community coastal values within their another key planning document Interim planning controls were applied from June 2011 until permanent addressing water quality issues. Figure 5 provides a regional snapshot of planning schemes and urban design. planning controls were finalised under Amendment C71 of the Wellington some of the values within the Gippsland They work with land holders, developers Much work has been achieved, and Planning Scheme in May 2013. This amendment applies to a 10.8 kilometre coastal region and how these guide and public land managers to make sure continues, in identifying and monitoring section of the Ninety Mile Beach area between the settlements of Paradise decisions by coastal planners and impacts of increasing urbanisation and the condition of the Gippsland coast, and Beach/Golden Beach and The Honeysuckles, up to Glomar Beach. It affects managers. use of the coast are managed to meet in protecting its values. One example is more than 3,700 inappropriately subdivided lots. community expectations. the Gippsland State of the Coast Update It also identifies key plans and work This amendment also ensured that inappropriate development outside report,11 which summarises planning, done by those agencies with significant The Board also notes the importance of identified settlement boundaries is addressed through local policy and management and research about the responsibilities on the coast. In particular, the Gippsland Lakes Environmental appropriate land use planning responses. Strategy7 in protecting the environmental, region’s coast and identifies future VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 13 COASTAL PLAN

COMMUNITY COASTAL VALUES

SOCIAL CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIC

– Community networks – Aboriginal heritage – National and coastal parks – Ports and harbours – Amenity values – Non-Aboriginal heritage – Marine national parks and – Fisheries – Recreational – Township character sanctuaries – Oil and gas opportunities – Ramsar sites – Property values – Open space provision – Significant coastal – Employment – Employment Ecological Vegetation – Tourism Communities – Landscape character – Infrastructure e.g. boat – Heritage – Sea grass meadows ramps – Walkways – Flora and fauna biodiversity – Camping & caravan – Habitat connectivity grounds – Dune health – Renewable energy – Rivers, wetlands and estuaries – Water quality

GUIDE DECISIONS BY COASTAL PLANNERS AND MANAGERS

CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT GOVERNMENT COASTAL COMMITTEES TRADITIONAL PARKS GIPPSLAND GIPPSLAND REGIONAL FISHERIES ADVISORY GROUPS AUTHORITIES OF MANAGEMENT OWNERS VICTORIA PORTS COASTAL BOARD

– Regional catchment – Planning scheme – Foreshore/coastal – Sea Country plans – Parks management – Safety and environment – Regional coastal plans – Fisheries policies and – former Gippsland strategies components (e.g. management plans – Joint management plans (including management plans and previous regional strategies Lakes Ministerial – Sub-strategies (e.g. significant landscape (master and precinct plans marine parks) – Studies (e.g. Economic Value coastal action plans – Fishery management Advisory Committee waterway strategies overlays, municipal plans) – Cultural heritage – Joint management of Commercial Fishing) (e.g. integrated plan plans – Corner Inlet Steering and estuary plans) strategic statements, – Leases and licences management plans plans – Port and waterway safety and and boating) Committee coastal development – Ramsar site plans environment risk – State of the Coast policy) management planning – Regional growth plans – Port and waterway planning – Coastal management – Port and waterway related plans marine and coastal – Climate change infrastructure management strategies (e.g. Local and development planning coastal hazard – Port and waterway access assessments, planning adaptation plans) – Oil spill pollution and emergency response planning – Maritime security planning

Figure 5 Community coastal values guide decisions in the Gippsland coastal region 14 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN

3 THE DYNAMICS OF THE COAST

Regional Coastal Plans must allow for future buildings and structures with The Gippsland coast contains extensive the dynamic nature of the coast. That high social or economic value should areas of natural forests and woodlands. dynamism is manifested through: not be placed where coastal hazards This brings risks from bushfires for some – Natural coastal processes; may affect them. If, because of the coastal towns, like Loch Sport and nature of the structures, there are no Bemm River, and the coastal – Climate change; alternatives but to locate them on the environment. Planned burning is – Connections to catchments; coast (jetties and boat ramps, for important in managing the risk, but example), then the higher costs of those risks are likely to be exacerbated – Demographic trends; maintenance and replacement, and the by climate change. Given the need for – Visitation trends; and effects on coastal processes, must be shelter during bushfires, this has – Industrial processes. planned for. Floating jetties illustrate an implications for coastal infrastructure. approach to deal with the seasonal 3.1 Coastal processes opening and closing of some estuaries; 3.2 Climate change but they do incur greater costs. The coast is the interface between land Climate change will cause many Lake Reeve in flood, 2014 Hard structures such as groynes and and sea. It is not static; it changes with significant changes to the region’s Some algal blooms can be a serious seawalls are often used to mitigate the influence of tides, wind, waves and coastal and marine environments with issue, particularly in the Gippsland Lakes erosion. These structures also affect weather systems such as storms. Coastal processes can lead to coastal far reaching consequences. and adjoining estuaries. Relevant coastal processes: they alter sand Coastal processes interact with different hazards if they create risks of property Rising sea levels are predicted to cause agencies have established a well- movement and the effects of wave landforms (sandy beaches, rocky damage, loss of life or environmental increased inundation and flooding of integrated process to respond to energy. Interrupting the natural long headlands, low-lying mud flats and degradation.12 That is, coastal hazards low lying coastal areas, greater coastal blooms to protect human health. shore drift of sand can result in the loss estuaries) to create complex and are created by people’s interactions erosion, accretion, higher storm surges Responding to these events places of beaches and foreshore in one area dynamic systems. with coastal processes. and higher costs of managing coastal significant pressure on the resources of and cause accretion in another. The Gippsland coast is particularly at risk these agencies. The Victorian Coastal Strategy states land. In some areas, increased Because of the dynamic nature of coastal of erosion. Less than 10 per cent of it that coastal planners and managers inundation or erosion could lead to the Coastal acid sulfate soils occur naturally processes, all proposals for protective consists of the rocky headlands that should respect natural coastal loss of narrow coastal reserves. As the along the Victorian coast in low lying works on the coast - on private or resist erosion. The rest is made up of processes wherever possible. oceans absorb more carbon dioxide coastal areas, such as wetlands and public land - must be considered and soft shorelines such as dunes and sandy from the atmosphere they will become estuaries. If undisturbed, these soils are In order to minimise or avoid coastal designed as part of larger ‘whole of beaches. more acidic leading to changes in harmless. If exposed to air, they react hazards, the structures placed along the coastal cell system’, rather than as an marine and coastal ecosystems. Higher Accretion can also diminish access with oxygen to form sulfuric acid which coast must take into account its dynamic individual site. That is, they must be ocean temperatures and the predicted particularly to waterways and bays and can lead to release of other toxic nature. Public buildings and structures designed and managed with an changes to ocean currents will also have affect safety and environmental condition. elements, killing plants and animals, including life saving clubs, boat ramps, understanding of coastal processes and long-lasting effects on marine and coastal Removing such barriers increases the contaminating water and corroding jetties, picnic and toilet facilities, the wider impacts on coastal values environments. Higher temperatures will costs to land and waterway managers. infrastructure. Drainage, excavation, boardwalks and seawalls, must be beyond the location of the works. bring longer, hotter and drier periods drought and climate change can designed and sited in ways that take Coastal flooding is also experienced on The concept of coastal compartments and greater threats from bushfires. trigger these reactions. The Victorian into account the risks from erosion and the Gippsland coast, particularly when provides the basis for effectively and More intense rain events will exacerbate Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils Strategy and inundation. storm surges combine with high tides consistently managing physical hazards.12 riverine and estuarine flooding and the Victorian Best Practice Guidelines and extreme wave events. The impact Because of the need to ensure safety Coastal compartments are areas with higher inflows of catchment nutrients. for Assessing and Managing Coastal can be worse in estuaries receiving and amenity, coastal structures the same physical characteristics (such The high biodiversity of the region’s Acid Sulfate Soils give advice about rainfall from coastal catchments. generally have high maintenance and as landforms) and the same processes coastal and marine environment will be identifying and managing these soils. replacement costs. For this reason, (such as patterns of sediment movement). affected by all of these changes. VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 15 COASTAL PLAN

Case study – Gippsland Lakes and 90 Mile Beach Local Coastal Hazard Assessment The Victorian Government’s Future Coasts Program undertook four pilot Local Coastal Hazard Assessments to better define and understand the risks associated with coastal hazards. The assessment for the Gippsland Lakes and 90 Mile Beach aims to improve our information base and understanding of coastal vulnerability under existing and future coastal scenarios. It uses the best available science to provide information about erosion and inundation impacts under a number of different scenarios including existing conditions and varying sea levels, storm surges, and flood events. Catchment management authorities, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the Gippsland Coastal Board, and East Gippsland and Wellington Councils are involved in the work. The information gained from the studies will help key decision makers to: – assess risks and plan for coastal impacts from climate change; Croajingolong Coast Photo: Destination To counter those risks, we need to – inform settlement and land use plans and other statutory tools (for Gippsland balance current use and development example municipal planning schemes and floodplain management); opportunities with potential future – help make decisions about infrastructure and assets such as roads and Inundation and erosion will squeeze costs and the long-term health of the services; coast. We also need to address the some coastal habitats against immobile – monitor and evaluate change in coastal hazards over time; barriers such as cliffs and infrastructure, legacy of earlier land use decisions. change the distribution of some species Where property and infrastructure are – support emergency management planning; and and potentially increase pressure from now at risk from erosion or flooding, we – provide data for risk assessment and scenario planning for localised pest plants and animals. need to adapt to changing circumstances. adaptation responses. The options may include living with the Climate change will increase the extent risk for the economic life of existing The outcomes from the assessment will be used to plan for and manage 12 and severity of coastal hazards. Rising assets, removing or relocating the existing and future impacts with local communities. sea levels along with storm surge will assets, or protecting from the hazard. increase rates of erosion and flood events posing greater risks to properties The Victorian Climate Change Adaptation and to coastal structures and buildings. Plan (2013) sets out how the Victorian work has been done to try to adaptation planning. For example, the It may also result in areas that are not at Government is managing these risks understand how to respond to climate next steps in using the information risk now becoming so in the future. (amongst others) and acknowledges the change predictions. A 2008 Gippsland presented in the Gippsland Lakes and contribution by all tiers of government, Coastal Board report14 summarises the 90 Mile Beach Coastal Hazard business and communities in this work. effects of climate change on physical Assessment will be in working with Threats to the Gippsland coast are very processes and identifies risks to specific local communities to assess the risk of real, particularly for highly erodible areas. coastal infrastructure to inform future the hazards to their community and Climate change will magnify these risks, management. arrive at decisions that make their with far-east Gippsland’s projected sea The knowledge gained from local community more climate resilient. 13 1879 wreck of the ‘Trinculo’ level rise to be higher than average. studies provides the foundation for the near Golden Beach Given the dynamics of this coast, much next phase of community-driven Photo: Jacqui Stump 16 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN

3.3 Connections to 3.5 Visitation trends Principle catchments An increase in boating visitation and The Gippsland Coastal Board will changes in boating preferences are key Catchments, coast and marine areas support actions in regional factors for change in the Gippsland port form a continuum. What happens in catchment and waterway and waterway areas. Trends in boating catchments affects the coast and strategies that aim to improve the visitations rates have been estimated by near-shore marine environments. condition of coastal values, Gippsland Ports using boat registration Catchment management therefore particularly to improve water data. Registrations in Gippsland have plays an integral role in protecting quality in estuaries, embayments been increasing by an average of 2.8 per downstream environments and and coastal waters. cent per year from 2003 to 2012, with amenity of the coast. particularly high growth in the Anderson These linkages are particularly evident Inlet (3.0 per cent), Gippsland Lakes (2.9 for waterways which flow through their per cent) and Mallacoota (2.9 per cent) catchments to estuaries and the sea.5,15 3.4 Demographic trends regions.21 The rates of growth exceed Runoff supports the plant and animal general population increases. The average Many people choose to live beside the communities in estuaries and nearby boat size also appears to be increasing. marine areas. It can also generate coast, but population growth creates Visitation and tourism are key economic riparian and estuarine flooding which challenges in meeting future infrastructure Paynesville Canals Photo: Destination 19 drivers for Victoria and for Gippsland can cause significant disruption and and employment needs. Achieving this The 2013 Sea Change Taskforce report Gippsland coastal communities. All these attractions losses as well as exacerbating coastal balance means coastal settlements included the East Gippsland Shire Council draw significant numbers of visitors and hazards. need to be planned according to area as one of ten case studies, and noted it is to be expected that these numbers regional strengths and around the Design Framework (Meinhardt 2007). the need to better plan for providing Water flows and water quality are often will continue to increase. The economic relationships with hinterland townships Key pressures identified in those studies utilities, infrastructure and services. linked, and variations in river and and the larger regional towns that form opportunities associated with these trends included population growth above Other important demographic trends estuarine flows can improve or worsen hubs for employment and services. need to be handled in a way that protects regional average and an ageing to consider are those growth areas in water quality. Some water quality issues significant coastal features and landscapes The framework for Gippsland coastal population, driven in part by the ‘sea the hinterland that are likely to increase are natural processes that affect social from the environmental impacts that change’ phenomenon.17 and economic use of the coast. Human settlements is included in the Gippsland the use of the coast. The growth in Bass 8 can accompany high visitor numbers. activity has exacerbated some of these Regional Growth Plan. It identifies A synthesis of recent census data on Coast and Baw Baw shires together The impact of increased visitation at key processes and created new problems. current and future settlement patterns Gippsland coastal towns shows that the with the exceptional population coastal sites on the ‘visitor experience’ For example, nutrient inputs into the along the Gippsland Coast and plays a ‘sea change’ phenomenon has slowed growth in Melbourne’s south east and (that is, how an individual interacts and Gippsland Lakes exacerbate algal significant role in shaping the land use or halted. Average population growth the Cardinia Employment Corridor may enjoys a site) is an emerging issue for blooms. Similarly, nutrient inputs and planning decisions made by local councils. over the last ten years has been less place increased pressure on the values 8 nature-based tourism. While visitation turbidity add to problems at Corner The Gippsland Regional Growth Plan than the Victorian regional average and of the Gippsland coastal region. dispersal opportunities at some sites Inlet. In other parts of Gippsland, identifies coastal values and addresses decreases have occurred in some towns.18 should be considered, identifying ways stormwater from coastal cities and sensitive coastal areas in growth planning. The population continues to age across for visitors to contribute financially to the towns adds to water quality issues. Changes in demographics are a key most coastal towns, although the rate of renewal and maintenance of facilities as driver for development and land use population ageing appears to be Catchment management authorities well as preservation activities that along the Gippsland coast. Data on age slowing against the regional average. have regional catchment and waterway contribute to maintaining a quality demographics, population projections strategies to help maintain or improve Mobile populations outside the visitor experience also deserve and peak populations was synthesised the quality of water reaching coastal metropolitan areas also have impacts consideration. Further studies that in the 2006 State of the Gippsland areas. on coastal areas. These include people describe the visitor experience at Coast Report16 and the East Gippsland with holiday homes that lead to large coastal sites with increased use should and Wellington shires Coastal Towns seasonal fluctuations in population. be a priority. VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 17 COASTAL PLAN

Regional scale strategic planning can in coastal areas. It occurs when help to address these issues by underground layers compress, for identifying opportunities to tailor the example due to the extraction of service levels at different sites to groundwater, oil and natural gas and expected visitation demand. The key mine dewatering. The Department of here is to do that in ways that help to Environment, Land, Water and Planning, minimise pressures on the vulnerable the University of NSW and Monash parts of the coast. University recently completed a pilot As discussed in Chapter 4, the Gippsland study using radar techniques to identify and measure subsidence along the Boating Coastal Action Plan is an example 20 of how some things can and should be Gippsland coast. In addition to effects managed at the regional-scale. Its key around the coal mines near Morwell actions will be implemented under which are monitored through mine this plan. management plans, it found subsidence in localised areas near 3.6 Industrial processes Stradbroke and the Holey Plains State Forest, the latter possibly due to Emerging industries and the changing changes to plantation land uses. The markets for oil, gas, brown coal and Hiking the Cape results of the study will be used to Conran coast renewable energy will present new develop a longer term monitoring Photo: Destination challenges for management of the program. Gippsland Gippsland coastal region. While the region’s production of crude Offshore oil and gas fields affect coastal oil, coal and gas is important to Victoria The scope for tidal and wave power has areas because the oil and gas must be in the short-and-medium term, there been investigated for Gippsland. moved through the foreshore to the are also plans to transition and diversify However at this stage, it does not processing plants near Orbost and at these traditional energy industries.22 appear to be a priority area for Longford. Servicing the needs of those Future opportunities have been investment. The East Gippsland Basin industries also has generalised effects identified in the Gippsland Regional has been identified as potentially upon the regional economy. Plan, such as the development of suitable for geothermal power Where projects require access to coal-to-products (for example generation, and there is some potential coastal foreshore to transport materials, briquettes or fertiliser) and research and for additional wind generation at Toora, the Department of Environment, Land, development in technology such as Gipsy Point Bald Hills and further west. Water and Planning works with public carbon capture and storage. Photo: Roberto Seba, Tourism Victoria Risks from further potential port land managers to manage this use. The emergence of new energy developments associated with Land subsidence is a significant industries in the Gippsland coastal area, increased shipping traffic in Corner concern in the region. It is evident in such as wind energy, coal seam gas, Inlet include oil spills, ballast water the and has the potential and geothermal power may offer discharge, spread of invasive species to be an issue in the mid to long-term opportunities for economic and potential impacts associated with development, while simultaneously dredging and port maintenance. presenting new threats and pressures to natural and social values. Wilsons Promontory National Park Photo: Garry Moore, Tourism Victoria 18 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

4 MANAGING REGIONAL POPULATION AND TOURISM PRESSURES

Maintenance to public 4.1 Background access path to Corringle A variety of public land and waterway Foreshore Reserve managers regulate access to coastal land and marine environments (see natural and amenity values that attract Chapter 5). They aim to balance access people to the coast. between users with protecting natural values and the amenity of other users. Fortunately, the fluctuations in demand This is achieved by providing facilities for some community assets can ease such as walking tracks, boat ramps, car demand from coastal visitation. School parks, picnic facilities, boardwalks, grounds are a good example: peak jetties and caravan parks. demands for coastal visitation include the school holiday period. Some Balancing access to these facilities is communities, such as Venus Bay where best considered at the regional-scale. there is a scarcity of space available for Carefully distributing facilities and extra parking, are now using school Case study – Managing service levels across the region grounds and shuttle buses to offer park 21 access at popular sites enhances accessibility. It also helps and ride services during peak times. reduce potential conflicts between Recreation on Snowy Corringle Foreshore Reserve is on different uses, such as boating and River estuary At the other end of the spectrum, the south western side of the swimming. Communicating the uncontrolled camping at less popular lower Snowy River. It is one of the availability of alternative facilities and parts of the coast can create problems as ten parks and reserves in Gippsland targeting investment in priority sites may be necessary to offer very high well. Several land managers have that is jointly managed by Parks can also be beneficial. service levels such as boardwalk access, expressed concerns about the increasing Victoria and the Gunaikurnai Land sophisticated parking arrangements, impacts of litter and refuse, and increased and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. There are different types of residents and tourism services and the like. This is costs of addressing those impacts, as A ballot booking system had been visitors to the coast. These include local particularly true of places like Wilsons uncontrolled camping levels increase. in use for many years to manage residents, people with ‘weekenders’ and Promontory and Lakes Entrance. holiday homes, itinerant travellers such Regional and state tourism bodies have visitor numbers during the peak as ‘grey nomads’, and people on longer Periods of congestion during peak responsibility to plan for and manage holiday periods. Recently Parks vacations. Collectively, the way they visitation to an area are frustrating to tourism to balance the economic Victoria introduced online booking interact with the coast can be referred experience and particularly challenging benefits with the protection of the for Victorian parks and reserves to as ‘visitation’. to manage. values that attract many tourists (and based on a ‘first come, first served’ residents) to the region. system. Fees were used for general Demand can be managed by ensuring Fishing at Lakes There is a balance to be achieved Entrance park maintenance such as mowing that the service levels provided by between continually upgrading The actions in this Plan will contribute lawns, emptying rubbish bins and visitation facilities are tailored to the facilities at popular sites and promoting to planning for tourism development upkeeping park facilities. resilience of the landscape. In general, the availability of alternative sites. by bringing together better information high levels of service are best Queuing, parking fees, site-use fees and about visitation demands and The Gunaikurnai Rangers now also concentrated in resilient areas, for ballots are all legitimate ways to opportunities, encouraging more work in joint management with example in identified activity nodes. manage access, but they need to be integrated management of foreshores Parks Victoria rangers incorporating evaluated against the alternatives. and improving planning for the Gunaikurnai traditional knowledge The unique amenity values at some impacts of climate change. and culture into all aspects of park vulnerable sites, however, often call for Peak demand strains assets and management. a different response. In those cases, it infrastructure and can reduce the BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 19 COASTAL PLAN

4.2 The Boating Coastal PUBLIC LAND USE Action Plan RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES HIERARCHY N The Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Waterbody Regional Plan 2012 (Boating CAP) is an example Parks & reserves of how the Board has shown that some District Softwood plantation & state forest things are best managed at the Local regional-scale. It shows that there are Other public land Omeo significant opportunities to manage Basic Highway demand, while maintaining community and environmental coastal values. Council boundary The Boating CAP provides an inventory Coastal waters of the region’s recreational boating EAST GIPPSLAND Marine National Parks G facilities, including local ports, and en oa R iv Ramsar sites e classifies each of them into one of five T r a S m n N o i b

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r Port Albert R Port Paynesville considered. in r w Welshpool Ta The level of service approach outlined NOORAMUNGA MARINE in the boating plan can be applied & COASTAL PARK more broadly in coastal management. CORNER INLET MARINE & Taking this approach at the regional- ap COASTAL PARK C tr scale lends itself to better management a p e Lip WILSONS of all facilities that hold the potential to CAPE SHALLOW PROMONTORY LIPTRAP INLET MARINE provide interchangeable and COASTAL MARINE & NATIONAL PARK PARK COASTAL PARK complementary coastal experiences.

Figure 6 Indicative map of current boating hierarchy of facilities from the Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan 2013. For full details, refer to the Boating CAP. 20 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

4.3 Activity and Principle recreation nodes Gippsland Ports is responsible for all local ports in the region. The Board will work The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 with Gippsland Ports to develop a strategic planning framework for local ports notes that in coastal settlements, to meet the current and future needs of commercial, recreation and tourism recreation and tourism developments activities. are focused around activity and recreation nodes. These create efficient relationships between buildings and infrastructure and they minimise development impacts on the coast. Case study – Gippsland Lakes Sustainable Development Plan Activity nodes provide for community The unique environmental, social and economic values of the Gippsland Lakes recreation facilities and tourism attract many residents and visitors. Many different agencies are responsible for activities. They are within settlements managing economic growth and development in the area in ways that and are adjacent to the activity centres protect those values. Each agency has its own planning arrangements and if identified in planning schemes. They their efforts are not coordinated and integrated, there is scope for confusion include public and private land. For between managers and concern among the community. Diverse expectations example, the Board’s 2008 Boating Metung within the community can also create tensions and disputes. Amenity and Sustainable Infrastructure Photo: Peter Jennings To ensure an integrated regional approach to growth and development, East Study identified activity nodes in and Gippsland Shire Council is developing the Gippsland Lakes Sustainable around the Gippsland Lakes where Development Plan with Regional Development Victoria, other relevant future boating development should government agencies and groups, and community representatives. The plan, occur. which is being produced with financial assistance from the former Gippsland Recreation nodes are located on coastal Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee, will provide an umbrella framework to Crown land, outside activity nodes. guide investment and economic development around the Lakes while They provide access and infrastructure protecting the diverse values that are so important to the local community for recreation and water-related and visitors. activities It will bring together various legislative and planning requirements into a Any development on coastal Crown single integrated plan for the Lakes. The plan will map the potential future land within an activity node and economic growth opportunities, including the type and location of recreation node should satisfy the High season at Ocean development that meets the community’s expectations for growth while also criteria for use and development on Grange protecting and improving the area’s environmental and social values. By coastal Crown land established by the Photo: Destination providing a common vision for a healthy and prosperous Lakes system, it will Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014. Gippsland provide certainty for the community and for decision-makers and support Kayaking on the Gippsland Lakes wise public and private investment. Photo: Garry Moore, The plan will support sound planning decisions, coordinate agency objectives Tourism Victoria and facilitate the right kind of investment in the right places. All agencies with a role in managing the Gippsland Lakes, or for providing statutory approvals, are expected to adopt the plan, providing cohesion for future management and development. BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 21 COASTAL PLAN

4.4 Key challenges and Chapter 4 – Visitation Actions Lead Partner Agents By When actions 1. Work with partner organisations to GCB Local councils, 2017 Outcomes implement actions in the Gippsland Boating CoM, Gippsland 1. Matching recreational boating The coast is valued for a range of uses. Coastal Action Plan. Ports, PV expectations with strategically Coastal planners and managers aim to 2. Work with public land managers and and safely located facilities; provide facilities to enhance access waterway managers to: while maintaining the values that 2. Balancing recreational and a. map and categorise visitation DELWP GCB, PV, Local 2018 commercial coastal uses to attract users to the site in the first place. infrastructure throughout the region; councils, CoM, Gippsland Ports minimise the social and Population pressures and increased environmental impacts; tourism visitation will increase the b. develop a service-level hierarchy for GCB DELWP, VCC 2018 importance of getting this balance visitation infrastructure; and 3. Recreation and tourism right. c. document and analyse effectiveness of GCB DELWP, PV, Local 2018 expectations matched with a existing approaches to demand councils, CoM level of service that accounts A regional approach will help identify management (including parking fees, for the function, risks, and where visitation is best directed and entrance fees, camping fees, leasing social and economic benefits; those areas that will need further arrangements, licensing arrangements and protection. The actions in this chapter and the use of smart-phone apps). will provide key information about 3. Identify priority areas for visitation demand 4. Sustainable public access for a existing infrastructure that supports management. In particular: range of recreation and tourism uses. visitation to the Gippsland coast. They a. resilient parts of the landscape where GCB Local councils, 2018 will build collaboration and visitation can be encouraged; DELWP, CoM, PV, coordination between land and Tourism boards, waterway managers, and assist in TOs sharing and learning from the different b. vulnerable parts of the landscape where GCB Local councils, 2018 experiences of each of those managers. demand might be reduced by DELWP, CoM, The work will be used to develop a encouraging visitors towards alternative Tourism boards, Visitation Demand Framework, which sites; and TOs, PV will guide consistent local decisions, c. vulnerable parts of the landscape with GCB Local councils, 2018 support investment and explain to unique visitor experiences and limited DELWP, CoM, PV, scope to reduce demand. Tourism boards, coastal users the long-term goals of TOs managing access to the coast. 4. Using the data from actions 1, 2 and 3, GCB Local councils, 2018 develop a Visitation Demand Framework to DELWP, PV, user guide local decisions, support investment groups, CoM, and communicate with users. Tourism boards

GCB – Gippsland Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State Emergency Service

Sunset at Norman Bay Photo: Dean Ogden 22 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

5 A REGIONAL APPROACH TO FORESHORE MANAGEMENT

5.1 Background 2010 agreements). Their aspirations for used to set rentals on Crown land is coast and sea country are also formally through a market valuation assessment Coastal experiences involve the use and recognised through joint management conducted by a qualified valuer.23 enjoyment of the hinterland, foreshore and co-management arrangements, The foreshore is rich in coastal values; and marine environments. The foreshore with Parks Victoria, for five coastal parks community expectations for its is the bridge between the other two in the Gunaikurnai determination area. management are set within the environments and is often a focus for These are the Lakes National Park, Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014. One of use and visitation pressures. It is an Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, Gippsland the desired outcomes from that important part of the coast to plan for Lakes Reserve, Corringle Foreshore strategy is for the built environment on and manage. Reserve and Lake Tyers Catchment Area. foreshores to be confined to structures The Victorian foreshore is 96 per cent Gippsland Ports, Parks Victoria, East whose functionality depends on them publicly owned. As illustrated in Figure 7, Gippsland Shire Council and the being near the water – while also in the Gippsland coastal region the Department of Environment, Land, providing significant community foreshore is managed by a variety of Water and Planning as designated benefit. groups including Parks Victoria, local Waterway Managers under the Marine Surf lifesaving club lookout towers, councils, committees of management Safety Act (2010) are responsible for marina and boat sheds are examples of and Gippsland Ports. The Gunaikurnai boating and shipping safety. The buildings whose functionality depend Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Victorian Coastal Strategy and elements on being near the water. Foreshore also jointly manage five coastal parks of the Victorian Planning Provisions managers need to work with the with Parks Victoria. The Legend Rock is part (including Clause 18.03 that lists port lessees of these buildings to ensure land use and development strategies) of the Bataluk Cultural Different land managers in the region trail (see www.bataluk that the siting and design of facilities face a range of very different demands. guide land-use planning within culturaltrail.com.au for do not increase coastal hazards For example, East Gippsland Shire designated ports. The amenity values more information) (including bushfire risk) or reduce manages several intensively used urban offered by ports are also recognised amenity for other users. The Board foreshore areas such as those around within regional growth plans. example in some areas tour operator believes that innovative designs that do Lakes Entrance. Other land managers, Foreshore managers have a number of licences for certain activities are this and capture the coastal character such as Parks Victoria, are responsible tools to guide and support their allocated competitively. of foreshore should be encouraged. for extensive areas where use is more decisions. A range of tools to implement Decisions about how to manage the dispersed. these decisions are also provided for in The rent paid to lease or licence coastal Crown land represents a payment to variety of coastal values on the Where there are high levels of use, or the Coastal Management Act 1995 and foreshore are made through the 22 the community for the private use of a there are some opportunities for the users the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. publicly owned resource. By paying rent, development of coastal management of the foreshore to contribute to the cost Where there is high demand for use of those receiving a private benefit from plans and local planning schemes. of providing visitation infrastructure the foreshore – to the point where there the right to occupy and use coastal An important part of The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 and services, a local council, Parks is competition between potential users foreshore make an appropriate payment Gunaikurnai mythology, specifies criteria for use and development Victoria or a committee of the Legend Rock lies in – exclusive use may be provided to for that use. Further, rental payments on coastal Crown land (including reuse management is generally responsible shallow water by the particular groups through private leasing are one of the only sources of income and redevelopment). The Visitation for managing the land.22 shore of Bancroft Bay, of buildings on the foreshore (including available to foreshore managers to opposite the Metung Demand Framework outlined in Traditional Owners have a range of camping grounds, marinas and cafes). meet the cost of managing and Yacht Club in Chapter 4 will help to ensure that the Tatungooloong Country rights and responsibilities for their Public land managers may also licence levels of service offered at different sites 23 improving the land under their control. custodial land (including Native Title particular uses at popular sites. This is The most commonly used mechanism will conform with those criteria. and Traditional Owner Settlement Act important to better manage demand, for BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 23 COASTAL PLAN

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Leongatha Tarra MARINE NATIONAL PARK Ri A ve lb r l e er i A t R M g i Yarram n ve Wellington r e r CORNER INLET e s v i R R i Shire Council Port v Port MARINE & n e i Franklin r Port Albert t y r w Welshpool e COASTAL PARK Ta i n N Walkerville Committee of Management Wellington NOORAMUNGA MARINE & COASTAL PARK Shire Council N CORNER INLET MARINE & COASTAL PARK Sandy Point Foreshore WILSONS Committee of Management PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK

WILSONS PROMONTORY MARINE NATIONAL PARK

Figure 7 Indicative map of foreshore and waterway managers. 24 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

Case study – Integrated management of algal blooms in the 5.2 Integrated coastal Gippsland Lakes management Blue-green algae (BGA) occur naturally in aquatic environments such as the Gippsland Lakes. Occasionally, blooms can be so severe that they reduce The efforts and expertise offered by water quality, prevent or minimise use of the Lakes and threaten parts of the local foreshore managers, government estuarine environment such as fish. Such blooms can have far-reaching agencies and volunteers, provides an effects on a broad range of activities and interests. immense advantage in managing the When regular monitoring reveals trigger levels of BGA, an emergency values associated with coastal land. response and management system is activated to coordinate the response of The Coastal Management Act (1995) many organisations. provides for coastal management plans The Gippsland Blue-Green Algae Regional Response Plan details the specific (sometimes called foreshore responsibility of each agency involved with a BGA bloom. The plan helps to management plans) on public land but define if and when different agencies need to be involved in managing the good practice in the Gippsland coastal bloom and its consequences. For example, when monitoring indicates risks region has seen the foreshore managers to human health, the Department of Health is a key part of the response. of both public and private land working When there are risks for fishing, Fisheries Victoria and Primesafe will act to with adjacent land holders and waterway Mallacoota Pier Photo: Destination protect the fishery and seafood consumers. managers to manage coastal values Gippsland together. Clarifying the boundaries of Much like a bushfire, BGA blooms are managed with public safety and clear coastal reserves, including consistent information as priorities. Press releases, signage, and other forms of responsibilities for boundaries related Better integrated planning across larger communication are carefully coordinated by agencies such as the to tidal height, helps to improve this cohesive areas of both public and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria and co-operative management. private land is very important. To that local government. The Department of Environment, Land, end the objectives of the coastal Following a bloom, the agencies involved collaborate to learn from the Water and Planning is developing management plan guidelines will be to: process and improve the system. As an example, local government followed guidelines for coastal management plans – improve strategic planning; up on concerns about impacts on tourism and initiated a study to gather this information. The results were used by agencies to better position the tourism (including foreshore management – support more consistent monitoring; plans). The guidelines will also facilitate sector for such incidents. future revision of existing plans when – strengthen local community needed. They will recognise that good engagement; and Lakes Entrance management should not be bounded Photo: Peter Jennings – simplify coastal approvals. by land tenure; good management The Department of Environment, Land, means working across land boundaries Where coastal management plans Water and Planning recently identified where it is sensible to do so. This cover a larger area, local managers may the need for strong governance includes addressing the impacts of wish to develop more detailed precinct processes to ensure community private land activities on adjacent or or master plans for specific areas or sites. expectations of foreshore managers are nearby foreshores. met and these standards are maintained.24 This report also identified that there is potential to strengthen coastal management by improving the governance, oversight and support for committees of management. BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 25 COASTAL PLAN

5.3 Key challenges and Chapter 5 – Foreshore Manager Actions Lead Partner Agents By When actions 1. Prepare guidelines for the development of DELWP GCB, CoM, Local 2015 coastal management plans. councils, PV A range of different organisations 2. Develop a process that brings local DELWP GCB, Local 2016 manage the coast. There are synergies managers to work together where it is councils, CoM, to be achieved by helping to coordinate sensible for a coastal management plan to GP, PV their efforts across land boundaries. be developed across multiple land and water managers. From this, local public land The Board will work with the managers can put together precinct or Department of Environment, Land, master plans. Water and Planning to encourage land 3. Work with Traditional Owners in preparing PV TOs, GCB, CMAs, 2020 and water managers to collaborate multi park plans that include coastal areas. DELWP, Aus wherever possible and work with their Government communities to achieve the best 4. Ensure there are current coastal GCB DELWP, Local 2020 outcomes for the coast. management plans (including foreshore councils Lake Tyers walking The Board will work with the Traditional management plans) in place in the track Gippsland coastal region where needed. Photo: Destination Owners to support them to develop Gippsland plans to better manage their land and sea country, and to integrate that GCB – Gippsland Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and management with adjacent land and Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, water managers. VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State Emergency Service, GP – Gippsland Ports This will encourage planning and management to cover areas of the coast with similar issues and processes. It will guide local decisions while Outcomes maintaining consistency and high standards of planning and management, 1. Improved efficiency and effectiveness of coastal managers; and supporting future investment. 2. Management better aligned with the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 and Under the Coastal Management Act the Regional Coastal Plan priorities; 1995, coastal management plans apply 3. Improved governance, oversight and support for committees of to public land on the coast. The management; and development of the new marine and coastal act by the Department of 4. Strong community engagement in planning for the coast. Environment, Land, Water and Planning provides an opportunity to explore issues, such as where and when coastal management plans should apply.

Wilsons Promontory Photo: Roberto Seba, Tourism Victoria 26 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

6 ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND INCREASED COASTAL HAZARDS

6.1 Background Adaptation Memorandum of 25 Key terms Understanding between state and As outlined in Section 3.2, climate local government also identifies sea change is expected to cause significant – Coastal flooding - temporary level rise as one of the agreed priority changes to Gippsland’s coastal and or permanent flooding of areas for clarification of responsibilities. marine environments. Potential impacts low-lying areas by ocean The Government’s Future Coasts on the coast include loss of public land waters caused by high sea program produced guidelines, (including beaches), damage to buildings level events, with or without comprehensive data sets and digital and other infrastructure, changes in the impacts of rainfall in models to help Victorians better coastal and marine ecosystems, and coastal catchments understand the hazards and plan for destruction of cultural heritage. – Coastal erosion - short-term the risks associated with sea level rise If we are to adapt, these impacts will retreat of sandy and soft rock and storm surge. It also worked with need to be addressed at the shorelines and dunes as a local councils to engage their appropriate scale and over different result of storm effects and communities in investigating local time periods. Increasing ocean climatic variations needs and opportunities. temperatures and acidification are – Coastal recession - The Victorian Government has global scale impacts; they are being progressive and ongoing established long term sea level rise addressed through international and retreat of the shoreline benchmarks and floodplain management national initiatives. Some regional-scale 6.2 Adaptation planning guidelines to inform local planning and impacts, such as changes to – Coastal accretion - the development. The Victorian Coastal biodiversity, fire regimes and water accumulation of beach to manage flooding Strategy 2014 sets the policy for supply, are being addressed across sediments and erosion planning for an increase of not less broad landscapes by state and regional – Coastal adaptation planning than 0.8 m by 2100 and 0.2 m by 2040 organisations. - the process of The primary causes of coastal inundation may be used for urban infill. The understanding the physical and flooding are storm surges combining This Regional Coastal Plan focuses on floodplain guidelines apply unless a processes and community with high tides (especially storm-tides), hazards that are unique to the coast council’s adaptation planning makes values that determine extreme wave events and, sometimes, – coastal flooding, erosion, accretion estuarine flooding. Erosion risks are specific alternative arrangements. and long-term recession, driven by hazards, assessing risks and determined by tides, wave action, sea The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 rising sea levels. There is a clear need to identifying actions that will levels and geology. Rising sea levels, envisages that increased threats from improve regional and local planning for increase resilience resulting from climate change, will coastal hazards will be strategically these, and this Plan outlines significant – Coastal Hazard - when cause increased rates of erosion and managed, on both public and private improvements. coastal processes (flooding, The Gippsland coast is more extensive flooding. land, through regional and local erosion and recession) have a particularly vulnerable to adaptation planning. This involves the negative impact on life, erosion, top: Marlay Point The Victorian Climate Change Adaptation and above: ramp onto use of coastal hazard assessments to property or other assets Plan, released in 2013, sets out priorities McLoughlins Beach. identify areas of public and private land Photo: Peter Jennings for adaptation including partnering with – Risk - the effect of local government and communities. vulnerable to inundation, erosion or uncertainty on objectives The Victorian Government has provided recession, and understanding how the (Derived from the Victorian funding and support for local community’s values in these areas are Coastal Hazard Guide 2012) government adaptation planning and affected. This informs the assessment of action, including through a pilot future risks and adaptive management mentoring initiative. The Climate Change responses. BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 27 COASTAL PLAN

Additional funding will be needed to Case study – Equitable local outcomes in adaptation to sea- carry out detailed local coastal hazard Case study – Balancing assessments and adaptation plans. This level rise environmental, social and Plan provides the framework for state, The research into the physical risks associated with sea-level rise along the regional and local agencies to work economic aspects of Gippsland coast is extensive, and has heightened awareness among decision- together on attracting funding to carry climate change adaptation makers about the need for adaptation to be considered in some areas. out this work. Two projects funded by the However, there is little known in Gippsland or elsewhere about how potential National Climate Change responses to these risks might impact on the values of coastal residents. Assessments of the benefits and costs of responses should take account of a Adaptation Research Facility and The Gippsland Coastal Board worked with the University of Melbourne to 27,28 broad range of social, environmental completed in 2013 considered develop a project to assess the issue of social equity in adaptation. Partners in and economic values associated with environmental, social and the project included East Gippsland and Wellington shire councils, the former the coast, such as the value of beaches economic change that may result Department of Sustainability and Environment, and the former Department of and the costs if they are not able to be from climate change to develop a Planning and Community Development. used by the community. broader framework to assist The 2014 project report26 outlined ‘lived values’ that define what is important in Seaspray Surf adaptation decision-making. Lifesaving Club the lives of people and in the places they live. Knowledge of these lived values The multi-disciplinary work found is important to understand the impact of different adaptation strategies. For that a prescriptive approach to Victorian Floodplain example, a newly erected rock wall might interfere with a widely held shared Having the appropriate authority settlement and infrastructure for Management Strategy value attached to sea views in a coastal community. Adaptation response can engaging with the local community – coastal communities is less compromise some values over others, and the project helps to consider those the people directly affected by the risk In line with policy for inland important than a decision- values that may be adversely affected by certain strategies. and in the best position to manage it flooding, responses to mitigate making process that is open, The report describes social triggers for acceptance of adaptation responses as – is the best way to go about coastal flooding may benefit from transparent, inclusive and well as the need for scoping adaptation decisions and activities. The report adaptation planning. Therefore much the cost sharing arrangements adaptive, and involves all levels of includes A Guide for Government to Incorporate Community Values into Climate adaptation planning needs to be led at outlined in the 2015 Revised Draft government and the community. Change Planning which outlines a step-based participatory planning process the local level in close consultation with Victorian Floodplain Management It also demonstrated the for undertaking the Values Approach for Adaptation Planning. the affected community. Strategy. The Revised Draft Strategy importance of local knowledge in makes it plain that where understanding the impact of The map in Figure 8 shows three areas adaptation plans specify that flood climate change on specific where detailed coastal hazard mitigation infrastructure is required environments and communities, assessment and adaptation planning Many adaptation responses are possible. accepting and living with the risk or for public benefit, then, in line with and therefore how a community are likely to be needed. This includes The relevance of each will vary from dealing with it through emergency government policy, local councils can be involved in adaptation on the recently finished Gippsland Lakes place to place. Broadly, risks can be: responses. will contribute to the capital costs a personal and community basis. and 90 Mile Beach assessment as well in cost-sharing arrangements with – avoided, for example, by updating Certain adaptation responses may be as two new areas where further Both studies indicate the the Victorian and Commonwealth planning schemes to implement triggered by observed changes in the detailed hazard assessment and importance and need for Governments. The benefiting State coastal planning policy; environment (for example, increasing adaptation planning are likely to be well-informed communication communities will be responsible height of sea walls or relocating needed: around Corner Inlet and Port about climate change adaptation – reduced through planned retreat or for the ongoing management infrastructure when sea level reaches a Albert; and around and and responses appropriate to protection (such as sea walls, beach and maintenance costs of this predefined height, or when specific Venus Bay. These areas have particularly particular areas and regions. A renourishment or improved building infrastructure. The decision to areas are flooded with a certain significant natural or built assets in low more collaborative regional construction); invest in flood mitigation on the frequency). This allows certain actions lying areas susceptible to coastal approach with wide coast will be prioritised based on – shared through insurance and and investments to be postponed until flooding, and/or are in sandy areas representation may be the best an assessment of the level of risk better information sharing; or risks in particular locations are more susceptible to erosion. way forward for adapting to and the benefits and costs. – transferred, for example by certain, to avoid costly over reaction. climate change on the coast. 28 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

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Figure 8 Map indicating areas for hazard assessment and adaptation planning (based on coastal instability and low lying areas). DISCLAIMER: The data used in this map is from the Victorian Coastal Inundation Dataset and the Smartline Coastal Geomorphic Map of Australia and is intended to be used at a regional-scale to assist strategic planning and risk management. BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 29 COASTAL PLAN

6.3 Key challenges and Chapter 6 – Flooding and Erosion Actions Lead Partner Agents By When actions 1. Develop a systematic approach to prioritise DELWP GCB, Local 2016 areas for detailed coastal hazard councils, CMAs The Department of Environment, Land, assessments and adaptation planning. Water and Planning will work on a 2. Refine methodologies for conducting detailed DELWP CMAs, GCB, Local 2016 systematic regional approach to coastal hazard assessments to identify high councils prioritise areas for more detailed coastal risk areas, and clarify the role of flood studies in hazard assessment where adaptation the hazard assessment process. planning would be beneficial. Priorities 3. Refine methodologies for local adaptation DELWP GCB, Local 2017 will be set in partnership with local planning, including addressing barriers to councils, RDV, councils and catchment management practical local adaptation action. CMAs, SES, PV authorities, who are working on 4. Continue, or undertake new, detailed Local DELWP, GCB, 2018 regional prioritisation to manage the coastal hazard assessments and adaptation Councils RDV, CMAs, PV risks of riverine and estuary flooding. planning, particularly for the priority areas Flooded carpark, identified in 1. Local councils and catchment Lakes Entrance 5. Implement identified adaptation responses Local CMAs, DELWP, 2020 management authorities will then need through local decisions, for example councils PV, SES, CoM to work in partnership with updating local planning schemes, coastal Commonwealth and Victorian management plans and emergency plans, Government agencies to attract funding and prioritising future works. for coastal hazard assessments, flood studies and adaptation planning in priority areas. Community engagement GCB – Gippsland Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and to understand values and preferences is Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State essential at each stage of adaptation Emergency Service, RDV – Regional Development Victoria planning. Where the results of these assessments determine a future risk of inundation to property and life, flood overlays or Outcomes erosion management overlays should 1. Findings from local coastal hazard assessments are applied locally to be incorporated into local planning address hazards; schemes and building controls. Local Flooding in Lakes 2. Areas at high risk are identified and adaptation responses are included in emergency plans should also reflect Entrance and plan for the potential risk. local planning schemes, coastal management plans and emergency Community consultation will be a management plans; central part of these and other 3. The full range of options for adapting to flooding and erosion risks to potential adaptation responses. public and private land are properly considered (including benefits and The Board will also encourage continual costs) and reflected in local decisions; improvement in adaptation planning in 4. The community has a shared understanding of erosion and flooding risks the light of new data, new knowledge and adaptive management responses; and and emerging risks. In particular, there 5. Gippsland region coastal communities are resilient to coastal hazards. is a need to build reliable data sets to Left: Fishing at assess erosion risks in coastal hazard Walkerville South assessments. Photo: Garry Moore, Tourism Victoria 30 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION COASTAL PLAN

7 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES CARING FOR THE COAST

7.1 Background Community awareness and education use of local community data by coastal about our coastal and marine areas is planners and managers and develop Victoria’s volunteers and community essential to improve our understanding monitoring guidelines to improve the groups make valuable contributions to of community values. Programs such as comparability of data collected.30 coastal management; they help to Summer by the Sea foster volunteer The Board also sees coastal protect coastal values and in so doing community groups and coastal volunteering as having potential to they raise broader community management agencies to share their benefit the region’s youth and would appreciation of those values. expertise and local experience with like to see Coastcare continue to target Members of the seven community- residents and visitors over summer. this demographic. based committees of management on User groups such as Victorian surf Community groups in the Gippsland the Gippsland coast contribute lifesaving, angling and boating groups Region are keen to learn from the thousands of hours of their time to are also involved in building Traditional Owners of the region; they manage parcels of coastal Crown land. community understanding of the coast. should be supported in their efforts to There is also a broad range of Community involvement in ‘hands-on’ work on joint coastal projects with passionate, enthusiastic and skilled management (for example as part of a them. Opportunities to raise the groups active in coastal management community group, such as a foreshore cultural awareness of coastal in Gippsland. This includes numerous care group) and in planning and communities should also be pursued. Coastcare, Landcare, conservation and Sandy Point decision-making (for example as a ‘friends’ groups, and each of them has a Photo: Coastcare member of a committee of In doing this, it is important to provide wide range of members. For example, management, Regional Coastal Board clarity about the roles, responsibilities Birds Australia has 930 volunteers or Victorian Coastal Council) is central and expectations for all regional working to protect coastal bird habitat to Victoria’s model of coastal agencies involved in managing the along the Victorian coast, actively management. The Gippsland Coastal coast – especially where operating contributing to community education, Board is committed to enabling and boundaries overlap. The Board will work doing bird counts and recording bird nurturing active community to clarify regional roles and sightings. This is just one example of involvement in managing the coast. responsibilities and ensure that the important role of citizen science in important initiatives are not delayed. There are opportunities for local gathering better information and landholders and community groups to The Board also has a role in providing monitoring coastal values. work with the Victorian Government to opportunities for networking and In some areas volunteers play a critical protect community coastal values. knowledge exchange between role because they do most of the Local public land managers throughout different groups and agencies. Our management and maintenance of local Community the Gippsland Region provide coastal communities continue to public open space and recreation volunteers on the change, and there is an ongoing need coast are involved in incentives and grants to engage the facilities. Often they do this with few monitoring its health wider public and involve them in work to support information sharing to make resources. Photo: Coastcare to protect coastal values. the most of our coastal management experience and promote innovation. Volunteers give generously of their One area of community action that has time, knowledge and energy to deliver proven popular is the monitoring of the on-ground projects that contribute to beach. In line with the Coastcare our knowledge, improve environmental Strategy 2011-2015, the Board sees the outcomes and make a difference to opportunity for a statewide initiative local communities.29 like Coastcare to better promote the IMPLEMENTATION GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 31 COASTAL PLAN

7.2 Actions The actions in this chapter recognise the broad range of groups contributing to the protection, management and monitoring of our coast. They aim to build the capacity of individuals, community organisations and managers by providing support and building networks to encourage learning.

Chapter 7 – Community Support Actions Lead Partner Agents By When 1. Work with partner organisations to promote better understanding of coastal values and processes by organising: a. biennial regional coastal conference; and GCB DELWP, CMAs, 2016 Local councils, TOs, CoM b. regular information sharing events - such GCB CMAs, Local ongoing as the Corner Inlet Connections Partner councils, DELWP, estuary Group and Gippsland coastal inter-agency CoM forums. Outcomes 2. Work with statewide community groups and programs to: 1. Community organisations working on the coast a. support all community coastal volunteers DELWP GCB, VCC, CMAs, ongoing to collect data about the coast to inform Local councils, understand and are engaged local decision making; CoM in the delivery of outcomes of the Victorian Coastal Strategy b. support community groups to better link DELWP GCB, TOs, CMAs ongoing with Traditional Owners to work on joint 2014 and the Regional Coastal coastal projects; and Plan; c. attract volunteers from a broad range of DELWP GCB, CMAs, CoM, ongoing 2. Information from citizen age groups, particularly young people. Local councils, science projects about coastal TOs values and pressures is utilised 3. Promote and support the work done by all GCB CMAs, Local ongoing by coastal land and water local coastal and marine community groups, councils, DELWP managers; and including but not limited to Reefwatch, Seasearch and EstuaryWatch. 3. The broader community develops greater appreciation of coastal issues and is GCB – Gippsland Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and encouraged to be active in Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, protecting coastal values. VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State Emergency Service 32 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION COASTAL PLAN

8 MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting The accountabilities and timelines for The monitoring evaluation and Chapter 4 – Visitation Actions Lead Partner Agents By When on the condition of the coast and the the delivery of these actions provide reporting actions set out in the Plan implementation of actions is the basis for reporting on the focus on assessing our progress in 1. Work with partner organisations to GCB Local councils, 2017 implement actions in the Gippsland Boating CoM, Gippsland fundamental to the efficient and implementation of this Plan. The Board implementing the Plan. Coastal Action Plan. Ports, PV effective protection and enhancement will report annually to the Victorian The budgets of coastal management of coastal values. The Victorian Coastal Coastal Council on progress and the 2. Work with public land managers and agencies at state, regional and local waterway managers to: Council, in partnership with the Plan will be reviewed in 2020. levels are expected to remain highly Gippsland Coastal Board and other a. map and categorise visitation DELWP GCB, PV, Local 2018 There is much existing information constrained over the next few years infrastructure throughout the region; councils, CoM, agencies, will develop a state framework base available about the condition of given the current economic conditions. Gippsland Ports to monitor the condition of Victoria’s the region’s coastal values and the Therefore this Plan has been designed coast and the delivery of actions set out b. develop a service-level hierarchy for GCB DELWP, VCC 2018 processes and pressures that affect to set realistic expectations about what visitation infrastructure.; and in the Victorian Coastal Strategy, regional them.11 More information is needed can be delivered and by when. The c. document and analyse effectiveness of GCB DELWP, PV, Local 2018 coastal plans and coastal management though to better understand those Board anticipates that most of the key plans (and foreshore management existing approaches to demand councils, CoM values, processes and pressures so that actions can be delivered within existing management (including parking fees, plans). The Board’s 2013 Gippsland entrance fees, camping fees, leasing 11 managers can adapt to the dynamic budgets of management agencies. State of the Coasts Update Report will physical, biological and social nature of However additional funding will be arrangements, licensing arrangements be important input for this work. the coast. needed to carry out some further and the use of smart-phone apps). The condition of Gippsland’s coastal planning and management steps such 3. Identify priority areas for visitation demand It is also important to monitor the management. In particular: values is evaluated by a number of condition of coastal values so that we as detailed coast hazard studies and agencies, including the catchment can be confident that we are adaptation plans. Over the next five a. resilient parts of the landscape where GCB Local councils, 2018 visitation can be encouraged; DELWP, CoM, PV, management authorities, Parks Victoria maintaining or improving them. The years the Plan provides the framework and local councils. Results are publicly for state, regional and local agencies to Tourism boards, five-yearly State of the Bay report TOs reported in documents such as the recently proposed by the Victorian work together on attracting funding to b. vulnerable parts of the landscape where GCB Local councils, 2018 2011 Gippsland Lakes Report Card, the Government will give information carry out these additional pieces of work. Index of Stream Condition and the demand might be reduced by DELWP, CoM, about the health of coasts, bays and encouraging visitors towards alternative Tourism boards, Index of Estuary Condition. waterways throughout Victoria, and sites; and TOs, PV The following tables outline the actions help to build evidence about the c. vulnerable parts of the landscape with GCB Local councils, 2018 from this Plan. success of this Plan. unique visitor experiences and limited DELWP, CoM, PV, scope to reduce demand. Tourism boards, TOs 4. Using the data from actions 1, 2 and 3, GCB Local councils, 2018 The Board will develop an develop a Visitation Demand Framework to DELWP, PV, user implementation plan for the guide local decisions, support investment groups, CoM, actions in the Regional Coastal and communicate with users. Tourism boards Plan within six months of the Plan being endorsed by the Minister. GCB – Gippsland Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State Emergency Service IMPLEMENTATION GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 33 COASTAL PLAN

Chapter 5 – Foreshore Manager Actions Lead Partner Agents By When Chapter 7 – Community Support Actions Lead Partner Agents By When 1. Prepare guidelines for the development of DELWP GCB, CoM, Local 2015 1. Work with partner organisations to promote coastal management plans. councils, PV better understanding of coastal values and processes by organising: 2. Develop a process that brings local DELWP GCB, Local 2016 managers to work together where it is councils, CoM, a. biennial regional coastal conference; and GCB DELWP, CMAs, 2016 sensible for a coastal management plan to GP, PV Local councils, be developed across multiple land and TOs, CoM water managers. From this, local public land managers can put together precinct or b. regular information sharing events - such GCB CMAs, Local ongoing master plans. as the Corner Inlet Connections Partner councils, DELWP, Group and Gippsland coastal inter- CoM 3. Work with Traditional Owners in preparing PV TOs, GCB, CMAs, 2020 agency forums. multi park plans that include coastal areas. DELWP, Aus Government 2. Work with statewide community groups and programs to: 4. Ensure there are current coastal GCB DELWP, Local 2020 management plans (including foreshore councils a. support all community coastal volunteers DELWP GCB, VCC, CMAs, ongoing management plans) in place in the to collect data about the coast to inform Local councils, Gippsland coastal region where needed. local decision making; CoM b. support community groups to better link DELWP GCB, TOs, CMAs ongoing with Traditional Owners to work on joint coastal projects; and Chapter 6 – Flooding and Erosion Actions Lead Partner Agents By When c. attract volunteers from a broad range of DELWP GCB, CMAs, CoM, ongoing 1. Develop a systematic approach to prioritise DELWP GCB, Local 2016 age groups, particularly young people. Local councils, areas for detailed coastal hazard councils, CMAs TOs assessments and adaptation planning. 3. Promote and support the work done by all GCB CMAs, Local ongoing 2. Refine methodologies for conducting detailed DELWP CMAs, GCB, Local 2016 local coastal and marine community groups, councils, DELWP coastal hazard assessments to identify high councils including but not limited to Reefwatch, risk areas, and clarify the role of flood studies in Seasearch and EstuaryWatch. the hazard assessment process. 3. Refine methodologies for local adaptation DELWP GCB, Local 2017 planning, including addressing barriers to councils, RDV, GCB – Gippsland Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and practical local adaptation action. CMAs, SES, PV Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, 4. Continue, or undertake new, detailed Local DELWP, GCB, 2018 VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State coastal hazard assessments and adaptation Councils RDV, CMAs, PV Emergency Service, GP – Gippsland Ports planning, particularly for the priority areas identified in 1. 5. Implement identified adaptation responses Local CMAs, DELWP, 2020 through local decisions, for example councils PV, SES, CoM updating local planning schemes, coastal management plans and emergency plans, and prioritising future works.

Rainbow at Lakes Entrance Photo: Destination Gippsland 34 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN

9 REFERENCES

2. Coastal values 3. The dynamics of the coast 4. Managing regional 6. Adapting to climate change 1. West Gippsland Catchment 12. Department of Sustainability and population and tourism and increased coastal Management Authority (2014) Environment (2012) Victorian pressures hazards Regional Catchment Strategy Coastal Hazards Guide 21. Victorian Coastal Council (2007) A 25. Victorian Government (2014) 2. East Gippsland Catchment 13. Department of Sustainability and Levels of Service Framework for the Climate Change Adaptation Management Authority (2013-2019) Environment (2012) Report on Coast Memorandum of Understanding Regional Catchment Strategy Climate Change and Greenhouse 26. 5. A regional approach to J. Barnett, R. Fincher, A. Hurlimann, S. Gas Emissions in Victoria 3. Victorian Environmental Assessment foreshore management Graham, C. Mortreux (2014) Council (2014) Marine Investigation 14. Gippsland Coastal Board (2008) Equitable Local Outcomes in 22. Department of Environment and Final Report Climate Change, Sea Level Rise and Adaptation to Sea-Level Rise Primary Industries (2011) Coastal Subsidence along the 27. 4. Parks Victoria (in prep.) Draft Committees of Management National Climate Change Adaptation Gippsland Coast - Phase 2 of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Responsibilities and Good Practice Research Facility (2013a) South East Gippsland Climate Change Study Strategic Management Plan Guidelines Coastal Adaptation (SECA): Coastal 15. West Gippsland Catchment urban climate futures in SE Australia 5. West Gippsland Catchment 23. Department of Environment and Management Authority (2014) from Wollongong to Lakes Entrance Management Authority (2013) Primary Industries (2010) Leasing Regional Waterway Strategy 28. Corner Inlet Water Quality Policy for Crown Land in Victoria National Climate Change Adaptation 16. Research Facility (2013b) What Improvement Plan 2013 Gippsland Coastal Board (2006) 24. Victorian Auditor General’s Office would a climate-adapted settlement 6. East Gippsland Catchment State of the Gippsland Coast Report (2013) Oversight and Accountability look like in 2030? A case study of Management Authority (2014) 17. Department of Transport, Planning of Committees of Management Inverloch and Sandy Point Regional Waterway Strategy and Local Infrastructure Towns in 7. Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Time database 7. Supporting communities Committee (2013) Gippsland Lakes 18. Victorian Coastal Council (2013) caring for the coast Environmental Strategy Population and Settlement along 29. Victorian EPA (2012) Environmental 8. Gippsland Local Government the Victorian Coast. Background Citizenship Strategy Research Paper to inform the Network and Department of 30. Victorian Coastal Strategy 2013 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2011- Transport, Planning and Local 2015 (2011) Infrastructure (2014) Gippsland 19. National Sea Change Taskforce Regional Growth Plan (2013) Time and tide: moving 9. Victorian Coastal Council (2012) towards an understanding of Coastal and Marine Environment temporal population changes in Community Attitudes & Behaviour coastal Australia 20. 10. CSIRO (2001) Gippsland Lakes Department of Environment and Environmental Study: Assessing Primary Industries (2014) Trial of options for improving water quality satellite radar interferometry (InSAR) and ecological function to monitor subsidence along the Gippsland Coast 11. Gippsland Coastal Board (2013) Cape Conran at sunset State of the Coast Update Photo: Destination Gippsland APPENDICES GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 35 COASTAL PLAN

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 – Coastal management and planning Coastal management Coastal planning connections in Victoria (from Victorian Coastal Coastal Management Act 1995 Planning and Environment Act 1987 Strategy 2014, page 7) Victorian Coastal Strategy Victoria Planning Provisions (Private and public land) (Private and public land) • State-wide vision Standard provisions for use and • Policies and actions development of coastal land • Guidance for Regional Coastal Plans • Environmental and landscape values

STATE • Roles and responsibilities (coasts, coastal Crown land, coastal tourism, bays, waterways) • Environmental risks (coastal inundation, erosion) • Controls on development

Regional Coastal Plans Regional Growth Plans (Private and public land) (Private and public land in designated area) • Regional vision • Regional issues, threats and gaps • Strategic land use and infrastructure • Agreed integrated strategic directions directions • Support for place based management • Direction for accommodating growth • Coastal hazards • Issues and challenges REGIONAL

Coastal Management Plans Municipal Planning Schemes (Public land) (Private and public land)

• Vision for coastal reserve • Municipal strategic statement • 3 year business plan with actions • Local plans and policies

LOCAL • Land manager directions for reserve • Structure plans and settlement boundaries • Recreation and activity nodes • Coastal development policy

Public land Freehold land (managed by coastal CoMs, local government, Parks Victoria, local • Land use controls community groups) • Title restrictions • Coastal Management Act consents • Incentives • Bush tender etc.

SITE • Master plans to guide developments on coastal reserves • Operational plans • Budgets etc. 36 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL APPENDICES COASTAL PLAN

Appendix 2 – Aligning actions in the Gippsland Regional Coastal Plan with Key Issues and Desired Outcomes in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014

Note: (i) Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 Key Issues: 1. Managing population growth 2. Adapting to a changing climate 3. Managing coastal land and infrastructure 4. Valuing the natural environment 5. Integrating marine planning

Gippsland Regional Coastal Plan Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 Chapter Action Key Issues (i) Desired Outcome (page) 2 The Board will support and work with all coastal managers to improve the 2 1.1 Valuing the coast - intrinsic characteristics valued, environment values recognised (33) understanding appreciation and protection of the coastal values in the region. 1.2 and 1.3 Marine environments (35), wetlands and estuaries (38) - planning and management of coastal waters, estuaries wetlands, onshore environments 3 The Board will support actions in the regional catchment and waterway strategies that 2 1.1 Valuing the coast - intrinsic characteristics valued, environment values recognised (33) aim to improve the condition of coastal values, particularly to improve water quality in 1.5 Catchments and water quality - better planning and management framework and collaboration (43) estuaries, embayments and coastal waters. 4 1 Work with partner organisations to implement actions in the Gippsland Boating 1,3 3.2 Visitation and tourism - diverse visitation in suitable areas, capacity guides service level (68) Coastal Action Plan. 2 Work with public land managers and waterway managers to: 1, 3 3.3 Access to the coast - access minimises risk (70) a. map and categorise visitation infrastructure throughout the region; 3.4 Boating and water-based activities - sustainable network of facilities, balance access and b. develop a service-level hierarchy for visitation infrastructure; and environment (72) c. document and analyse effectiveness of existing approaches to demand management. 1.4 Onshore environments – access and use in onshore environments well managed (41) 3 a-c Identify priority areas for visitation demand management: resilient areas, vulnerable 1,2 areas to reduce demand, and vulnerable areas with limited scope to reduce demand. 4 Develop a Visitation Demand Framework to guide local decisions, support investment 1, 3 and communicate with users. 5 1 Prepare guidelines for developing coastal management plans. 3, 5 1.5 Catchments and water quality - better planning and management framework and collaboration (43) 2 Develop a process that brings local managers to work together where it is sensible for 3 3.1 Coastal buildings, infrastructure and management - building and infrastructure planning across a coastal management plan to be developed across multiple land and water boundaries (65) managers. From this, local public land managers can put together precinct or master plans. 3 Work with Traditional Owners in preparing multi park plans that include coastal areas. 3, 5 1.6 Heritage – Traditional Owner role (46) 4 Ensure there are current coastal management plans (including foreshore management 3 1.5 Catchments and water quality - better planning and management framework and collaboration (43) plans) in place throughout the region where needed. APPENDICES GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 37 COASTAL PLAN

Gippsland Regional Coastal Plan Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 Chapter Action Key Issues (i) Desired Outcome (page) 6 1 Develop a systematic approach to prioritise areas for detailed coastal hazard 2 2.1 Coastal hazards and processes - understand vulnerable areas , development siting (49) assessments and adaptation planning. 2 Refine methodologies for conducting detailed coastal hazard assessments to identify 2,3 high risk areas, and clarify the role of flood studies in the hazard assessment process. 3 Refine methodologies for local adaptation planning, including addressing barriers to 2, 3 practical local adaptation action. 4 Continue, or undertake new, detailed coastal hazard assessments and adaptation 2, 3 planning, particularly for the priority areas identified in 1. 5 Implement identified adaptation responses through local decisions, for example 2, 3 2.1 Coastal hazards and processes - development siting (49) updating local planning schemes, coastal management plans and emergency plans, 2.2 Coastal settlements - growth to suitable areas (54) and prioritising future works. 7 1 a, b Work with partner organisations to promote better understanding of coastal values 2.4 Research and knowledge sharing - information exchange (60) and processes by organising biennial regional coastal conferences and regular 2.5 Community participation - community participation with best information (62) information sharing events. 2 Work with statewide community groups and programs to: a. support all community coastal volunteers to collect coastal data to inform local decision-making; b. support community groups to better link with Traditional Owners to work on joint 1.6 Heritage – Traditional Owner role (46) coastal projects; and c. attract volunteers from a broad range of age groups, particularly young people. 2.5 Community participation – value the coast, community participation (62) 3 Promote and support the work done by all local coastal and marine community groups. 2.5 Community participation - value the coast, community participation and support (62) 38 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL APPENDICES COASTAL PLAN

Appendix 3 – List of Coastal Management Plans in the Gippsland Coastal Region Previous Coastal Action Plans (under the Coastal Management Act 1995) Other Coastal Plans

Title of Plan Responsible Agent Title of Plan Responsible Agent Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan 2013 Gippsland Coastal Board Andersons Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan DELWP, Fisheries Victoria Gippsland Estuaries Coastal Action Plan 2006 Gippsland Coastal Board Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Parks Victoria Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland 2002 – Coastal Action Plan Gippsland Coastal Board Cape Howe Marine National Park Management Plan Parks Victoria Coastal Towns Design Frameworks 2007 EGSC and WSC Corner Inlet Marine National Park Management Plan Parks Victoria Management Plans (under the Coastal Management Act 1995) Draft Estuary Entrance Management Protocols July 2013 East Gippsland CMA Title of Plan Responsible Agent East Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy East Gippsland CMA Bemm River Foreshore Management Plan EGSC/DELWP East Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 East Gippsland CMA Lakes Entrance Foreshore Management Plan EGSC/DELWP Equitable Local Outcomes in Adaptation to Sea Level Rise June 2014 (Final Project The University of Melbourne Report) Loch Sport Crown Reserves Management Plan CoM/DELWP Gippsland Lakes Environmental Strategy Gippsland Lakes MAC Mallacoota Inlet Foreshore Management Plan EGSC/DELWP Gippsland Lakes/90 Mile Beach Local Coastal Hazard Assessment Project April 2014 DELWP Marlay Point Foreshore Reserve Management Plan DELWP Governance of the Gippsland Lakes, Roles and Responsibilities for Management and Gippsland Lakes MAC Marlo Foreshore Management Plan EGSC/DELWP Decision Making Metung Foreshore Management Plan EGSC/DELWP Lake Wellington Wetlands Management Plan Parks Victoria Port Franklin Crown Reserves Coastal Management Plan CoM/DELWP Ninety Mile Beach Marine National Park Management Plan Parks Victoria Sandy Point Foreshore Management Plan CoM/DELWP Point Hicks Marine National Park Management Plan Parks Victoria Seaspray Reserves Management Plan CoM/DELWP Review of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site, Strategic Management Plan East Gippsland CMA Shallow Inlet Foreshore Management Plan (Suspended – DELWP liaising with Parks CoM/DELWP West Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy West Gippsland CMA Vic to transfer management) West Gippsland Waterway Strategy 2014-2022 West Gippsland CMA Tamboon Inlet Foreshore Management Plan (Cancelled) EGSC/DELWP Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Management Plan Parks Victoria Woodside Beach Foreshore Management Plan CoM/DELWP Walkerville Foreshore Coastal Management Plan CoM/DELWP DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, CMA – Catchment Management Authority, EGSC – East Gippsland Shire Council, WSC – Wellington Shire Council, CoM – Committee of Management, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, EGSC – East MAC – Ministerial Advisory Committee Gippsland Shire Council Bathers, Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes Entrance, Vic. c1920-1954 Rose Stereograph Co. www.gcb.vic.gov.au