GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN 2015–2020 DRAFT Submissions on the draft plan are invited. Authorised and published by the Victorian Please make your submission by 5pm on Government, Department of Environment, Friday 20 March 2015 by post or email to: Land, Water and Planning, 8 Nicholson Street, East , February 2015 Coastal Board 71 Hotham Street, VIC 3844 © The State of Department of Phone: (03) 5172 2543 Environment, Land, Water and Planning Email: [email protected] Melbourne 2015 (If emailing, please supply postal address details)

Electronic copies of the draft plan are This work is licensed under a Creative available online at www.gcb.vic.gov.au. Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. If you would like printed copies or have any You are free to re-use the work under that questions about the draft plan, please licence, on the condition that you credit the contact us using the details above. State of Victoria as author. The licence does Members of the Gippsland Coastal Board are: not apply to any images, photographs or Cr Richard Ellis (Chair) branding, including the Victorian Coat of Mr Ian Needham Arms and the Victorian Government logo. Mr Peter Jennings To view a copy of this licence, visit http:// Mr Paul Smith creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/ Mr Michael (Des) Sinnott OAM deed.en Mr Rod Thomas ISBN 978-1-74146-357-6 (Print) The Gippsland Coastal Board proudly ISBN 978-1-74146-358-3 (pdf) acknowledges Victorian Aboriginal Disclaimer communities and their rich culture; and pays This publication may be of assistance to you its respects to the Traditional Owners in the but the State of Victoria and its employees Gippsland Coastal Region. The Board also do not guarantee that the publication is recognises the intrinsic connection of without flaw of any kind or is wholly Traditional Owners to Country and appropriate for your particular purposes and acknowledges their contribution in the therefore disclaims all liability for any error, management of land, water and resources loss or other consequence which may arise management. from you relying on any information in this publication. Unless stated, images sourced from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Front Cover Bottom centre: Metung, photo: Roberto Seba, Tourism Victoria. Bottom right: Lakes Entrance, Victoria. c1920-1954 Rose Stereograph Co. GIPPSLAND REGIONAL I COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

CONTENTS

Minister’s Foreword II Balanced Decision Making 13 List of Figures Chair’s Foreword II 4 Managing regional visitation pressures and Figure 1: The Coastal Management Act maximising access 13 Hierarchy – Role of the Regional Executive Summary III Coastal Plans 1 1 Introduction 1 4.1 Background 13 Figure 2: Organisations with significant 4.2 The Boating Coastal Action Plan 14 responsibilities for coastal planning and 1.1 About the Gippsland Coastal Board 1 management within the boundary of the 1.2 The Plan at a glance 2 4.3 The Environmental Strategy 15 Gippsland coastal region 3 4.4 Activity and Recreation Nodes 15 Figure 3: Key regional social, economic and 1.3 Who we work with on land and water 3 environmental values of the Gippsland Valuing and Understanding the Coast 4 4.5 Key challenges and actions 16 coastal region 5 5 A regional approach to foreshore management 17 Figure 4: Managing visitor satisfaction with 2 Coastal values 4 their coastal experience – key amenity 2.1 Environmental values 4 5.1 Background 17 values 7 5.2 Working better together 19 Figure 5: Community coastal values guide 2.2 Social and cultural values 6 decisions in the Gippsland coastal region 9 5.3 Key challenges and actions 20 2.3 Economic values 8 Figure 6: Map of boating hierarchy of 2.4 Protecting coastal values 8 6 Regional-scale planning for coastal flooding facilities from the Gippsland Boating and erosion 21 Coastal Action Plan 2013 14 3 The dynamics of the coast 10 6.1 Background 21 Figure 7: Map of foreshore and 3.1 Natural coastal processes 10 waterway managers 17 6.2 Key challenges and actions 25 Figure 8: Map of coastal instability and 3.2 A changing climate 10 Implementation 26 areas for further coastal hazard 3.3 Demographic trends 11 investigation 22 7 Supporting communities caring for the coast 26 3.4 Visitation trends 11 7.1 Background 26 3.5 Emerging markets 12 7.2 Actions 27 8 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 28 9 References 29 Appendices 30 II GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

MINISTER’S FOREWORD CHAIR’S FOREWORD

Victorians love the coast. It is a vital part At a regional level, the Gippsland Gippsland is a uniquely spectacular part support that work on the big issues at a of our lives. As Minister and a Local Coastal Board has used this framework of Victoria, with its unspoilt wilderness, regional level. Member of a coastal area, I’m keen to to develop a draft Regional Coastal Plan. pristine beaches and rich array of How do we make sure the coast make sure we continue to protect and The Regional Plan will identify wildlife on land and underwater. continues to be the place we love, maintain all the things we as a opportunities for more localised Alongside our coast’s pure white sandy while planning for more people community value about our coast. decision-making and bring together beaches, headlands and peaks are the wanting to visit and settle here? How Our coastal environment is complex the many agencies, stakeholders and significant oil, gas and coal resources do communities plan for coastal and constantly changing, requiring us community groups that play a role in that supply much of Australia’s energy. flooding in a way that makes sense to managing our coast. to be responsive and adaptable. For Gippsland’s residents our coast is a them but doesn’t leave future Working together to tackle challenges I’m proud that our communities are source of well-being and relaxation, an generations with a debt they can’t pay? on the coast, such as climate change, deeply passionate and engaged about attractive expanse to enjoy with family How can we simplify foreshore will ensure that future generations will their coast and its future, and I and friends. management and make more out of be able to enjoy the coast, as we do encourage all those who have a stake the available resources and our joint today. in the coast to have their say on the Whether it’s on a boat exploring the efforts? draft plan. Lakes network of waterways, camping Victoria’s coastal planning and down the Prom or Cape Conran, surfing And how do we continue to support management framework is a great Local expertise, ideas and knowledge on the Bass coast or walking along the and encourage more community foundation for effective coastal care, are critical to successful coastal Ninety Mile Beach, we recognise that involvement in protecting those coastal and the Victorian Coastal Strategy management, and I look forward to Gippsland is a paradise for all. values we love? provides overarching guidance and working with Victorians to fulfil our We think the actions outlined in this direction to coastal decision-makers. collective vision for a healthy coast. This plan acknowledges all the good work going on to identify, understand document will make a difference over and protect the local, regional and the next five years and now we are The Hon Lisa Neville MP statewide values of the coast and to keen to know what you think. Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Councillor Richard A Ellis Chair, Gippsland Coastal Board

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

There is nowhere like the southern This plan sets out a regional approach Australian coast. This massive southern to managing visitation pressures by facing expanse of temperate shoreline developing a service level hierarchy for is only found in Australia, and Gippsland visitation infrastructure and map how represents the eastern portion of that those service levels are distributed expanse. around the region at the moment. This The Gippsland coast is a unique mix of will then allow us to identify the spectacular wilderness areas, agricultural optimum distribution for the future. landscapes and vibrant coastal Gippsland’s coastal waters need to be communities. Gippsland’s plant and accessible so people can continue to animal species have evolved in response enjoy them. The starting point for to these conditions; consequently doing that is to implement key actions many are only found in this region. Its within The Gippsland Boating Coastal foreshores and waterways are prized for Action Plan. Through this Plan we will their environmental, social, cultural and develop the ideas used for boating and economic values. apply them more broadly to other The Gippsland coast is particularly forms of visitation. High season at Lakes vulnerable to erosion. Less than 10 per Many other things are also best Entrance We need to plan and act in ways that cent of it consists of the rocky headlands considered at the regional-scale. For help people to value and understand that resist erosion. The rest is made up example, even though the Victorian the coast. We need to plan and act in of highly erodible dunes and sandy coast is 96 per cent Crown land there ways that help them to use and beaches. are, for good reasons, a range of appreciate it. People love the Gippsland different organisations managing that Victoria’s cultural and institutional history coast. Many of them travel long land. There are synergies to be achieved has bequeathed to us distinctive coastal distances to get here. Others are by helping to coordinate their efforts foreshores that are almost entirely on fortunate enough to live and work across land boundaries. Good public land. The Coastal Management Act nearby. Either way, people want to be management means working across 1995 provides us with strong institutional able to use and enjoy the coast in ways land boundaries where it is sensible to arrangements, and most importantly, in that deliver them rich experiences. the context of this Regional Coastal Plan, do so. This plan will help to identify Some areas within the Gippsland the imperative to act. where and how it is sensible to do just coastal region have the potential to be that. Tooradin mangroves ‘loved to death’. The challenge is to provide opportunities to access the coast while maintaining the values that Marlo sandbanks attracted those users to the coast in the first place. Some of that planning is best done at the regional-scale. IV GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

Managers of the Gippsland coastal region need to continue to find effective ways to work across boundaries Hierarchy of Principles and build confidence with users and The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 the public. This plan will develop supports the hierarchy of principles processes to get those managers introduced in previous Strategies working together. It envisages Foreshore and also recognises that the Management Plans being developed foundation of coastal planning across multiple land managers. Within and management is a healthy those overarching plans, local public coastal and marine environment. land managers can put together These principles give effect to precinct or master plans. This work will the directions in the Coastal guide local decisions, support Management Act 1995 and are investment and encourage cooperation. included in the State Planning Policy Framework and in planning Gippsland’s coastal communities schemes across Victoria. expect management agencies to work with them to plan and manage coastal The actions in this Regional Coastal flooding. Coastal erosion and coastal , Wilsons Plan support these principles and flooding risks can also be considered at There are many individuals, groups and Promitory work to make sure that decision the regional-scale. A systematic organisations involved in foreshore making on the coast is guided by approach to addressing these issues management in the Gippsland coastal and consistent with the hierarchy will help us to find appropriate region. It is important to provide these of principles, which are: adaptation responses. The first step is to groups with regional opportunities for – Provide for the protection of identify priority areas to carry out networking and knowledge exchange. significant environmental and detailed flood and erosion studies to To that end the Gippsland Coastal cultural values help evaluate adaptation options. Board is committing itself to organising a biennial regional coastal conference. – Undertake integrated It will also organise regular information planning and provide clear sharing events – such as the Corner direction for the future Inlet Connections Partner Group and – Ensure the sustainable use of the Coastal Inter- natural coastal resources agency Forum. Sea urchin When the above principles have The Board is committed to implementing been considered and addressed: this plan. Accountabilities and timelines – Ensure development on the for doing just that are set out in the Seal on McGaurans coast is located within existing final section of this plan. Beach modified and resilient environments where the demand for development is evident and the impact can be managed. GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 1 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 About the Gippsland Coastal Board Victorian Coastal Developed by the Sets statewide direction Victorian Coastal for coastal planners The Gippsland Lakes and Regional Strategy Council and managers Coastal Board (commonly known as the Gippsland Coastal Board) is an advisory body of community members with a strong interest and expertise in coastal matters. The Gippsland Coastal Board (the Board) provides strategic guidance Translates state-wide for coastal management of Victoria’s Developed by Three Regional Regional Coastal direction by identifying Gippsland coast. It has specific Coastal Plans Boards regional values, initiatives functions under the Coastal and management gaps Management Act 1995. The Minister for Environment and Climate Change has asked the Board to prepare a regional-scale plan to guide implementation of the Victorian Coastal Clinton Rocks, Developed by coastal Croajingolong National Coastal public land managers Develops local Strategy 2014 in the Gippsland Coastal Park, Management (eg. local municipalities operational plans Region. This is the second regional- Plans & committees of scale plan developed for the Gippsland management) coastal region; the Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland: Coastal Action Plan 2002 has been in place since 2002. Figure 1: The Coastal Management Act 1995 hierarchy – role of the Regional Coastal Plans This Regional Coastal Plan is a Coastal Action Plan under s22 of the Coastal Management Act 1995.

The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 identifies that the term ‘coast’ means: – the marine environment – nearshore marine environment, the seabed, and waters out to the State limit of three nautical miles Fishing fleet, Lakes Entrance – foreshores – or coastal Crown land up to 200 m from the high water mark – coastal hinterland – land directly influenced by the sea or directly influencing the coastline, and with critical impacts on the foreshore and nearshore environment Fairy terns Photo: Annette Hatten – catchments – rivers and drainage systems that affect the coastal zone, including estuaries – atmosphere – near, around and over the coast as defined above. 2 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

VISION

A healthy coast appreciated by all, now and in the future 1.2 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

KEY REGIONAL COASTAL ISSUES

Community coastal The dynamic nature of Managing regional visitation A regional approach to Regional-scale planning Communities supported to values understood the coast understood pressures and foreshore management for coastal flooding care for the coast and valued and valued maximising access and erosion

THE GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN APPROACH

CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 7 1. Identify types of values 1. Identify elements that 1. Implement key actions within the 1. Prepare guidelines for the 1. Develop a systematic approach 1. Organise: and key decision-making cause coastal hazard and Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan development of coastal to identify regional priorities a. a biennial regional coastal documents that protect the trends that will need 2. Work with public land managers and Management Plans for adaptation plans conference; those values to be considered in waterway managers to: 2. Work with Traditional Owners 2. Work with councils in priority b. regular information sharing 2. Identify key management maintaining community a. map and categorise visitation preparing land and sea country areas to continue, or undertake events – such as the Corner elements that improve coastal values infrastructure throughout the region; plans new, adaptation planning and Inlet Connections Partner community satisfaction 2. Identify impacts on the b. develop a service-level hierarchy for 3. Ensure there are current implementation Group and the East with coastal experiences coast of a changing visitation infrastructure; and coastal Management Plan 3. Develop methodologies for Gippsland Coastal climate that need to be c. document existing approaches to demand (including Foreshore conducting flood and erosion Inter-agency Forum planned and managed management (including parking fees, Management Plans) in place studies in coastal areas 2. Work with the Statewide entrance fees, camping fees, leasing throughout the Gippsland 4. Determine the nature of the Coastcare program to: arrangements, licensing arrangements Coastal Region desirable outputs of those a. support all community and the use of smart-phone apps to 4. Develop a process that gets studies. Those outputs may coastal volunteers to collect notify visitors to avoid congested areas) the managers to work together include: coastal erosion data to 3. Identify priority areas for visitation demand where it is sensible for a coastal a. draft components for inform local decision-making; management. In particular they will identify: Management Plan to be municipal emergency b. support community groups developed across multiple land a. resilient parts of the landscape where plans; to better link with Traditional managers. From this, local visitation can be encouraged; b. draft planning scheme Owners to work on joint public land managers can put amendments; coastal projects; and b. vulnerable parts of the landscape where together precinct or master c. viable mitigation options (if c. attract volunteers from a demand might be reduced by encouraging plans visitors towards alternative sites; and any); and broad range of age groups, 5. Investigate and recommend d. viable long term options for particularly the youth c. vulnerable parts of the landscape that changes to enable coastal retreat (if necessary) demographic provide unique visitor experiences where Management Plans to be 3. Promote and support the work there is limited scope to reduce demand extended to other areas of done by local coastal and marine 4. Using the data from action 2 and 3, develop coastal land a Visitation Demand Framework to guide community groups including, local decisions, support investment and but not limited to, Reefwatch, communicate with users Seasearch and EstuaryWatch GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 3 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

1.3 Who we work with on land and water Just as people use the coast for a range Waterbody of reasons, there are a number of Parks & Reserves managers on land and water that are Softwood Plantation & State Forest responsible for the coast. Those with significant responsibilities in the Catchment Management Authority boundary Omeo Gippsland coastal region are shown in Highway EAST GIPPSLAND Figure 2 and include Parks Victoria, Catchment Management Authority committees of management, Council boundary Traditional Owners, catchment management authorities, Gippsland EAST GIPPSLAND

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CORNER INLET Department of Environment, MARINE & Land, Water and Planning Local council p COASTAL PARK tra C a p e Lip Parks Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning WILSONS CAPE SHALLOW PROMONTORY LIPTRAP INLET MARINE Gippsland Port Authority Other COASTAL MARINE & NATIONAL PARK PARK COASTAL PARK

Figure 2 Organisations with significant responsibilities for coastal planning and management within the boundary of the Gippsland coastal region 4 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

2 COASTAL VALUES

The Gippsland coastal region provides Gippsland Lakes and are for managing those values in their significant environmental, cultural, wetlands listed under the international Marine Investigation Final report. It social, and economic values for all Ramsar Convention. The Gippsland identifies many different types of Victorians (see Figure 3). The region’s Lakes Ramsar site covers an area of marine habitat in the Gippsland coastal sandy lagoons, numerous sheltered 58,824 hectares and includes Lake region.8 These include pelagic habitats inlets and spectacular stretches of Wellington, Lake Victoria, Lake King, (the water column within the ocean), beach is unlike any other coastal region. Lake Bunga, Lake Tyers, Macleod Morass deep rocky reefs, sub-tidal rocky reefs, Understanding these values is essential and Lake Reeve. The Corner Inlet intertidal shorelines, including rock for effective decision-making. Ramsar site covers 67,192 hectares and platforms and sandy beaches. is bounded by the South Gippsland 2.1.2 Foreshore Ecosystems 2.1 Environmental coastline and a series of barrier islands. values The Croajingolong National Park has The Gippsland coastal region’s foreshore been internationally recognised as a ecosystems are particularly important: The interactions between climate, Biosphere Reserve since 1977; it is one they form the link between marine, landform and land use shape the region’s of only 15 in Australia4.5 estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial environmental values. The Gippsland areas. Foreshore habitats include the coast is largely a mix of natural and 2.1.1 Marine Ecosystems beach, dune system, headland scrub, agricultural landscapes interspersed Australia’s southern coast is unique. mangroves and saltmarsh areas. with coastal settlements. Its diverse The Burrunan dolphin, Tursiops australis, resembles the bottlenose There is no other east-west expanse of natural environments provide Unstable low-nutrient soils, made dolphin but also show numerous temperate shoreline in the southern largely of sands that hold little water, important habitat for flora and fauna distinctions hemisphere. Some of Victoria’s marine interact with wind and salt to provide species protected by national parks, Photo courtesy of the Gippsland species, such as the Eastern Blue Groper, reserves and public foreshore land. Lakes Ministerial Advisory the critical influences on coastal Committee occur nowhere else in the world. vegetation. Plant communities growing These natural environments vary Gippsland is home to marine habitats in these areas have evolved to cope dramatically. They include large areas of of statewide significance, such as the with this challenging environment. The Gippsland coastal region supports relatively untouched rugged coastline Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park Examples include the native spinifex many migratory birds listed in the in the Croajingolong National Park and which has the only extensive meadows that binds shifting sand dunes, as well Japan–Australia Migratory Bird at Wilsons Promontory, extensive dune of broad-leaf seagrass in Victoria.6 the moonah and sheoak trees whose Agreement and the China–Australia barriers, estuary and wetland systems in narrow leaves enable them to cope Migratory Bird Agreement, as well as The Burrunan dolphin, only recently the Gippsland Lakes and the Ninety Mile with high levels of salt and reduce their other threatened species, such as the classified as a new dolphin species, is Beach region, coastal embayments such water needs. as Corner Inlet, Shallow Inlet and Little Tern, Lathams Snipe and the endemic to southern Australian waters The Eastern Blue Groper is an Andersons Inlet in South Gippsland and Hooded Plover. Places like Shallow Inlet and is most commonly seen in two Foreshore ecosystems bridge people’s iconic eastern Victorian species. resident populations in coastal Victoria: movements between land and water. the drowned river valley of Mallacoota It is known affectionately as and Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Inlet1.2 the Labrador of the sea as it Park – Victoria’s largest marine the Gippsland Lakes and People enjoy swimming, surfing, diving, can grow over 1m, is curious protected area – have long been Bay. The Gippsland Lakes Environment fishing and boating through foreshore and often hangs around divers. Fund is supporting research into the access. People also enjoy relaxing and Photo: Mary Malloy identified for their State significant coastal habitat for waterbirds.3 dolphin and its habitat requirements.7 walking on the foreshore. In some The Board notes the work of the places, infrastructure such as pipelines Victorian Environment Assessment for gas and oil need to go across Council in documenting Gippsland’s foreshore areas. marine values and recommendations VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 5 COASTAL PLAN O m r DRAFT 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 Mt Taylor el Mt Cope NATIONAL PARK D NSW Mt Seldom Seen M W Omeo Mt Delegate on onna Mt Gelantipy ar y nga Cobungra Gre Mt Bowen o w tta at G H H R Mt Phipps A e w ive lp l s r 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 Swifts Creek 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 Dargo d Mt Mcleod a W a a n R i n i i c 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 g e h v

e Mt Wellington t N B er Genoa Peak r a ic o g ro B r u Mt Drummer e y S d r R r h b n e o o r ANON G l r w m i s m i a v o C y b Mt Blomford n Mt Murrungowar a

e r Mt Tara R R m r R T e Mallacoota NATIONAL PARK i i R

MITCHELL RIVER iv e v Mt Buck v Cann River e i Gabo Island e Pretty Sally k e v Licola Mt Hump NATIONAL PARK r r r R e D Bruthen Mt Raymond iv Mt Cann r a Orbost e Swan rg Nowa Nowa r Mt Useful L o i Ben Cruachan Lake c R Dock o Mitchell d Riv CROAJINGOLONG NATIONAL PARK la er Inlet R Bairnsdale d Av CAPE HOWE on y Ca n BEWARE REEF Ri s Hw Marlo pe Conra Lake ve nce MARINE SANCTUARY MARINE NATIONAL PARK Glenmaggie r Pri BAW BAW SHIRE Baines Lakes Entrance Stratford Ewing Marsh Heyfield Paynesville Swamp Thomson POINT HICKS River MARINE NATIONAL PARK Meerlieu Lake Princes Fwy Lake Victoria Loch Sport Wellington Rosedale La Trobe Ri Sale Lake Warragul ver Moe HOLEY PLAINS Reeve GIPPSLAND LAKES LATROBE CITY COASTAL PARK NATIONAL PARK ng L Traralgon iman Riv La ang River err er h M c Morwell a s e e B g n r a Seaspray ive Mirboo North R R ss i NINETY MILE BEACH a 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 Port Albert Ramsar Coal Fire Venus Bay site Power Stations CAPE LIPTRAP COASTAL PARK CORNER INLET NOORAMUNGA MARINE MARINE & Aboriginal Site & COASTAL PARK Growth Area COASTAL PARK of Signicance SHALLOW WILSONS p INLET ra PROMONTORY C a p Lipt MARINE & Darby Angling Parks e NATIONAL COASTAL PARK Swamp 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 Key social, economic and environmental values of the Gippsland coastal region (not to scale) 6 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

2.1.3 Hinterland Ecosystems 2.2 Social and cultural 2.2.1 Cultural heritage values Behind the foreshore, the region has a values The Gippsland coastal region is number of nationally significant endowed with significant coastal estuaries and coastal wetlands, as well The Gippsland coastal region has a cultural heritage. Some of these values as ecologically significant habitats such wealth of social resources. The larger are embodied in tangible objects, such as the Gippsland Plains, coastal forests towns like Warragul, Traralgon, Sale and as buildings, landscapes, shipwrecks, and coastal heath. Bairnsdale have social networks places of significance and artefacts. associated with employment, training Some cultural values, though, are These habitats are represented in the institutions, sporting and artistic life. intangible: they include the parks system, good examples being And the smaller coastal settlements like connections to traditions many people Wilsons Promontory, Croajingolong and Venus Bay, Port Albert, Loch Sport and feel, including Aboriginal, maritime and The Lakes National Park. Rivers and Marlo have strong links to agricultural history. Other forms of estuaries of State significance occur on neighbourhood, family and place. Many cultural value arise from holidaying and both public and private land. The locations along the Gippsland coastline recreational customs. Connections to Mitchell, Snowy and Bemm Rivers are like Lakes Entrance, Paynesville and natural heritage, including culturally all Heritage Rivers with significant Mallacoota are major tourist towns that significant landscapes and biodiversity, estuaries that are part of the engine represent strong, long-standing are also meaningful. room for the carbon and nutrient cycles connections for the families and friends Port Albert, low tide The Gippsland coastline has cultural that support coastal plants and animals. who share these places.9 Photo: Peter Jennings heritage significance to its Traditional In southern and , People are attracted to life on the Owners, including the Gunaikurnai. In towns and farms have now replaced Gippsland coast by its scenic beauty, 2010 the Gunaikurnai were granted original habitat in some ecosystems, so recreational amenity and housing native title over a large area of not all species are fully protected in affordability. Coastal settlements in Gippsland, including the coastline parks and reserves. Further changes in Gippsland range from towns such as between Corner Inlet and the Snowy land use have the potential to affect Lakes Entrance to villages and hamlets River under the Native Title Act 1993. An those species. Therefore it is important such as , Gypsy Point, Sandy agreement with the state government to think through the best way to Point and Seaspray. Around 40 per cent in 2010 under the Traditional Owner safeguard them. of Gippsland’s population is located in Settlement Act 2010 included the villages and settlements of less than transfer of ten parks and reserves to the 500 people. Gunaikurnai to be jointly managed with This plan describes the types of social the State, and rights to access and use Metung Crown land for traditional purposes values most explicitly associated with Photo: Roberto Seba, the coast. Therefore it concentrates on Tourism Victoria including fishing, hunting, camping cultural heritage values and amenity and gathering in accordance with values. This will help coastal planners Squeaky Beach track in existing laws. and managers work with local and Wilsons Promontory National Park regional communities to articulate the Photo: Garry Moore, priority values they are protecting. Tourism Victoria VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 7 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

The Gippsland coast has other 2.2.2 Amenity values abundant heritage values as well. Its Many factors affect people’s enjoyment Facilities Sensory Access Vegetation rich maritime history is a prime example. of the coast and contribute to their well The wreck of the Sydney Cove longboat Availability of well-maintained The ability to see and Abundant and healthy being by providing amenity values. hear waves, feel sand, looking vegetation (including in 1797 was the first recorded wreck of facilities (chairs, playgrounds, Figure 4 describes how different benches, tables, toilets, bins) taste salt and smell mangroves and sea grass beds) that supports animals a European vessel along Victoria’s attributes of the coast can contribute to for general use will increase seaweed will increase coastline; it also resulted in the first satisfaction with amenity. satisfaction with (like birds, reptiles and sh) is the way people appreciate and value it. amenity. This relates the most important factor in European exploration of . Note the facilities must not Some aspects of amenity are tangible, detract from the ‘naturalness’ to the naturalness at increasing satisfaction with the beach including amenity. The exact type of Port Albert, established in 1841, is such as paths and natural vegetation. of the place. Proximity of paths and access along the open space free vegetation that improves noteworthy as Gippsland’s first port. Others are intangible, such as open beach, as well as proximity to from obtrusive amenity di ers for individual Several buildings and sites in Port space, views, links to places or people, cafes and shops. The type of development. locations and needs to be facilities expected at di erent understood at each location. Albert are listed in the Victorian or the knowledge that wildlife is locations will vary. Indigenous vegetation is Heritage Register. The area associated present.10 preferable as this has benets for other values also. with the construction of the artificial The sense of wellbeing people derive entrance to the Gippsland Lakes at from the coast is intrinsically linked to Lakes Entrance is also listed in the our ability to maintain or enhance the register. As too are the light stations at quality and extent of natural views, Natural Gabo Island, Point Hicks and Wilsons native vegetation and natural Safety Physical Form Promontory, and the Paynesville SATISFACTION landscapes. The built environment also WITH government slip and winch shed. The ability to use the AMENITY Beaches with a contributes to people’s enjoyment of coast safely is an more natural physical The wilderness values of the Gippsland the coast: it provides us with physical attractive feature for a form (including sand, coast are important to Victoria. There is and visual access to the natural particular beach and rock pools, dune can be enhanced by system, cli s) and nowhere else like it. Its wildness provides environment and its associated signage about hazards, without concrete insights into the natural connections intangible values. the presence of a will increase between land and water. It also holds life-saving club and satisfaction with For example, the tracks, paths and other facilities. amenity. cultural significance for many. boardwalks that allow people to move to, from or along the beach help Water Quality Clean Beaches improve amenity. At the same time they provide people with access to the Pollution is identied as No litter or little litter in sights and sounds of the ocean. an important part of the sea or around the Similarly, picnic facilities enable people satisfaction with the beach will increase beach and can a ect satisfaction with amenity. to enjoy the time they spend beside use such as swimming, This is based on the the coast. boating, as well as relationship between commercial and presence of litter and Amenity values are diminished by the recreational shing. satisfaction with Water that is free of oils, the beach. presence of inappropriate or intrusive colours, litter and smells development, degraded environments, will increase satisfaction odour, litter and noise. with amenity.

Figure 4 Managing visitor satisfaction with their coastal experience – key amenity values (derived from Melbourne Water) 8 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

2.3 Economic values 2.4 Protecting coastal The commercial uses of the Gippsland values coastal region include recreation, Under the Coastal Management Act 1995, coastal tourism, farming, commercial regional and local decision-makers must and recreational fishing, shipping and have regard for the coastal values petroleum extraction. Each of these has described above when working with direct and indirect benefits to local and their communities on coastal planning regional economies. and management. Gippsland’s coastal economy is based The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 largely on natural resources. Coastal identifies the logic by which the Board dependent economic sectors include develops policies and actions to oil and gas in Bass Strait, fisheries, manage the factors that contribute to shipping, commercial boating and the protection of those coastal values. services supported by coastal settlements Diver with Brown Appendix 1 lists coastal plans in the and tourism. The Gippsland coastal Leatherjacket, Corner Inlet region. Marine National Park region is an important centre for Photo: Museum of Victoria commercial and recreational fisheries Captains Cove, Metung That logic helps us to be explicit and with large commercial fishing fleets Photo: Roberto Seba, consistent about how we refer to the operating out of Lakes Entrance, Corner Tourism Victoria different types of values, and how we identify significant natural values to Inlet and Port Franklin. Together with prioritise actions and investment. prioritise investment. Regionally, this helps us identify where the abalone fishery based at Mallacoota, Similarly, the Board notes work by local Non-commercial economic values these values are most concentrated, Gippsland’s estimated annual commercial councils in planning and managing include storm and flood protection, and, in particular, helps us recognise catch contributes over $70 million to community coastal values within their 11 erosion buffers and nutrient cycling. where they may be at risk due to the Victorian economy. planning schemes and urban design. These ecosystem services provide coastal processes or human activities. Agriculture, forestry and fishing are significant benefit to the community. They work with land holders, developers collectively the biggest employers. They For example, sand dunes provide sand Figure 5 provides a regional snapshot of and public land managers to make sure provide 26 per cent of jobs and 13 per store for beach replenishment after some of the values within the Gippsland impacts of increasing urbanisation and cent of total regional output. Tourism storms, mangroves protect against coastal region and how these guide use of the coast are managed to meet generates five per cent of jobs and wave erosion, sea grass beds act as decisions by coastal planners and community expectations. managers. three per cent of output. Recreational nurseries for important fish species A lot of work has been achieved and boating in Gippsland Lakes for example (such as bream and whiting) and coastal Fishing and boating It also identifies key plans and work continues to progress identifying and adds $163 m to the regional economy. add important saltmarshes fix nutrients and carbon. economic value in the done by those agencies with significant monitoring the condition of the Key tourism assets in the coastal zone Gippsland coastal responsibilities on the coast. In Gippsland coast and protect its values. include the Gippsland Lakes, Wilsons region particular, the Board notes the work by One example is the Gippsland State of 12 Promontory and Mallacoota Inlet. catchment management authorities in the Coast report.13 It provides a estuaries and wetlands in response to benchmark for coastal planners and statewide directives in the Victorian managers to evaluate their work. Coastal Strategy 2014 and the Victorian Another example is the Gippsland Lakes Waterway Management Strategy 2013. Natural Assets Report Card; it identifies Led by the catchment management key environmental indicators such as authorities, it is expected that the Board water quality, wetlands and seagrass, as will be involved in the development of well as a methodology for monitoring regional waterway strategies; they will the overall health of this important area. VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 9 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

Case study – Creating Better Coastal Places and COMMUNITY COASTAL VALUES Spaces Project The Creating Better Coastal Places SOCIAL CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIC and Spaces project was delivered across the four Gippsland Coastal – Community networks – Aboriginal heritage – National and coastal parks – Ports and harbours Councils and was part of – Amenity values – Historic heritage – Marine National Parks and – Fisheries implementing the Urban Design – Recreational – Township character sanctuaries – Oil and gas Frameworks. opportunities – Ramsar sites – Property values An Urban Design Framework – Open space provision – Significant coastal – Employment – Employment Ecological Vegetation provides guidance for the future – Tourism – Landscape character Communities development of urban areas – Infrastructure i.e. boat – Heritage – Sea grass Meadows ramps (which can range from specific – Walkways – Connectivity – Camping & caravan sites to small townships and – Diversity grounds metropolitan suburbs). The process – Dune health for developing this framework can – Rivers, wetlands and involve generating ideas, preparing estuaries realistic design concepts that are – Water quality hot spots based on community consultation, – Algal blooms research and analysis. One example of this project is the work undertaken by South Gippsland Shire in amending their GUIDE DECISIONS BY COASTAL PLANNERS AND MANAGERS planning scheme to provide township boundaries for all coastal CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT LOCAL COASTAL COMMITTEES TRADITIONAL PARKS GIPPSLAND GIPPSLAND REGION GIPPSLAND LAKES townships. In recognition of the AUTHORITIES GOVERNMENT OF MANAGEMENT OWNERS VICTORIA PORTS COASTAL BOARDS MINISTERIAL TASKFORCE coastal landscape, the amendment – Regional Catchment – Planning scheme – Foreshore/Coastal – Sea Country Plans – Parks Management – Safety and – Regional Coastal – Environmental considered a wide range of factors Strategy components (eg. Management Plans – Joint Management Plans (including Environment Plans and previous Strategy Significant Landscape (Master and Precinct Marine Parks) Management Plans Regional Coastal including infrastructure (eg – Sub-strategies (eg. Plans – Sustainable Waterway Strategy Overlays, Municipal Plans) – Cultural Heritage – Joint Management – Studies (eg. Action Plans (eg. Development Plan sewerage), sea level rise, the and Estuary Plans Strategic Statements, – Leases and licences Management Plans Plans Economic Value of Integrated Plan and – Condition Report remoteness as well as access. Coastal Development – Ramsar Site Plans Commercial Fishing) boating) Card Policy) – State of the Coast This planning scheme amendment – Investigations (eg. – Regional Growth algal blooms, incorporated Significant Plans flooding) Landscape Overlays, in particular – Coastal Management recognising community values Plans with an overlay of state wide – Climate change strategies (eg. Local significance at Cape Liptrap. Coastal Hazard Assessments, Adaptation plans)

Figure 5 Community coastal values guide decisions in the Gippsland coastal region 10 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

3 THE DYNAMICS OF THE COAST

Regional Coastal Plans must allow for Because of the need to ensure safety 3.2 A changing climate the dynamic nature of the coast. That and amenity, coastal structures dynamism is manifested through: generally have high maintenance and A changing climate has the potential to increase the frequency and severity of – Natural coastal processes; replacement costs. For this reason, future buildings and structures with coastal hazards which include the impacts – A changing climate; high social or economic value should of flood, bushfire and sea level rise.15 By – Demographic trends; not be placed where coastal hazards bringing about increased rates of erosion may affect them. If, because of the and more extensive flooding, rising sea – Visitation trends; and nature of the structures, there are no levels pose greater risks to properties – Emerging markets. alternatives but to locate them on the and to coastal structures and buildings. coast (jetties and boat ramps, for 3.1 Natural coastal To counter those risks, we need to make example), then the higher costs of wise land use decisions to balance processes maintenance and replacement, and the current use and development effects on coastal processes, must be opportunities with potential future costs The coast is the interface between land planned for. Floating jetties illustrate an and the long-term health of the coast. and sea. It is not static; it changes with approach to deal with the seasonal We also a need to address the legacy of the influence of tides, wind, waves and opening and closing of some estuaries; earlier land use decisions that resulted weather systems such as storms. but they do incur greater costs. in coastal hazards; where property and Coastal processes interact with different Work to remediate San Remo landslip, infrastructure are at risk from erosion or landforms (sandy beaches, rocky Hard structures such as groynes and July 2014 seawalls are often used to mitigate flooding, we now require an adaptation headlands, low-lying mud flats and approach. The options may include estuaries) to create complex and erosion. These structures also affect living with the risk for the economic life dynamic systems. The Victorian Coastal Strategy states coastal processes: they alter sand of existing assets, removing or relocating that coastal planners and managers movement and the effects of wave The Gippsland coast is particularly at the assets, or mitigating the risk. should respect natural coastal energy. Interrupting the natural long risk of erosion. Less than 10 per cent of processes wherever possible. shore drift of sand can result in the loss The Victorian Climate Change it consists of the rocky headlands that of beaches and foreshore in one area Adaptation Plan (2013) sets out how resist erosion. The rest is made up of In order to minimise or avoid coastal and cause accretion in another. the Victorian Government is managing soft shorelines such as dunes and sandy hazards, the structures placed along the these risks (amongst others) and beaches. Coastal flooding is also coast must take into account its dynamic Because of the dynamic nature of acknowledges the contribution by all experienced on the Gippsland coast, nature. Public buildings and structures coastal processes, all proposals for tiers of government, business and particularly where storm surges including life saving clubs, boat ramps, protective works on the coast -on communities in this work. combine with high tides and extreme jetties, picnic facilities, toilet facilities, private or public land- must be Lake Reeve in flood, considered and designed as part of wave events. The impact can be worse boardwalks and seawalls, must be 2014 Threats to the Gippsland coast are very in estuaries receiving rainfall from designed and sited in ways that take larger ‘whole of coastal cell system’, real, particularly for highly erodible areas. coastal catchments. into account the risks from erosion and rather than as an individual site. That is, And they will certainly be magnified by inundation. they must be designed and managed a changing climate with far-east Gippsland People’s interactions with coastal with an understanding of coastal coast projected sea level rise to be processes can create coastal hazards. If processes and the wider impacts on higher than average (Report on Climate a coastal process presents the risk of coastal values beyond the location of Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions property damage, loss of life or the works. in Victoria 2012). Given the dynamics of environmental degradation, it is a this coast, much work has been done coastal hazard.14 to try to understand how to respond to VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 11 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

predictions of a changing climate. In 2008, 3.4 Visitation trends the Gippsland Coastal Board prepared a report called Climate Change, Sea Level An increase in boating visitation and Rise and Coastal Subsidence along the changes in boating preferences are key Gippsland Coast 2008. The purpose of factors for change in the Gippsland port the report was to bring together the best and waterway areas. Trends in boating available data to help inform decisions visitations rates have been estimated by and to increase public awareness of Gippsland Ports using boat registration climate change effects. Since then a lot data. Registrations in Gippsland have of other work has also been undertaken. been increasing by an average of 2.8 per cent per year from 2003 to 2012, with The knowledge gained from local studies particularly high growth in the Anderson provides the foundation for the next Inlet (3.0 per cent), Gippsland Lakes (2.9 phase of community-driven adaption per cent) and Mallacoota (2.9 per cent) planning. For example, the next steps in regions.21 The rates of growth exceed using the information presented in the general population increases. The average Wilsons Promontory Gippsland Lakes Coastal Hazard National Park boat size also appears to be increasing. Assessment will be in working with Photo: Tourism Victoria local communities to arrive at decisions Coastguard in Visitation and tourism are key economic that make them more climate resilient. entrance channel drivers for Victoria and for Gippsland coastal communities. All these attractions Regional-scale strategic planning can 3.3 Demographic trends draw significant numbers of visitors and help to identify opportunities to tailor it is to be expected that these numbers Many people choose to live beside the and peak populations was synthesised the service levels offered by visitation will continue to increase. The economic coast, but population growth creates in the 2006 State of the Gippsland facilities to expected visitation demand. opportunities associated with these trends challenges in meeting future infrastructure Coast Report17 and the East Gippsland The key here is to do that in ways that need to be handled in a way that protects and employment needs. Achieving this and Wellington shires Coastal Towns help encourage visitation on high value, significant coastal features and landscapes balance means coastal settlements Design Framework (Meinhardt 2007). resilient parts of the coast, while minimising from the environmental impacts that need to be planned according to Key pressures identified in those studies pressures on the vulnerable ones. can accompany high visitor numbers. regional strengths and around the included population growth above As discussed in Chapter 4, the Gippsland The impact of increased visitation at key relationships with hinterland townships regional average and an ageing Boating Coastal Action Plan is an example coastal sites on the ‘visitor experience’ and the larger regional towns that form population, driven in part by the ‘sea of how some things can and should be 18 (that is, how an individual interacts and hubs for employment and services. change’ phenomenon. managed at the regional-scale. Its key Lake King enjoys a site) is an emerging issue for The framework for Gippsland coastal A synthesis of recent census data on actions will be implemented under nature-based tourism. While visitation settlements is included in the Gippsland Gippsland coastal towns reveals that the this plan. dispersal opportunities at some sites Regional Growth Plan.16 This plan ‘sea change’ phenomenon has slowed Other important demographic trends should be considered, identifying ways identifies coastal values and addresses or halted. Average population growth to consider are those growth areas in for visitors to contribute financially to the sensitive coastal areas in growth planning; over the last ten years has been less the hinterland that are likely to increase renewal and maintenance of facilities as they could also identify the growth in than the Victorian regional average and the use of the coast. The growth in Bass well as preservation activities that localised foreshore visitation pressures decreases have occurred in some towns.19 Coast and Baw Baw shires together contribute to maintaining a quality associated with population growth. The population continues to age across with the exceptional population visitor experience also deserve most coastal towns, although the rate growth in Melbourne’s south east and Demographics are a key driver for consideration. Further studies that of population ageing appears to be the Cardinia Employment Corridor are development and land use along the describe the visitor experience at slowing against the regional average. likely to place increased pressure on the Gippsland coast. Data on age coastal sites with increased use should values of the Gippsland coastal region.20 demographics, population projections be a priority. 12 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

3.5 Emerging markets While the region’s production of crude oil, coal and gas is important to Victoria Emerging industries and the changing in the short-and-medium term, there markets for oil, gas, brown coal and are also plans to transition and diversify renewable energy will present new these traditional energy industries.22 challenges for management of the Future opportunities have been Gippsland coastal region. identified in the Gippsland Regional Offshore oil and gas fields affect coastal Plan, such as the development of areas because the oil and gas must be coal-to-products (for example moved through the foreshore to the briquettes or fertiliser) and research and processing plants near Orbost and at development in technology such as Longford. Servicing the needs of those carbon capture and storage. industries also has generalised effects The emergence of new energy upon the regional economy. industries in the Gippsland coastal area, Where projects require access to such as wind energy, coal seam gas, coastal foreshore to transport materials, and geothermal power may offer the Department of Environment, Land, opportunities for economic Water and Planning works with public Walkway to Salmon development, while simultaneously land managers to manage this use. Rocks presenting new threats and pressures to natural and social values. The scope for tidal and wave power has been investigated for Gippsland. However, at this stage, it does not appear to be a priority area for investment. The East Gippsland Basin, though, has been identified as potentially suitable for geothermal power generation, and there is some potential for additional wind generation at Toora, Baldhill and further west. A new port has been developed at Port Gypsy Point Photo: Roberto Seba, Anthony near Barry Beach in Corner Tourism Victoria Inlet. Risks associated with increased shipping traffic in Corner Inlet include increased risk of oil spills, ballast water discharge, spread of invasive species and impacts associated with dredging and port maintenance.

Wilsons Promontory National Park Photo: Garry Moore, Tourism Victoria BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 13 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

4 MANAGING REGIONAL VISITATION PRESSURES AND MAXIMISING ACCESS

4.1 Background The unique amenity values at some vulnerable sites, however, often calls for A variety of public land and waterway a different response. In those cases, it managers regulate access to coastal may be necessary to offer very high land and marine environments (see service levels such as boardwalk access, Figure 3). They aim for balanced access sophisticated parking arrangements, between users while protecting natural tourism services and the like. This is values and the amenity of other users. particularly true of places like Wilsons This is achieved by providing facilities Promontory and Lakes Entrance. such as walking tracks, boat ramps, car Periods of congestion during peak parks, picnic facilities, boardwalks, visitation to an area are frustrating to jetties and caravan parks. experience, and particularly challenging Balancing access to these facilities is to manage. There is a balance to be best considered at the regional-scale. achieved between continually Carefully distributing facilities and upgrading facilities at popular sites, and Case study – Managing service levels across the region promoting the availability of alternative access at popular sites enhances accessibility.23 It also helps sites. Queuing, parking fees, site-use Corringle Foreshore Reserve is on reduce potential conflicts between Recreation on Snowy fees and ballots are all legitimate ways the south western side of the different uses, such as boating and River estuary to manage access, but they need to be lower Snowy River. It is one of the swimming. Communicating the evaluated against the alternatives. ten parks and reserves in Gippsland availability of alternative facilities and Fortunately, the demand patterns for that is jointly managed by Parks targeting investment in priority sites some other community assets run Victoria and the Gunaikurnai Land can also be beneficial. counter to the demand patterns for and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. Demand can be managed by ensuring coastal visitation. School grounds are a A ballot booking system has been that the service levels provided by good example: peak demands for used for many years to manage visitation facilities are tailored to the coastal visitation coincide with school visitor numbers during the peak resilience of the landscape. In general, holidays. Some communities, such as holiday periods until recently high levels of service are best Venus Bay where there is a scarcity of when Parks Victoria changed to an concentrated in resilient areas, for space available for extra parking, are online booking system for all Parks example in identified activity nodes. now using school grounds and shuttle in Victoria that works on first to buses to offer park and ride services book gets a site. Fees were used for Fishing at Lakes during peak times. general park maintenance such as Entrance mowing lawns, emptying rubbish bins and upkeeping park facilities. Wilsons Promontory The Gunaikurnai Rangers now also Photo: Roberto Seba Tourism Victoria work in joint management with Parks Victoria rangers incorporating Gunaikurnai traditional knowledge and culture into all aspects of park management. 14 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

4.2 The Boating Coastal Action Plan The Gippsland Boating Coastal Action PUBLIC LAND USE Plan 2013 is an example of how the Waterbody Board has shown that some things are best managed at the regional-scale. It Parks & reserves shows that there are significant Softwood plantation & state forest Omeo opportunities to manage demand, while maintaining community coastal Other public land values. Highway

The boating plan provides an inventory Council boundary of the region’s boating facilities, EAST GIPPSLAND Coastal waters G including local ports, and classifies each en oa R iv e of them into one of five different T r Marine National Parks a S m n N o b ic o w B categories (state, district, regional, local h r Mallacoota o R y o

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i e The level of service approach outlined r R Port Albert in Port Regional r w Welshpool in the boating plan can be applied Ta more broadly in coastal management. NOORAMUNGA MARINE District Taking this approach at the regional- & COASTAL PARK Local scale lends itself to better management CORNER INLET MARINE & 0 20 40 p Basic of all facilities that hold the potential to ra COASTAL PARK C a Lipt provide interchangeable and p e kilometers WILSONS complementary coastal experiences. CAPE SHALLOW PROMONTORY LIPTRAP INLET MARINE COASTAL MARINE & NATIONAL PARK PARK COASTAL PARK

Figure 6 Map of boating hierarchy of facilities from the Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan 2013 BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 15 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

4.3 The Gippsland Lakes 4.4 Activity and Environmental Recreation Nodes Strategy The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 notes that in coastal settlements, The Gippsland Lakes are one of Victoria’s recreation and tourism developments most important environmental assets are focused around activity and and an icon for many local, national and recreation nodes. These create efficient international communities. The Gippsland relationships between buildings and Lakes are also a major tourist attraction, infrastructure and they minimise recreation area and home to a growing development impacts on the coast. population. Activity nodes provide for community The Minister for Regional and Rural recreation facilities and tourism Development and the Minister for activities. They are within settlements Environment and Climate Change and are adjacent to the activity centres established the Gippsland Lakes identified in planning schemes. They Ministerial Advisory Committee to: include public and private land. – Advise the Ministers on matters Metung Recreation nodes are located on coastal relating to the health of the Photo: Peter Jennings Crown land, outside activity nodes. Gippsland Lakes and improved They provide access and infrastructure decision-making on development for recreation and water-related within the Lakes region; activities – Prepare an environmental strategy Any development on coastal Crown that considers future development, land within an activity node and tourism and fishing, planning recreation node should satisfy the processes, research and monitoring, criteria for use and development on education and community coastal Crown land established by the information; and Strategy. – Coordinate government agencies to implement the Strategy and foster better coordinated management of Paynesville at dusk the Lakes. Photo: Ian Needham The Gippsland Lakes Environmental Strategy 2013 produced by the Kayaking on the committee is another good example of Gippsland Lakes the benefits of taking a regional Photo: Garry Moore, approach. It aims to balance the Tourism Victoria condition of the Gippsland Lakes with the potential to use and enjoy them. 16 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

4.5 Key challenges and Chapter 4 - Visitation Actions Lead Partner Agents By When actions 1. Implement key actions within the Gippsland GCB Local councils, 2020 Boating Coastal Action Plan. CoM, Gippsland The coast is valued for a range of uses. Ports Coastal planners and managers aim to 2. Work with public land managers and Local councils provide facilities to enhance access waterway managers to: while maintaining the values that a. map and categorise visitation DELWP GCB, Local 2018 attract users to the site in the first place. infrastructure throughout the region. councils, CoM, Population pressures and increased Gippsland Ports tourism visitation will increase the b. develop a service-level hierarchy for GCB DELWP, VCC 2016 importance of getting this balance visitation infrastructure. right. c. document and analyse effectiveness of GCB DELWP, PV, Local existing approaches to demand councils, CoM, The Board believes that a regional management (including parking fees, approach will help to identify where entrance fees, camping fees, leasing visitation is best directed and those arrangements, licensing arrangements areas that will need further protection. and the use of smart-phone apps to notify This work will guide local decisions, visitors to avoid congested areas). support investment and communicate 3. Identify priority areas for visitation demand June 2020 with users. management. In particular: a. resilient parts of the landscape where GCB Local councils, visitation can be encouraged; DELWP, CoM, Tourism boards b. vulnerable parts of the landscape where GCB Local councils, demand might be reduced by DELWP, CoM, encouraging visitors towards alternative Tourism boards, sites; and TOs c. vulnerable parts of the landscape that GCB Local councils, provide unique visitor experiences where DELWP, CoM, there is limited scope to reduce demand. Tourism boards 4. Using the data from action 2 and 3, develop GCB Local councils, 2020 a Visitation Demand Framework to guide DELWP, PV, user local decisions, support investment and groups communicate with users.

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 BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 17 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

5 A REGIONAL APPROACH TO FORESHORE MANAGEMENT r

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Coastal experiences involve the use and Lakes Entrance N enjoyment of the hinterland, foreshore Lake King Metung North Arm Charles Street and marine environments. The foreshore Paynesville Recreation Reserve A provides the bridge between the v Committee of Management on R iv hinterland and marine environments er and it is an important part of the coast Meerlieu to plan and manage. Clydebank Lake Victoria East Gippsland Shire Council EAST GIPPSLAND 0 20 40 Sale The Victorian foreshore is 96 per cent Lake kilometers Wellington Loch Sport publicly owned. As illustrated in Figure 7, EAST GIPPSLAND La Trobe River Catchment Management Authority in the Gippsland coastal region the G en Paradise oa R foreshore is managed by a variety of Longford Beach iv Lake e S r Coleman n Mallacoota N o groups including Parks Victoria, local ic w h Inlet o y B r

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ll r CAPE HOWE R i ive v also jointly manage five coastal parks r Bairnsdale e MARINE Lakes Marlo r NATIONAL with Parks Victoria. Entrance PARK Seaspray Gippsland Water Where there are high levels of use, or Corporation there are some opportunities for the users of the foreshore to contribute to the cost WEST GIPPSLAND Sale BEWARE REEF POINT HICKS Catchment Management Authority MARINE SANCTUARY MARINE East Gippsland Shire Council of providing visitation infrastructure WELLINGTON NATIONAL and services, a local council or a PARK Merrima n Riv er h committee of management is generally c a e 24 B responsible for managing the land.

Seaspray SOUTH GIPPSLAND

Leongatha NINETY MILE BEACH Tarra e Ri i l MARINE NATIONAL PARK ve FORESHORE MANAGER Al r M be South Gippsland r A t R g i r ve Yarram Shire Council i r r e s e Parks Victoria v i R i y R Port v Port t n e e i r Port Albert n w Franklin i ar Welshpool N Parks Victoria & Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) T WATERWAY MANAGER NOORAMUNGA MARINE Committee of Management & COASTAL PARK Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Local council CORNER INLET MARINE & COASTAL PARK Parks Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Walkerville Committee of Management WILSONS Gippsland Port Authority Port authorities or local port manager PROMONTORY MARINE Sandy Point Foreshore NATIONAL PARK Committee of Management

Figure 7 Map of foreshore and waterway managers 18 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

Traditional Owners have a range of Where there is high demand for use of rights and responsibilities for their the foreshore – to the point where custodial land (including Native Title there is competition between potential and Traditional Owner Settlement Act users – exclusive use may be provided 2010 agreements). Their aspirations for to particular groups through private coasts and sea country are also formally leasing of buildings on the foreshore recognised through joint management (including camping grounds, marinas and co-management arrangements, and cafes). Public land managers may with Parks Victoria, for five coastal parks also licence particular uses at popular in the Gunaikurnai determination area. sites.27 This is important to better These are the Lakes National Park, manage demand, for example Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, Gippsland competitive allocation of tour operator Lakes Reserve, Corringle Foreshore licences for certain activities. Reserve and Lake Tyers Catchment Area. The rent paid to lease or licence coastal Gippsland Ports and Parks Victoria, as Crown land represents a payment to Invertebrate reef and Butterfly Perch, designated Waterway Managers under the community for the private use of a Beware Reef Marine the Marine Safety Act (2010) are publicly owned resource. By paying Sanctuary responsible for boating and shipping rent, those receiving a private benefit Photo: Museum of Victoria safety on public land and water. The from the right to occupy and use Victorian Coastal Strategy and elements The Legend Rock is part coastal foreshore make an appropriate of the Victorian Planning Provisions of the Bataluk Cultural payment for that use. Further, rental trail (see www.bataluk Surf lifesaving club lookout towers, (including Clause 18.03 that lists port culturaltrail.com.au for payments are one of the only sources marina and boat sheds are examples of land use and development strategies) more information) of income available to foreshore buildings whose functionality depend currently guide land-use planning within managers to meet the cost of on being near the water. Foreshore designated ports. The amenity values managing and improving the land managers need to work with the offered by ports are also recognised under their control. The most lessees of these buildings to ensure within Regional Growth Plans. commonly used mechanism used to that the siting and design of facilities Foreshore managers have a number of set by rentals on Crown land is through do not increase coastal hazards a market valuation assessment (including bushfire risk) or reduce tools to guide and support their 25 decisions. A range of tools to implement conducted by a qualified valuer. amenity for other users. The Board these decisions are also provided for in The foreshore is rich in coastal values; believe that innovative designs that do the Coastal Management Act 1995 and community expectations for its this and capture the coastal character the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.24 management are set within the of foreshore should be encouraged. An important part of Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 (see Gunaikurnai mythology, Decisions about how to manage the the Legend Rock lies in page 65). One of the desired outcomes variety of coastal values on the shallow water by the for that strategy is for the built foreshore are made through the shore of Bancroft Bay, environment on foreshores to be development of coastal Management opposite the Metung confined to structures whose Yacht Club in Plans, and local planning schemes. Tatungooloong Country functionality depends on them being near the water – while also providing significant community benefit. BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 19 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

5.2 Working better together Case study The management of coastal The efforts and the expertise offered by Crown land in South Gippsland is local foreshore managers, government being reviewed to look for more agencies and volunteers, provides an effective ways to manage highly immense advantage in managing the valued coastal areas. The greater values associated with coastal land. Waratah Bay area has been The Coastal Management Act (1995) targeted for that review. provides for coastal Management Plans There are currently five land (sometimes called Foreshore managers for the Waratah Bay Management Plans) on public land but area, including three volunteer good practice in the Gippsland coastal committees of management, region has seen the foreshore managers Parks Victoria and the South of both public and private land working Gippsland Shire. Jointly they with adjacent land holders to manage recognise that there could be coastal values together. better co-operation in managing Seaspray Caravan Park The Department of Environment, Land, the caravan parks, camping Water and Planning is currently grounds and visitor access points developing guidelines for coastal at this attractive location. Management Plans (including Foreshore They are currently scoping Management Plans). Those guidelines opportunities to develop a coastal will recognise that good management Management Plan across the should not be bounded by land tenure; Waratah Bay and Shallow Inlet good management means working area. It will identify all community across land boundaries where it is values and develop a professional sensible to do so. management model that creates The Department has recently identified employment opportunities in the the need for strong governance area while also providing processes to ensure community opportunities for community involvement in planning and in expectations of foreshore managers are Lakes Entrance met and these standards are managing the site. maintained (VAGO report – Oversight and Accountability of Committees of Management 2013) The report also identified that there is potential to strengthen coastal management by improving the governance, oversight and support for committees of management. 20 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

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. Work with Traditional Owners in preparing PV TOs, GCB, CMAs, 2020 manage the coast. There are synergies land and sea country plans. DELWP, Aus to be achieved by helping to Government coordinate their efforts across land 3. Ensure current coastal Management Plans GCB DELWP, Local 2020 boundaries. (including Foreshore Management Plans) in councils The Board believes that a regional place along all of the Gippsland Coastal Region. approach will help to identify where and how this approach will provide the 4. Develop a process that gets the managers DELWP GCB, Local 2020 most benefits. This work will guide local to work together where it is sensible for a councils, CoM coastal Management Plan to be developed decisions, support investment and across multiple land managers. From this, encourage cooperation. local public land managers can put together precinct or master plans. 5. Investigate changes to enable Coastal DELWP VCC, GCB, Local 2020 Management Plans to be extended to other councils, areas of coastal land.

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

Wilsons Promontory Photo: Roberto Seba, Tourism Victoria BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 21 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

6 REGIONAL-SCALE PLANNING FOR COASTAL FLOODING AND EROSION

6.1 Background Victoria has a history of effective importantly it is the community values collaboration between all levels of in the area that are of particular A changing climate has the potential to government, private businesses and significance (listed in Appendix 2). increase the severity of existing coastal individuals in managing emerging The methodologies need to take into hazards and to bring about increased challenges. In that context the account storm surge, shoreline erosion rates of erosion and more extensive Commonwealth, Victorian and local and predicted sea level rise. These flooding. The primary causes of coastal governments are increasing their issues would benefit from more flooding are storm surges combining understanding and capacity to address integrated planning approaches. with high tides (especially spring-tides) coastal flooding and erosion. and extreme wave events. These The Victorian Climate Change Adaptation extreme events are predicted to be Plan 2013 sets out how the Victorian more common in the future. Government is managing the risks of a Case study of the East changing climate. Strengthening Gippsland Shire Council The Victorian Coastal Hazard Guide partnerships with local government Planning Amendment C112 2012 defines some key terms: and communities is a key priority. For Northern Growth Area example, through the Victorian – Coastal erosion – short-term Future development of Lakes Adaptation and Sustainability retreat of sandy shorelines as a Entrance township is constrained Partnership, funding and mentoring result of storm effects and by the Gippsland Lakes to the support were provided for adaptation assessments, and more detailed flood climatic variations south and west and by the planning and action. As part of this work, and erosion studies as the evidence for potential for a portion of the – Coastal recession – progressive the Future Coasts program produced the preparation of adaptive existing township to be affected and ongoing retreat of the guidelines, comprehensive data sets management responses. by future increases in sea level and shoreline and digital models to help Victorians The Gippsland coast is particularly at flooding. The logical focus for better understand and plan for the risks – Coastal inundation – temporary risk of erosion. Highly erodible growth of the township is associated with sea level rise and storm or permanent flooding of sediments – mainly coastal dunes and therefore higher land north of the surge. It also worked with local councils low-lying areas caused by high sandy beaches – account for 78 per town centre. sea level events, with or to engage their communities in cent of the coastline. Only nine per cent without the impacts of rainfall investigating their local needs and of it consists of rocky headlands that Amendment C112 identifies some in coastal catchments. opportunities. are not prone to erosion. 245 hectares as the proposed Lakes Entrance Northern Growth The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 The Department of Environment, Land, Area. East Gippsland Shire Council envisages that this increase in threats It is difficult to separate coastal flooding Water and Planning is working on a sees this growth areas as central to from coastal hazards will be The Gippsland coast is from other coastal processes such as systematic approach to document meeting future housing needs in strategically managed, on both public particularly vulnerable erosion and recession. Flooding, wind to erosion, top: Marlay existing work and identifying priority Lakes Entrance. It could provide for and private land through the action or wave action may cause Point and above: ramp areas where new, or further adaptation residential growth requirements development of regional and local onto McLaughlins erosion and recession. Conversely planning is required. The map in Figure 8 for the next three decades - based adaptation planning. The process will Beach erosion can lead to the inundation of indicates what the Board considers to on estimated dwelling yields. involve identifying areas of public and low-lying areas. This is especially the be areas requiring more detailed hazard freehold coastal land at risk from case in the Gippsland Lakes area where assessment leading to adaptation inundation, erosion and recession using the width, depth and height of sand planning. The proposed regional a consistent risk management dunes can be a major factor in why some priority areas are based on technical framework, to undertake coastal hazard areas are more likely to be flooded. data, including national datasets26, but 22 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

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Metung Marlo Cape Conran Lake Lake Paynesville King Maffra Stratford Lakes Tyres Heyfield Meerlieu Entrance Lake LEGEND Sale Lake Victoria Loch Sport Rosedale Wellington Soft rock shores

Paradise Beach Hard rock shores Mer Golden Beach rim h a c n a Riv e Muddy shores er B

Seaspray Sandy shore backed by rock

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n Port Toora r e i Foster n N r w Welshpool i Ta N Built up areas Venus Port Albert Bay Waratah Bay Vulnerable locations where coastal hazards assessment have occurred Sandy C Point a p p Darby Vulnerable locations which would bene t from e Liptra Swamp coastal hazard assessment because of - Tidal River • high social, economic and environmental assets 0 20 40 • low lying areas subject to inundation kilometers • vulnerable coastal profile

Figure 8 Map of coastal instability and areas for further coastal hazard investigation 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 23 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

Figure 8 Legend: Map of coastal Open and Estuarine Coast Hard-Rock Shores Estuarine Saltmarsh and Mangrove Shores Muddy Shores instablility and areas of These are the most physically robust shores. Low profile shores should expect Potentially highly mobile, subject to erosion and/or accretion, depending on the further coastal hazard negligible retreat over human time frames. conditions. investigation The steeper the more likely to have slumping, rock falls, slab collapses and shoreline retreat.

New sea level Cli ed Sloping

Saltmarsh and Present sea level New sea level New sea level mangroves may be squeezed out if backshore Intertidal shore pro le moves landwards and may accrete upwards if sediment supply is adequate, Present sea level Present sea level ground rises too steeply otherwise saltmarsh and mangroves migrate landward behind eroding scarps as sea rises

Continuing cli retreat at slow rates Negligible change on decadal time scale to historic rates, occasional block-falls

Open Sandy Shores Potentially highly mobile shores with cyclic erosion and accretion. These normal Open and Estuarine Coast Soft-Rock Shores coastal processes may mask underlying progressive changes due to long term processes and environmental changes. Erosion is mainly progressive and irreversible. Low profile shore have potential progressive erosion and shoreline retreat. Open Coast Sandy Beaches As the shore profile gets steeper expect more slumping, rock falls and slab Already-eroding beaches may recede faster, currently accreting (growing) beaches collapses. may continue to accrete more slowly, or switch to receding.

Cli ed Sloping New sea level

Present sea level New sea level New sea level New sea level Present sea level Present sea level Present sea level

Accelerating cli retreat as waves Accelerating cli retreat as waves Sand is eroded from beach and dune and Shoreline response to sea-level may be delayed attack at high levels, more frequent slumping attack at high levels, more frequent slumping deposited to seawards, shore prole moves or masked by episodic swell-driven beach upwards and landwards recovery between erosion events (storms) Sand is eroded from beach and dune and Shoreline response to sea-level may be delayed deposited to seawards, shore prole moves or masked by episodic swell-driven beach upwards and landwards recovery between erosion events (storms)

Sandy Shore backed by rock Estuarine Sandy Shores These shorelines are potentially unstable in response to open coastal processes. Where backed by soft rock there is potential for significant landward recession of the coastline. If backed by hard rock there is potential for beach lowering but little

potential for significant landwards shore line recession. New sea level Present sea level New sea level Present sea level Progressive retreat without shoreline Note: absence of swell results in little or no shoreline recovery as eroded sand redistributed to recovery between erosion events (in contrast to ood tide deltas under deepening waters episodic recovery of open coast sandy shores) Progressive retreat without shoreline Note: absence of swell results in little or no shoreline recovery as eroded sand redistributed to recovery between erosion events (in contrast to ood tide deltas under deepening waters episodic recovery of open coast sandy shores) 24 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

The draft Victorian Floodplain Case study Ninety Mile Beach Management Strategy 2014 also makes it plain that where adaptation plans The Ninety Mile Beach in the Wellington Shire between Bass Strait and Lake indicate that mitigation infrastructure is Reeve is the longest stretch of uninterrupted beach in the country where 11, required for public benefit, then, in line 800 lots were created and sold from 1954. It became apparent that the with government policy, local councils physical characteristics of the land made it unsuitable for development will contribute to the capital costs in including easily erodible coastal soils, poor conditions for effluent disposal and cost-sharing arrangements with the high quality vegetation and landscape. Victorian and Commonwealth Various planning and management controls were applied from the mid-1970s Governments. The benefiting with limited success so the Ninety Mile Beach Plan was developed to resolve communities will be responsible for the this long running planning and management issue. It comprises planning ongoing management and maintenance controls to prohibit inappropriate development and a program to ensure the costs. In that context, the Victorian transfer of private lots into public ownership. Coastal Strategy 2014 includes an action The development of the Ninety Mile Beach Plan followed from several years of to analyse options for improved extensive collaboration with State Government through an interdepartmental funding arrangements for the working group and a project team. Also the preparation of a detailed Land management of coastal Crown land. Capability Assessment to support the finding that development should be Ninety Mile Beach Cost-benefit-analysis will determine the prohibited. This culminated in approval of a four year funding agreement with priority surrounding government State Government for $6 Million for the Voluntary Assistance Scheme in contributions. The total costs used in June 2011. those assessments will take account of Interim planning controls were applied from June 2011 followed by the the range of social, environmental and permanent planning controls introduced with Amendment C71 into the economic values associated with the Wellington Planning Scheme. This amendment applies to a 10.8 kilometre coast, such as the value of beaches and section of the Ninety Mile Beach between the settlements of Paradise Beach/ the costs if they are not able to be used Golden Beach and The Honeysuckles including Glomar Beach. It affects more by the community. than 3,700 of the inappropriately subdivided lots. The Board will encourage the regular This amendment also ensures that inappropriate development outside updating of Adaptation Plans in the identified settlement boundaries is prohibited through policy and the Rural light of new data, new knowledge and Conservation Zone. emerging risks in keeping with updates to this Regional Coastal Plan. Seaspray

Flooding in Lakes Entrance BALANCED DECISION MAKING GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 25 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

6.2 Key challenges and Chapter 6 - Flooding and Erosion Actions Lead Partner Agents By When actions 1. Develop a systematic approach to identify DELWP GCB, Local 2016 regional priorities for adaptation plans. councils, CMAs A changing climate has the potential to 2. Work with councils in priority areas to Local DELWP, GCB, 2018 increase the severity of existing coastal continue, or undertake new, adaptation Councils RDV, CMAs hazards and to bring about increased planning and implementation. rates of erosion and more extensive 3. Develop methodologies for conducting DELWP CMAs, GCB 2017 flooding. It is important to think flood and erosion studies in coastal areas. through these issues systematically in 4. Determine the nature of the desirable DELWP GCB, Local 2020 order to find appropriate adaptation outputs of those studies. Those outputs may councils, RDV, responses. include: CMAs, SES The Board believes that a regional a. draft components for municipal SES Local councils approach will help to identify priority emergency plans; areas to carry out flood and erosion Flooded carpark, b. draft planning scheme amendments Local CMAs, DELWP studies to help evaluate adaptation Lakes Entrance councils options. This work will guide local c. viable mitigation options (if any); and Local CMAs, DELWP decisions, support investment and Councils encourage cooperation. d. viable long term options for retreat (if Local CMAs, DELWP necessary) Councils

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, RDV – Regional Development Victoria

Bay and Salmon Rocks

Fishing at Walkerville South Photo: Garry Moore, Tourism Victoria 26 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

7 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES CARING FOR THE COAST

7.1 Background Community involvement in ‘hands-on’ Community groups in the Gippsland management ( for example as part of a Region are keen to learn from the Local action and involvement in the community group, such as a foreshore Traditional Owners of the region; they management of our coasts is critical. care group) and in planning and should be supported in their efforts to There are at least thirty coastal decision-making ( for example as a work on joint coastal projects with community conservation organisations, member of a Committee of them. Opportunities to raise the including foreshore care and ‘friends’ Management, Regional Coastal Board cultural awareness of coastal groups, in the Gippsland coastal region. or Victorian Coastal Council) is central communities should also be pursued. There are also seven community-based to Victoria’s model of coastal In doing this, it is important to provide committees of management, whose management. The Gippsland Coastal clarity about the roles, responsibilities members contribute thousands of Board is committed to enabling and and expectations for all regional hours of their time to manage parcels nurturing active community agencies involved in managing the of coastal Crown land. involvement in managing the coast. coast – especially where operating Volunteers give generously of their There are opportunities for local boundaries overlap. The Board will work time, knowledge and energy to deliver landholders and community groups to to clarify regional roles and on-ground projects that contribute to work with State Government to protect responsibilities and ensure that our knowledge, improve environmental community coastal values. Local public important initiatives are not delayed. outcomes and make a difference to Sandy Point land managers throughout the The Board also has a role in providing local communities.27 Photo: Coastcare Gippsland Region provide incentives opportunities for networking and Community awareness and education and grants to engage the wider public knowledge exchange between about our coastal and marine areas is and involve them in work to protect different groups and agencies. Our essential to improve our understanding coastal values. coastal communities continue to of community values. Programs such as One area of community action that has change, and there is an ongoing need Summer by the Sea foster volunteer proven popular is the monitoring of the to support information sharing to make community groups and coastal beach. In line with the Coastcare the most of our coastal management management agencies to share their Strategy 2011-2015, the Board sees the experience and promote innovation. expertise and local experience with opportunity for a statewide initiative visitors over Summer. User groups such like Coastcare to better promote the as Victorian surf lifesaving, angling and use of local community data by coastal boating groups are also involved in planners and managers and develop building community understanding of monitoring guidelines to improve the the coast. Community comparability of data collected.28 volunteers on the coast are involved in The Board also sees coastal monitoring its health volunteering as having potential to Photo: Coastcare benefit the region’s youth and would like to see Coastcare continue to target this demographic. IMPLEMENTATION GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 27 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

7.2 Actions

Chapter 7 - Implementation Actions Lead Partner Agents By When 1. Organise DELWP GCB, Local 2020 councils, CMAs a. an biennial regional coastal conference. GCB DELWP, CMAs, 2015 Local councils, TOs, CoM b. regular information sharing events - such GCB CMAs, Local ongoing as the Corner Inlet Connections Partner councils, DELWP, Group and the East Gippsland Coastal CoM Inter-agency Forum. 2. Work with the Statewide Coastcare program DELWP GCB, VCC, CMAs to: a. support volunteers to collect coastal DELWP GCB, VCC, CMAs, ongoing erosion data to inform local decision- Local councils, making; CoM b. support community groups to better link DELWP GCB, TOs, CMAs ongoing with Traditional Owners to work on joint coastal projects. estuary 3. Promote and support the work done by all GCB CMAs, Local ongoing local coastal and marine community groups, councils, DELWP including but not limited to Reefwatch, Seasearch and EstuaryWatch.

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 28 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

8 MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting Chapter 4 - Visitation Actions Lead Partner Agents By When Chapter 5 - Foreshore Manager Actions Lead Partner Agents By When on the condition of the coast and the implementation of actions is 1. Implement key actions within the Gippsland GCB Local councils, 2020 1. Prepare guidelines for the development of DELWP GCB, CoM, Local 2015 Boating Coastal Action Plan. CoM, Gippsland coastal Management Plans. councils, PV fundamental to the efficient and Ports effective protection and enhancement 2. Work with Traditional Owners in preparing PV TOs, GCB, CMAs, 2020 of coastal values. The Victorian Coastal 2. Work with public land managers and Local councils land and sea country plans. DELWP, Aus waterway managers to: Government Council, in partnership with the Gippsland Coastal Board and other a. map and categorise visitation DELWP GCB, Local 2018 3. Ensure current coastal Management Plans GCB DELWP, Local 2020 infrastructure throughout the region; councils, CoM, (including Foreshore Management Plans) councils agencies, will develop a state framework Gippsland Ports are in place along all of the Gippsland to monitor the condition of Victoria’s Coastal Region. coast and the delivery of actions set out b. develop a service-level hierarchy for GCB DELWP, VCC 2016 visitation infrastructure; and 4. Develop a process that gets managers to DELWP GCB, Local 2020 in the Victorian Coastal Strategy, Regional work together where it is sensible for a councils, CoM Coastal Plans and Coastal Management c. document and analyse effectiveness of GCB DELWP, PV, Local coastal Management Plan to be developed Plans (and Foreshore Management existing approaches to demand councils, CoM, across multiple land managers. From this, management (including parking fees, Plans). The Board’s work from 2006, the local public land managers can put together entrance fees, camping fees, leasing precinct or master plans. Gippsland State of the Coast report will arrangements, licensing arrangements be important input into this work. and the use of smart-phone apps to notify 5. Investigate changes to enable coastal DELWP VCC, GCB, Local 2020 visitors to avoid congested areas). Management Plans to be extended to other councils Appendix 3 identifies the actions within areas of coastal land. the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 to 3. Identify priority areas for visitation demand June 2020 management. In particular: be included in this Regional Coastal Plan. a. resilient parts of the landscape where GCB Local councils, Chapter 6 - Flooding and Erosion Actions Lead Partner Agents By When The condition of Gippsland’s coastal visitation can be encouraged; DELWP, CoM, values is evaluated by a number of Tourism boards 1. Develop a systematic approach to identify DELWP GCB, Local 2016 agencies, including the catchment regional priorities for adaptation plans. councils, CMAs b. vulnerable parts of the landscape where GCB Local councils, management authorities, the Gippsland demand might be reduced by DELWP, CoM, 2. Work with councils in priority areas to help Local DELWP, GCB, 2018 Lakes Ministerial Advisory Council and encouraging visitors towards alternative Tourism boards, prepare adaptation plans. Councils RDV, CMAs local councils. Results are publicly sites; and TOs 3. Develop methodologies for conducting DELWP CMAs, GCB 2017 reported in documents such as the c. vulnerable parts of the landscape that GCB Local councils, flood and erosion studies in coastal areas. 2011 Gippsland Lakes Report Card, the provide unique visitor experiences where DELWP, CoM, 4. Determine the nature of the desirable DELWP GCB, Local 2020 Index of Stream Condition and the there is limited scope to reduce demand. Tourism boards outputs of those studies. Those outputs may councils, RDV, Index of Estuary Condition. 4. Using the data from action 2 and 3, develop GCB Local councils, 2020 include: CMAs, SES The accountabilities and timelines for a Visitation Demand Framework to guide DELWP, PV, user a. draft components for municipal SES Local councils local decisions, support investment and groups emergency plans; the delivery of the actions of this plan communicate with users. set out in the following tables provide b. draft planning scheme amendments; Local CMAs, DELWP the basis for reporting on the councils implementation of this plan. The Board GCB – Gippsland Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and c. viable mitigation options (if any); and Local CMAs, DELWP will report annually to the Victorian Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, Councils Coastal Council on progress and the VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State d. viable long term options for retreat (if Local CMAs, DELWP Plan will be reviewed in 2020. Emergency Service necessary) Councils IMPLEMENTATION GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 29 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

9 REFERENCES

Chapter 7 - Implementation Actions Lead Partner Agents By When 2. Coastal Values 3. Dynamics of the Coast 4. Managing regional visitation 1 14 pressures and maximising 1. Organise DELWP GCB, Local 2020 West Gippsland Catchment Department of Sustainability and councils, CMAs Management Authority (2014) Environment (2012) Victorian access a. an biennial regional coastal conference. GCB DELWP, CMAs, 2015 Regional Catchment Strategy Coastal Hazard Guide 23 Victorian Coastal Council VCC (2007) Local councils, 2 East Gippsland Catchment 15 Gippsland Local Government A Levels of Service Framework for TOs, CoM Management Authority (2013) Network and Department of the Coast b. regular information sharing events - such GCB CMAs, Local ongoing Regional Catchment Strategy Transport, Planning and Local as the Corner Inlet Connections Partner councils, DELWP, 5. A regional approach to 3 VEAC (2012) Marine Investigation Infrastructure (2014) Gippsland Group and the East Gippsland Coastal CoM Regional Growth Plan foreshore management Inter-agency Forum. Discussion Paper 2012 24 Department of Environment and 16 Ibid 2. Work with the Statewide Coastcare program DELWP GCB, VCC, CMAs 4 West Gippsland Catchment Primary Industries (2011) to: Management Authority (2014) 17 Gippsland Coastal Board (2006) Committees of Management a. support volunteers to collect coastal DELWP GCB, VCC, CMAs, ongoing Regional Waterway Strategy State of the Gippsland Coast Report Responsibilities and Good Practice erosion data to inform local decision- Local councils, 5 East Gippsland Catchment 18 Department of Transport, Planning Guidelines making; CoM Management Authority (2014) and Local Infrastructure Towns in 25 Department of Environment and b. support community groups to better link DELWP GCB, TOs, CMAs ongoing Regional Waterway Strategy Time database Primary Industries (2010) Leasing with Traditional Owners to work on joint coastal projects. 6 Ibid 19 Victorian Coastal Council (2013) Policy for Crown Land in Victoria Population and Settlement along 3. Promote and support the work done by all GCB CMAs, Local ongoing 7 Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory 6. Regional-scale planning for the Victorian Coast. Background local coastal and marine community groups, councils, DELWP Committee (2013). Gippsland Lakes coastal flooding and erosion including but not limited to Reefwatch, Environmental Strategy Research Paper to inform the Seasearch and EstuaryWatch. Victorian Coastal Strategy 2013 26 Geoscience Australia (2008) 8 VEAC (2012) Marine Investigation Smartline Coastal Geomorphic Map 20 Gippsland Local Government Discussion Paper 2012 of Australia (http://www.ozcoasts. Network and Department of GCB – Gippsland Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and 9 gov.au/coastal/introduction.jsp) Gippsland Local Government Transport, Planning and Local Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, Network and Department of VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State Infrastructure (2014) Gippsland 7 Supporting communities Transport, Planning and Local Emergency Service Regional Growth Plan caring for the coast Infrastructure (2014) Gippsland 21 Regional Growth Plan Ibid 27 Victorian EPA (2012) Environmental 22 Citizenship Strategy 10 Victorian Coastal Council (2012) Ibid Coastal and Marine Environment 28 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2011- Community Attitudes & Behaviour 2015 (2011) 11 Gippsland Local Government Network and Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure (2014) Gippsland Regional Growth Plan 12 Ibid 13 Gippsland Coastal Board (2005) State of the Coast 30 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 – List of Coastal Management Plans in the Gippsland Coastal Region

Previous Coastal Action Plans (under the Coastal Management Management Plans (under the Coastal Management Act 1995) Act 1995) Title of Plan Status Responsible Agent Title of Plan Status Responsible Agent Walkerville Foreshore Coastal Implementation CoM/DELWP Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan Implementation Gippsland Coastal Management Plan (March 2014) 2013 Board Bemm River Foreshore Management Plan In process DELWP/EGSC Gippsland State of the Coast Update Implementation Gippsland Coastal Lakes Entrance Foreshore Management Implementation DELWP/EGSC August 2013 Board Plan Gippsland Estuaries Coastal Action Plan Implementation Gippsland Coastal Loch Sport Crown Reserves Management Implementation DELWP/CoM 2006 Board Plan Integrated Coastal Planning for Gippsland Implementation Gippsland Coastal Mallacoota Inlet Foreshore Management Implementation,. DELWP/EGSC 2002 – Coastal Action Plan Board Plan Overdue for review Marlay Point Foreshore Reserve Implementation DELWP Management Plan Marlo Foreshore Management Plan In process DELWP/EGSC Metung Foreshore Management Plan Implementation DELWP/EGSC Overdue for review Newlands Arm Foreshore Management Implementation, due DSE/EGSC Plan for review Port Franklin Reserves Management Plan Draft circulating for DELWP/CoM comment Sandy Point Foreshore Management Plan Implementation DELWP/CoM Shallow Inlet Foreshore Management Plan Suspended – DELWP DELWP/CoM liaising with Parks Vic to transfer management Tamboon Inlet Foreshore Management Cancelled DELWP/EGSC Plan Woodside Beach Foreshore Management Implementation. DELWP/CoM Plan

CoM – Committee of Management, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, EGSC – East Gippsland Shire Council APPENDICES GIPPSLAND REGIONAL 31 COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

Other Coastal Plans Appendix 2 – State and regional values associated with key areas identified

Title of Plan Status Responsible Agent in Figure 8 (page 22) Andersons Inlet Fisheries Reserve Implementation DELWP, Fisheries Management Plan Victoria The Department of Environment, Land, Regional or state significant Environmental , Reference for Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary Management Implementation Parks Victoria Water and Planning is working on a values social/cultural or significance Plan systematic approach to identifying economic Cape Howe Marine National Park Implementation Parks Victoria regional priorities for adaptation plans. Phillip Island to Inverloch Economic Australian Natural Management Plan Figure 8 gives an indication of what the heritage site – national Corner Inlet Marine National Park Implementation Parks Victoria Board considers to be areas requiring State significant Tourist Management Plan more detailed hazard assessment destination RGPs leading to adaptation planning. The East Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy Implementation East Gippsland CMA Wilson Promontory National Park Economic State significant Tourist proposed regional priority areas are destination RGPs Lake Wellington Wetlands Management Plan Implementation Parks Victoria based on technical data and Lakes Entrance and the Gippsland Economic State significant Tourist Ninety Mile Beach Marine National Park Implementation Parks Victoria community values identified in state Lakes destination RGPs Management Plan and regional planning and Desalination Plant Economic Asset/Utility of state Point Hicks Marine National Park Management Implementation Parks Victoria management documents outlined in significance Plan this table. Paynesville and Lakes Entrance Economic State level boating West Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy Implementation West Gippsland CMA facilities GBCAP Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park Implementation Parks Victoria Metung, Loch Sport and Mallacoota Economic Regional level boating Management Plan facilities GBCAP Gippsland Lakes/90 Mile Beach Local Coastal Draft Final Report DELWP Phillip Island western and southern Social State significant Hazard Assessment Project April 2014 shores, Cape Liptrap to Waratah Bay, landscape - Coastal Equitable Local Outcomes in Adaptation to Final Project The University of Wilson’s Promontory, Nooramunga Spaces Landscape Sea Level Rise June 2014 Report Melbourne Coast and islands, Ninety Mile beach, Assessment Study 2006 Cape Conran, Croajingalong and Gippsland Lakes Environmental Strategy Implementation Gippsland Lakes MAC Mallacoota coasts. Governance of the Gippsland Lakes, Roles and Implementation Gippsland Lakes MAC San Remo, to Cape Patterson, Social Regionally significant Responsibilities for Management and Decision Corner Inlet amphitheatre, Metung landscape - Coastal Making and Lakes Entrance hills, Lake Tyers Spaces Landscape and surrounds, Snowy River estuary. Assessment Study 2006 Draft West Gippsland Waterway Strategy Draft West Gippsland CMA 2014-2022 Croajingalong National Park, Wilsons Environmental UNESCO Biosphere Promontory National Park reserves Draft East Gippsland Waterway Strategy Draft East Gippsland CMA 2014-2022 Review of the Gippsland Lakes RAMSAR Site, In Review East Gippsland CMA Strategic Management Plan Draft Estuary Entrance Management Protocols Draft East Gippsland CMA July 2013 Coastal Towns Design Frameworks 2007 Implementation EGSC and WSC

DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, EGSC – East Gippsland Shire Council, WSC – Wellington Shire Council, MAC – Ministerial Advisory Committee 32 GIPPSLAND REGIONAL APPENDICES COASTAL PLAN DRAFT

Appendix 3 – Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 actions to be included in Regional Coastal Plans

GCB – Gippsland Coastal Board, Current Victorian Coastal Strategy actions involving Regional Coastal Boards Incorporated into Gippsland Regional DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Coastal Plan Water and Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, Understand and reflect the nature of ecosystem goods and services in Regional Coastal Plans, Regional Catchment Chapter 2 – Coastal values (description of non-commercial CoM – Committees of Management, Strategies and Coastal Management Plans (RCBs, DELWP, CMAs, CoM, LGs, PV) economic values) TOs – Traditional Owners, VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Provide a framework for facilitation of tourism development along the coast through a range of mechanisms including Chapter 4 – Managing regional visitation pressures and Management Authorities, SES – State Regional Coastal Plans, local planning schemes, master plans, Coastal Management Plans and management of safety issues maximising access (actions) Emergency Service HV – Heritage Victoria, for vessel operators and the general public; a framework should include strategic planning for how increasing tourism and DSDBI – Department of State Development, visitation will be experienced and managed along the coast (RCBs, LGs, DSDBI, PV, TV, RTBs, CoM, VCC, DELWP) Business and Innovation, OAAV – Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, RCB – Regional Incorporate within Regional Coastal Plans information about marine areas with significant environmental, social, cultural and Chapter 2 – Coastal values (map and description) Coastal Board, WC – Water Corporation economic values, marine ecological and oceanographic processes, and potential threats (RCBs, DELWP, CMAs, OAAV, HV, LGs) Incorporate within Regional Coastal Plans information about wetlands and estuaries, including: Chapter 2 – Coastal values (map and description) a. significant environmental, social, cultural and economic values Chapter 4 – Managing regional visitation pressures and b. vulnerability to the potential impacts of a changing climate and population growth, use and development, and a process maximising access (actions) to regularly assess and review their condition (RCBs, DELWP, PV, CMAs, LGs) Chapter 6 – Regional-scale planning for coastal flooding and erosion (description and actions) Identify and address coastal areas of ecological significance that are vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate, by: Chapter 2 – Coastal values (map and description) a. making use of existing information and methodologies Chapter 3 – The dynamics of the coast (map and description) b. incorporating these areas into Regional Coastal Plans, Park Management Plans, and Coastal Management Plans Chapter 4 – Managing regional visitation pressures and c. considering these areas when developing a state coastal risk plan maximising access (actions) Chapter 6 – Regional-scale planning for coastal flooding and erosion (description and actions) Identify water quality hotspots for priority action in Regional Coastal Plans (RCBs, CMAs, WCs) Chapter 2 – Coastal values (description) Incorporate cultural heritage and traditional knowledge into Regional Coastal Plans, Regional Catchment Strategies, Coastal Chapter 2 – Coastal values (map and description) Management Plans and management agreements (RCBs, CoM, LGs, PV, CMAs) Chapter 5 – A regional approach to foreshore management (map and actions) Chapter 7 – Supporting communities caring for the coast (description and actions) Develop Regional Coastal Risk Assessments to strategically and consistently identify and prioritise coastal hazards Chapter 3 – The dynamics of the coast management for key public (environmental, cultural and economic) assets. Include information about natural and built Chapter 6 – Regional-scale planning for coastal flooding and assets at risk of loss from erosion, inundation and cliff hazards in Regional Coastal Plans and consider adaptation responses. erosion (description and actions) Together, these plans will provide a statewide perspective of coastal risk in Victoria (DELWP, PV, HV, CMAs, WCs, LGs, CoM) Within Regional Coastal Plans establish a strategic planning framework for local ports and plan for local port infrastructure Chapter 4 – Managing regional visitation pressures and to meet the current and future needs of recreation and tourism activities and to contribute positively to the local character maximising access (description of continued implementation of (RCBs, DELWP, Port Managers) Boating hierarchy, actions) Incorporate existing Boating Coastal Action Plan information into Regional Coastal Plans (RCBs, DELWP) Chapter 4 –Managing regional visitation pressures and maximising access (description of continued implementation of Boating hierarchy, actions) Provide opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange between state, regional and local coastal communities, Chapter 7 – Supporting communities caring for the coast planners, managers and other stakeholders Bathers, Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes Entrance, Vic. c1920-1954 Rose Stereograph Co. www.gcb.vic.gov.au