annual report 2013-14

Eagle Point Jetty

Gippsland Coastal Board Annual Report 2013-14 1

Contents

1. Chair’s Foreword 2. Description of Region 2.1. Our Region 2.2. Our Role

3. Operation of the Board 3.1. Membership 3.2. Meetings 3.3. Guest Presenters 3.4. Funding

4. Key Projects 4.1. State of the Coast Report, 2013 4.2. Gippsland Coastal Board Website 4.3. Gippsland Regional Coastal Plan 4.4. University – Incorporating Community Values into Climate Planning – A Guide for Government

5. Implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008 5.1. Coastal Management Act Consents

6. Implementation of the CAPs 6.1. Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan 2013 6.2. Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan Implementation Committee

7. Coastal Relationships and Collaborations 7.1. Submissions 7.2. Stakeholder engagement 7.3. GCB Representation - Working Groups and Stakeholder Initiatives 7.4. Conference and Seminar attendance 7.5. Presentations and Papers

8. Contact Details

Appendix Appendix 1: Status of Coastal Management Plans

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1. Chair’s Forward

This Annual Report is prepared for the Victorian Coastal Council (VCC) in accordance with the Coastal Management Act 1995 under s.13. The report provides details on the status of coastal planning in the region and the implementation in the Gippsland region in the preceding year of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, Coastal Actions Plans and approved coastal guidelines.

The year 2013-14 has been one of significant achievement for the Gippsland Coastal Board (GCB) which has also seen a change in focus for the Board, as the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment has directed that each Regional Coastal Board will prepare one overarching Regional Coastal Action Plan.

A draft plan is due to the Minister by September 2014 and will then be released for public consultation. In developing the Draft Plan the GCB has worked closely with Government Departments and key stakeholders to ensure proposed policies and actions reflect the vision of the community.

Other highlights for the year also include: • The release the Gippsland Boating Action Plan 2013 • The establishment of the Gippsland BCAP Implementation Monitoring Committee • Completion of the Melbourne University Report – Incorporating Community Values in Climate Planning – A Guide for Government

These achievements have been made possible with the hard work and commitment of my fellow GCB members and Regional Coastal Board staff. The skills and experience of these members, their links to the community and their passion for the coast has enabled the Board to achieve the objectives that are required under the provisions of the Coastal Management Act. The support and assistance provided on a regional basis to the Board enhanced by the jointly signed Memorandum of Understanding between the GCB and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries has furthered this achievement and my thanks goes to Regional Director Mike Timpano for enabling this agreement.

Richard Ellis Chair Gippsland Coastal Board

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2. Description of Region

2.1 Our Region

The Gippsland Coastal Region extends approximately 700 kilometres, from the eastern side of Anderson Inlet in the West to the border in the east of the state. The coast includes those landward areas with a coastal influence, and seaward to a distance of 3 nautical miles from the coast.

The Gippsland Coastal fringe consists of a series of dune-capped sandy barrier backed by lagoons, swamps and bluffs with backed by the iconic Gippsland Lakes. Gippsland’s landscape include three National Parks, five Marine National Parks, three Marine and Coastal Parks and a Marine Sanctuary. The national parks include iconic tourism and recreation destinations such as Wilsons Promontory National Park, Corner Inlet and the Ninety Mile Beach.

2.2 Our Role

The Gippsland Coastal Board (GCB) is one of three coastal boards established under the Coastal Management Act 1995.

The Boards role is to advocate for coastal issues, facilitate the application of the Victorian Coastal Strategy at a regional level , and provide advice on coastal planning and management issues with its key function to develop Coastal Action Plans for its region.

Under the Coastal Management Act 1995 the GCB must report to the Victorian Coastal Council by 30 June in each year on: a) The status of coastal planning in the region; and b) The implementation in its region in the preceding year of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, Coastal Action Plans and approved coastal guidelines.

Conran Beach

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3. Operations of the Board

3.1 Membership

Cr. Dick Ellis, past Mayor of the Shire of East Gippsland and long term resident of Lakes Entrance has a diverse background in public administration and business. His background includes senior management positions within the Police and management roles in the agricultural, tourism and food manufacturing industries. He is a member of several Gippsland wide public boards associated with the Gippsland Coast and Lakes. He is the current Chair of the Gippsland Local Government Network. It is through this active engagement with the region that his interest in the governance of the Gippsland coast has grown. Dick maintains a long engagement with community organisations and is a past President of his local Rotary Club. Paul is a Civil Engineer and has recently left Local Government after 34 years. Most recently he was the Environment Manager with responsible for managing 42 kilometres of coastal reserve and coastal recreational facilities and providing strategic advice and preparing policy on all environmental matters. He currently has a small consulting business focussing on managing reserves and small projects. Over the years he has been on various community and recreation club committees and is currently a member of the Phillip Island Nature Park Community Advisory Committee and the Catchment Ecosystem Advisory Committee for the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. Paul who lives in San Remo is married with three grown up children and is an active user of the coast as a surfer, recreational fisherman, beach walker and camper. His focus continues to be on ensuring that the environmental, social, health and economic benefits of the marine and coastal reserves are sustainable and will be there for our future generations. Rod Thomas has been a Coastal Engineer for over 40 years. Educated At Melbourne University and Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, he spent 20 years in applied coastal research with Ports and Harbors at the Marine Models Laboratory working in Victoria as well as interstate and overseas in Indonesia. He then spent 9 years as the Gippsland Regional Manager for the Port of Melbourne Authority, setting up Gippsland Ports and managing the east coast Associated Ports. For the past 15 years he has operated Tibar Services, a Coastal Engineering and Port Management Consultancy and contracting in maritime construction, building various coastal facilities around Victoria.

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Ian Needham is the Principal of Needham PR, a media and marketing business that operates primarily across Gippsland. A journalist by profession, Ian established Needham PR in 1994 after nearly two decades working in mainstream media. This includes stints at the Latrobe Valley Express and Traralgon Journal as well as seven years with Southern Cross Television where Ian was the State Director of News. Since establishing Needham PR, Ian has worked closely with numerous industry sectors, including health, waste management, education and training at secondary and tertiary levels, local government, business and water management, developing and implementing communications and marketing activities. Ian has also been on several community and not for profit boards, including Lifeline Gippsland, Old Gippstown, the Gippsland Area Consultative Committee and Latrobe Regional Hospital. Peter Jennings is the Executive Officer of the Gippsland Rural Financial Counselling Service and runs a sheep grazing property at Giffard. He is a former science and maths teacher, Outward Bound instructor, local government councillor and commissioner. He has governance experience from having served on boards of educational and environmental organisations and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has long been a member of the local landcare group and CFA brigade and in 2001 was awarded a Centenary Medal for his service to the community. His interests are natural conservation, bushwalking, fishing, boating and rugby. Mr (Michael) Des Sinnott OAM is a former secondary teacher for over 30 years delivering agriculture, science, maths outdoor and environmental education. He also operated a beef cattle farm in Boisdale since the 1970's He is passionate about the outdoors especially bushwalking, cross country skiing and offshore fishing, and has spent a lot of time on the Gippsland coast and offshore waters both above and below the water, fishing, hiking and scuba diving. Des was a board member for the WGCMA for some 8 years, has been a member of the Gippsland Coastal board for 3 years, and has been recently appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the Gippsland Lakes. He is also President of Watermark, a community based organisation, which is presently involved as a partner in a major project to recover a large area of the Heart Morass near Sale. Des was awarded the Order of medal in 2010 for his contribution to the State Emergency Service and other community activities.

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3.2 Meetings

Ten ‘ordinary’ Board meetings and one ‘special’ meeting were held during the financial year as follows:

Meeting No. Location Date 172 Traralgon 26 June 2013 173 Traralgon 9 August 2013 174 Traralgon 25 September 2013 175 Paynesville 30 October 2013 176 Traralgon 20 November 2013 177 Morwell 18 December 2013 178 Traralgon 19 February 2014 179 Melbourne 13 March 2014 180 9 April 2014 181 Traralgon 22 May 2014 Special meeting RCP Bairnsdale 11 June 2014

3.3 Guest Presentations

Presenter Topic Mike Timpano, DEPI Memorandum of Understanding Scott Hamilton & Saravan Peacock, DEPI Resourcing review Eric Sjerp & Kathy Russell, Water Tech State of the Gippsland Coast Project Mike Lean, CEO Port of Hastings Expansion of the Port of Hastings Martin Richardson, EO GLMAC Overview of GLMAC initiatives. Nick Murray, Gippsland Ports Overview of Gippsland Ports

3.4 Funding

The financial operations of the GCB are not separately audited, as the Board’s budget forms part of the Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) budget and such is incorporated into the overall financial statements of DEPI. The table below shows the operating expenditure of the GCB for the 2013-14 financial year.

Full Year Budget Expenditure Recurrent account (includes all $168,013 $165,805 staff costs, sitting fees and reimbursements, events, printing and consultants

Trust account balances GCB Trust $126,459 $29,054

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4. Key Projects

4.1 Gippsland State of the Coast Report, 2013

A report was prepared by consultants, Water Technology in order to understand the baseline condition of coastal planning and management in the region. The document provides a concise synopsis to the GCB on the state of knowledge and management in coastal and marine areas of Gippsland, and the critical issues and opportunities in the future. Key gaps in the current state of knowledge and management arrangements around coastal values and threats have been identified, and key opportunities for improvement have been outlined.

4.2 Gippsland Coastal Board Website

In June 2014 the GCB relaunched their website in line with changes to the service provider. The GCB undertook the opportunity to relaunch the site creating a more user friendly and informative site using updated software. The new site will be used by both key stakeholders and the general public to understand and stay engaged with strategic coastal planning within the GCB.

4.3 Gippsland Regional Coastal Plan

The preparation of the Gippsland Regional Coastal Plan (GRCP) has been a key focus of the Board. The Board has undertaken five primary stakeholder meetings with key stakeholders including four Local Government Councils, Gippsland Ports, Parks Victoria, two Catchment Management Authorities, Traditional Owners and State Government Mangers. Initial submissions have been received in response to the Invitation to be Involved brochure that was distributed. Scoping papers are currently being prepared that identify some key issues along the coastline including natural values, health of the coast, coastal infrastructure and management.

4.4 Melbourne University – Incorporating Community Values into Climate Planning – A Guide for Government

The three year research project led by the University Of Melbourne’s Professor Jon Barnett provides a guide to help local and state governments consider social impacts when planning for climate change. The Guide will assist to identify lived values, relationships and activities a that may be Affected by climate change and adaptation, and gives advice on how to implement a more equitable and inclusive adaptation process.

5. Implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008

Key activities of the GCB included:  Participation in the VCC’s mid-term review of the VCS.  Participation in the VCC workshops for responses to the draft VCS.  Convened discussions with coastal councils across the region to support preparation of the regional coastal plan.  Representation on a range of projects including the GL Sustainable Development

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Plan and Gippsland lakes Environmental Strategy (GLMAC) that support implementation of the VCS.

5.1 Coastal Management Act Consents

Pursuant to Section 37 of the Coastal Management Act 1995, any use or development of coastal Crown land must be approved in writing by the Minister. In the 2013-14 reporting year Gippsland received 33 applications for the use and or development of Crown land. The total value of the applications approved was $6,495,595.00.

6. Implementation of the CAP’s

Four CAP’s exist in the Region with progress in a number of key areas implemented including:  Completion of study on sea level rise and inundation on the 90 Mile Beach and Gippsland Lakes (LCHA)  The final form of the Planning Scheme controls (Am C71) were introduced into the WSC Planning Scheme which was a significant step in the process of rationalising the inappropriate subdivision.  EGSC submitted Am C117 for approval which implements urban waterway guidelines as local policy in the planning scheme.  See Appendix 1 Status of Coastal Management Plans.

6.1 Gippsland BCAP 2013

The GCB released a Boating CAP for the Gippsland Region in 2002. In accordance with the Coastal Management Act 1995 the Board conducted a statutory review of this document in 2010 and as a result identified the need for a renewal of BCAP. Project consultants, Ainley Projects carried out the review, assessing the condition of recreational boating facilities throughout the Gippsland coastal region, consulting with stakeholders and users of boating facilities and preparing the draft Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan 2013.

The Plan was approved by the VCC at its meeting on 18 April 2013 and endorsed by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change in August 2013. An implementation committee has been established with quarterly reporting to the Board.

6.2 Boating Coastal Action Plan Implementation Committee

The implementation monitoring committee has been established with representation from key stakeholders. The aim of the committee is to report on the progress of the implementation of the BCAP on a quarterly basis. The first meeting was held on the 17th of April 2014.

The BCAP involves 22 high priority and 10 medium priority actions involving 14 agencies.

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Table 1: Status of CAP’s 2013-14

CAP Title Status Supported by Gippsland Regional Coastal Full review in progress DEPI, PV, DSDBI, EGSC, WSC, Plan 2008 SGSC Gippsland Boating Coastal Full review completed and EGSC, WSC, SGSC, Gippsland Action Plan 2013 endorsed by Minister August Ports, Parks Victoria 2013 Gippsland Lakes & Integrated GCB, WSC, SGSC, BCSC, Gipps Coastal Planning Gippsland Full review required Water, Tourism Bodies, Parks Action Plans (2002) Victoria, Vic Roads, DEPI Gippsland Estuaries Coastal Review completed 2012-13 for EGCMA, Lead Agents and CAP Action Plan 2006 consideration in overarching CAP partners

7. Coastal Relationships and Collaboration

The Board engaged in a wide range of regional partnerships and collaborative initiatives to provide advice and support to a range of projects, that benefit the management and quality of the coastal and marine environment throughout the year.

The GCB has regular presentations from key stakeholders or regional agencies. In March 2014 the Board hosted a presentation from the Port of Hastings CEO, Mike Lean. Members from the VCC, CCB and WCB were in attendance at this session. This enables the GCB to build strong relationships and to be involved in key regional coastal issues. See 7.2 for projects and programs the Board Collaborates on or Board members sit on.

7.1 Submissions  Heritage Tourism and Eco Tourism  Region Growth Plan  Victorian Coastal Strategy

7.2 Stakeholder Engagement  Region Coastal Plans  Esso/BHP Billiton liaison briefing  WGCMA Liaison  EGCMA Liaison  Central Coastal Board VCC Session  Port of Hastings  Ministerial Round Table – Boating Facilities  Member of East And Central Gippsland Blue-Green Algae Regional Response Group

7.3 GCB Representation - Working Groups and Stakeholder Initiatives  A GCB representative as a member of the VCC  Organisation of a joint meeting between GCB, VCC and CCB regarding the Port of Hastings expansion.  Monthly meetings between GCB’s Partnership Manager and Central and Western Coastal Board Partnership Managers

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 Collaboration between RCB Chairs to progress a range of coastal issues, via adhoc meetings throughout the year  Gippsland Lakes Sustainable Development Framework  Coastal Agencies Liaison  Boating CAP Implementation Monitoring Committee  Boating Facilities Working Group  Member of Committee, Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee  Gippsland Ports Board  The West/South Gippsland Coastal Agencies Liaison Group  The Corner Inlet Steering Group  The Lakes Entrance Inundation Project  Steering Committee for the Australian Research Council  Gippsland Lakes Communications an Engagement Project  Program Working Group EGCMA RCS  Gippsland Lakes Sustainable Development Plan Steering Committee  Gippsland Ports Technical Advisory Committee  Marlo Foreshore Management Plan  Foreshore Management Plan

7.4 Forums/Conferences/Workshops Attended  Coastal Hazard Forum  National Coastal Councils Conference  Coastal Climate Change Guidelines Workshop  MAV Coastal Councils Forum  East Gippsland Cross Functional Forum  Coastal Climate Change Guidelines Workshop

7.5 Presentations and Papers

DEPI presented on regional coastal planning at the National coastal Conference at Ballina in March 2014.

8. Contact Details

Website: www.gcb.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] Address: 71 Hotham St, Traralgon, Victoria 3844 Phone: (03) 5172 2543

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Appendix 1: Status of Coastal Management Plans

Title of Plan Year Status Developed by Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary July 2006 Implemented Parks Victoria Management Plan Bunurong Marine National Park July 2006 Implemented Parks Victoria and Marine Park Management Plan Coastal Park Oct 2005 Implemented Parks Victoria Management Plan Cape Howe Marine National Park July 2006 Implemented Parks Victoria Management Plan Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Feb 2003 Implemented Parks Victoria Management Plan Corner Inlet Marine National Park Sept 2005 Implemented Parks Victoria Management Plan Corner Inlet Ramsar Site Strategic 2002 Implemented Parks Victoria Management Plan Corner Inlet and Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park Management Plan East Gippsland Regional May 2013 Implemented EGCM Authority Catchment Strategy 2013-19 Inverloch Foreshore Reserve and Anderson Inlet Management Plan Management Plan (Developing) Gippsland Lakes Future Directions May 2002 Implemented DNRE and Actions Plan Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site 2003 Implemented Parks Victoria Strategic Management Plan Gippsland Lakes Shore Erosion and June 2002 Implemented GCB Revegetation Strategy Lake Wellington Wetlands Nov 2008 Implemented Parks Victoria Management Plan Lakes Entrance Foreshore Sept 2011 Implemented DSE & EGSC Management Plan Loch Sport Lake Victoria March Implemented DEPI Management Plan 2013 Macleod Morass & Jones Bay State Wildlife Reserve Management Plan Mallacoota Foreshore Jan 2005 Implemented East Gippsland Shire Management Plan Council Mallacoota Management Plan Marlay Point Foreshore Reserve March Implemented DEPI 2013 Management Plan Metung and Mosquito Point Mar 2005 Implemented EGSC Foreshore Management Plan

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Ninety Mile Beach Marine National Jul 2006 Implemented Parks Victoria Park North Arm Management Plan Paynesville Boating Strategy Point Hicks Marine National Park (Developing) Port Franklin Management Plan Sandy Point Foreshore Sept 2010 Implemented DEPI Management Plan Archived Seaspray Reserves Management Plan Shallow Inlet Camping Reserve Mar 2010 draft DEPI Urban Design Frameworks for 4 Coastal Settlements (Developing) Tamboon Inlet Management Plan (Developing) Walkerville Foreshore Coastal Mar 2014 Implemented DEPI Management Plan Waratah Bay Foreshore Strategy Plan Wellington Coast Subdivision Feb 2007 Implemented WSC Strategy The Honeysuckles to Paradise Beach Wellington and East Gippsland May 2007 Finalised WSC Shire Urban Design Frameworks for 18 Coastal Settlements West Gippsland Regional May 2013 Implemented WGCMA Catchment Strategy 2013-19 Wilsons Promontory Marine May 2006 Implemented Parks Victoria National Park and Marine Park Woodside Foreshore Reserve Mar 2013 Implemented DEPI Newlands Arm Foreshore Sept 2007 Implemented DSE & EGSC Management Plan Marlo Foreshore Plan (Draft) Feb 2013 Draft EGSC

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