WESTERN REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN 2015–2020 Western Coastal Board Authorised and published by the Victorian PO Box 103, , 3220, , Government, Department of Environment, Phone: (03) 5226 4008 Land, Water and Planning, 8 Nicholson Electronic copies of the draft plan are Street, East , September 2015 available online at www.wcb.vic.gov.au. If © The State of Victoria Department of you would like printed copies or have any Environment, Land, Water and Planning questions about the draft plan, please Melbourne 2015 contact us using the details above.

Members of the Western Coastal Board at the time of preparing this Regional Coastal

Plan were: This work is licensed under a Creative Cr Jill Parker – Chair Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence. Ms Carole Reid You are free to re-use the work under that Honorary Assoc. Professor John Sherwood licence, on the condition that you credit the Mr Oliver Moles State of Victoria as author. The licence does Mr Mark Edmonds not apply to any images, photographs or Mr Raymond Page branding, including the Victorian Coat of Mr Matthew Gorman Arms and the Victorian Government logo. Mr Glenn Wallace To view a copy of this licence, visit http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/ The Western Coastal Board proudly deed.en acknowledges Victorian Aboriginal communities and their rich culture; and pays ISBN 978-1-74146-782-6 (Print) its respects to the Traditional Owners of the ISBN 978-1-74146-783-3 (pdf) Western coastal region. The Board also Disclaimer recognises the intrinsic connection of traditional owners to Country and This publication may be of assistance to you acknowledges their contribution in the but the State of Victoria and its employees management of land, water and do not guarantee that the publication is resources management. without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Unless stated, images sourced from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Front Cover Top: The coastline at the Twelve Apostles. Bottom left to right: Hobie Cats at Point Roadknight, Anglesea, photo: Great Ocean Road Coast Committee. Sea Sweep schooling in the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, photo: Parks Victoria. , photo: Kyeong Woo Kim, Tourism Victoria. The Beach, , Victoria, c1920-1954. Rose Stereograph Co. WESTERN REGIONAL I COASTAL PLAN

CONTENTS

Minister’s Foreword II Balanced Decision Making 16 List of Figures Chair’s Foreword II 4 Managing regional population and tourism Figure 1: The three levels of 1 Introduction 1 pressures 16 planning for coastal management 1 1.1 What is the Regional Coastal Plan? 1 4.1 Background 16 Figure 2: The Western coastal region 3 1.2 How the Regional Coastal Plan will be used 2 4.2 The Boating Coastal Action Plan 18 Figure 3: An indicative map of key 4.3 The Draft Shipwreck Coast Master Plan 19 regional social, economic and 1.3 The role of the Western Coastal Board 2 environmental values of the 1.4 Who we work with on land and water 3 4.4 Activity and recreation nodes 19 Western coastal region 9 1.5 The structure of this plan 4 4.5 Key challenges and actions 20 Figure 4: Managing visitor satisfaction with their coastal 1.6 Priority actions for Western coastal region 4 5 A regional approach to foreshore management 21 experience – key amenity values 10 Understanding and Valuing the Coast 6 5.1 Background 21 Figure 5: Community coastal 5.2 Working together 23 2 Coastal values 6 values guide decisions in the 2.1 Environmental values 6 5.3 Key challenges and actions 24 Western coastal region 12 2.2 Aboriginal cultural values 7 6 Adapting to climate change and increased Figure 6: Visitation to regional coastal hazards 25 Victoria’s tourism destinations 2010 15 2.3 Social and historical values 8 6.1 Background 25 Figure 7: An indicative map of 2.4 Economic values 11 6.2 Adaptation planning to manage flooding boating hierarchy of facilities 2.5 Protecting coastal values 12 and erosion 25 from the Western Boating Coastal Action Plan 2010 18 3 The dynamics of the coast 13 6.3 and Coast Figure 8: Indicative map of 3.1 Natural coastal processes 13 key projects 28 foreshore, marine park and 3.2 Climate change 13 6.4 Key challenges and actions 28 sanctuary managers 21 3.3 Connections to catchments 14 Implementation 29 Figure 9: Map indicating areas for 3.4 Demographic trends 14 7 Supporting communities caring for the coast 29 hazard assessment and adaptation planning (based on coastal 7.1 Background 29 3.5 Visitation trends 15 instability and low lying areas) 27 7.2 Actions 30 List of Tables 8 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 31 Table 1: Western regional priorities 4 9 References 32 Table 2: Projected population for Appendices 33 local government areas in the Western coastal region 15 II WESTERN REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN

MINISTER’S FOREWORD CHAIR’S FOREWORD

The coast is close to the hearts of the This Plan will support government The Western coastline is a spectacular sure we pass on our coast in good individuals, community groups, local many Victorians who live near it, or visit agencies, community and industry part of Victoria. The region is close to condition to future generations. This councils and agencies in February and it, and enjoy all that it has to offer. groups to work more collaboratively in the hearts of all residents and visitors Plan outlines regional priorities to March 2015. We received 52 written Communities along the coastline are managing the coast. It will help coastal from near and abroad. Its diverse address existing and emerging submissions about the draft plan: 40 deeply connected to their local managers and communities tackle coastal landscapes range from the wild concerns. It includes regional-scale focusing on the Western coastal region landscape and care about the future of challenges on the coast in their region beaches and of Disaster Bay, actions to: and another 12 covering statewide the coast. more effectively, and with greater estuaries such as the at – protect the natural values of the issues. These submissions and the Our coastal environment is complex coordination. It will enable us to be Warrnambool, the cliffs of the world- coast; feedback from the face-to-face and constantly changing, and there are more responsive and adaptable as famous Twelve Apostles and the iconic meetings were a key part of revising pressures change over time, and our Great Ocean Road – recognised as one – systematically assess the way we use and finalising this Plan. The Board many pressures that need to be the coast; understood and managed better. As understanding of climate change of only sixteen National Landscapes in appreciates the time and effort of Minister and a Local Member of a implications improves. Australia. – better integrate and coordinate everyone who gave their thoughts and coastal area, I appreciate how The local knowledge, passion and The region supports vibrant coastal planning and management; provided input. important it is to understand, protect enthusiasm of Victoria’s coastal communities , strong regional – increase the awareness of coastal I would like to acknowledge the work and care for the things we love about managers and communities is industries and major tourist hazards, particularly with the of the Board and thank everyone who the coast. invaluable, and I look forward to destinations. It is an area where people predicted impacts of climate contributed to the development of the Victoria has a strong coastal planning working together to ensure that the live, work and relax. change, and help communities Plan. I believe this Plan will help us work and management framework, based on diverse natural, social, cultural and Many of the cultural, social and make the best choices for the future; together at a regional level to tackle the the Victorian Coastal Strategy (2014). economic values of the coast that we economic values of the Western coast and challenges we face, to make the best enjoy today remain for future use of the region’s coast and to protect The Western Coastal Board has developed rely on the coast’s natural environment – recognise and support the many generations. the many values that make it so special this Regional Coastal Plan to build on being well managed and protected. organisations and individuals that to the people who live and visit. that framework and outline how the Those fortunate enough to live in the give their time to monitor and Strategy should be put into practice. The Hon Lisa Neville MP Western coastal region understand that protect coastal values for all of us. being able to continue to enjoy what Minister for Environment, Climate Taking into account the perspectives, Councillor Jill Parker the coast has to offer depends on us Change and Water ideas and knowledge of the region’s Chair, Western Coastal Board using and managing it wisely and community and coastal managers was maintaining the natural features that a major part of developing this Plan. make such an important contribution Following an initial round of to our enjoyment. consultation in 2014, the Western Managing and protecting the coast is Regional Coastal Board released a draft not simple. There are many pressures, plan in February 2015 to prompt risks and challenges to address to make discussion. The Board met with WESTERN REGIONAL 1 COASTAL PLAN

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is the Regional

Coastal Plan? Victorian Coastal Developed by the Sets statewide direction Victorian Coastal for coastal planners The Regional Coastal Plan for the Strategy Council and managers Western Coastal Region is a statutory Coastal Action Plan endorsed under Part 3 of the Coastal Management Act 1995. Its contents meet the requirements of section 23 of that Act.

The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 sets Developed by Translates state-wide the broad framework for managing the Regional Regional Coastal direction by identifying Coastal Plans Boards regional values, initiatives coast and the basis for developing and management gaps regional coastal plans and coastal management plans (Figure 1). The Western Coastal Board has focussed this overarching Plan on identifying and prioritising actions that cannot be achieved more effectively at either the A diver enjoys the Developed by coastal Coastal Sets local direction and local or state level. marine environment As a statutory document, the Regional public land managers at The Arches Marine Management (eg. local municipalities develops sub-regional or issues Coastal Plan has important links with based operational plans The Regional Coastal Plan provides a Sanctuary. Plans & committees of Photo: Parks Victoria other statutory instruments. In particular, management) regional framework for planning and as outlined in the Victorian Coastal decision-making on both public and Strategy 2014 the broader land use freehold land at the local level. It also The Plan will provide the framework for planning system is important for the provides a focus for all agencies with agencies, community and industry implementation of the Strategy, Figure 1: The three levels of planning for coastal management responsibility for coastal management groups working and engaging with regional coastal plans and coastal to act together to plan and manage the decision makers on strategic regional management plans (see Appendix 1). coast by: priorities for the Western coastal region. The relationship between these policies – Interpreting and implementing the The Plan will also guide the development and plans is through: The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 identifies that the term ‘coast’ means: Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 and of coastal management plans. – The State Planning Policy – the marine environment – nearshore marine environment, the seabed, and its hierarchy of principles at a The Plan’s primary audiences are local Framework which requires coastal waters out to the state limit of three nautical miles; regional scale; planning to be consistent with the councils, committees of management, – foreshores – or coastal Crown land up to 200 m from the high water mark – Facilitating integration across state government agencies and peak Strategy and relevant coastal action jurisdictions to increase efficiency bodies with coastal management plans (including this Regional – coastal hinterland – land directly influenced by the sea or directly and effectiveness; responsibilities. It also aims to provide Coastal Plan) and regional growth influencing the coastline, and with critical impacts on the foreshore and plans; and nearshore environment; – Identifying regional coastal values landowners, volunteer groups and and strategic priorities to be coastal communities with an – Sections of local planning schemes – catchments – rivers and drainage systems that affect the coastal zone, accounted for; and understanding of the framework for through Municipal Strategic including estuaries; and managing and protecting coastal Statements and Local Planning – Identifying solutions that address – atmosphere – near, around and over the coast as defined above. values in the region and how they can Policy Frameworks. systemic gaps in coastal management. contribute to that. 2 WESTERN REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN

1.2 How the Regional coastal values and assets. Current 1.3 The role of the revenue streams, such as income from Coastal Plan will camping areas and caravan parks on Hierarchy of Principles Western Coastal be used? Crown land, are important. However, The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 Board during the consultation for this plan supports the hierarchy of principles In line with the hierarchy of principles many organisations and individuals introduced in previous strategies The Western Coastal Board is a statutory in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014, expressed their concerns that funding and also recognises that the planning and advisory body with this Regional Coastal Plan documents was a limiting factor for managing the foundation of coastal planning extensive experience and expertise in and describes key regional issues and coast. This is a state-wide issue raised in and management is a healthy coastal matters. Appointed by the strategic priorities. It links actions, those the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014. coastal and marine environment. Minister for Environment, Climate accountable, the outcomes to be These principles give effect to the Change and Water, under the Coastal The budgets of coastal management achieved, and it measures and reports directions in the Coastal Management Act 1995, it provides agencies at state, regional and local on performance annually. Management Act 1995 and are strategic guidance for management of levels are expected to remain highly included in the State Planning Victoria’s western coast. The board has The Plan will build the evidence base to constrained over the next few years Policy Framework and in planning specific functions to: guide future planning and establish given the current economic conditions. Hooded plover schemes throughout Victoria. Photo: Annette Hatten foundations to progressively improve Therefore this Plan has been designed – Develop coastal action plans management decisions. This will help to set realistic expectations about what The principles are: (including this overarching Regional to better target investment, improve Coastal Plan); can be delivered and by when. The – Ensure the protection of – Liaise with, and encourage the coordination and promote best Board anticipates that some of the key significant environmental and – Consider and review the role of cooperation of, government practice. Importantly, the Board will use actions can be delivered within existing cultural values; existing coastal action plans (see departments, councils, public the Plan to work with other managers budgets of management agencies. Appendix 3); authorities, industry, community and stakeholders to increase – Undertake integrated planning However additional funding will be groups and those involved in the understanding and appreciation of the and provide clear direction for – Provide advice to the Minister, the needed to carry out further planning planning and management of the coast, protect its values and further the future; and Victorian Coastal Council and and management steps such as region in developing and improve management arrangements government on coastal development detailed coastal hazard studies and – Ensure the sustainable use of implementing strategic solutions to and outcomes. and other matters in the region; adaptation plans. Over the next five natural coastal resources. matters affecting the conservation years the Plan provides the framework – Prepare and publish guidelines for The Board has worked with partners to Only when the above principles and use of the region’s coasts. develop a range of successful coastal for Commonwealth, state, regional and coastal planning and management have been considered and More broadly, the Board seeks to be an action plans for local areas, the central local agencies and the private sector to in the region; addressed: advocate for coastal issues. It aims to and south-west sub-regions, estuaries work together on attracting funding to – Facilitate the implementation of the work with agencies, local councils and and boating. Planners and managers carry out these additional pieces of work. – Ensure development on the Victorian Coastal Strategy, coastal communities in the Western coastal should continue to use these plans. As coast is located within existing action plans and coastal guidelines region to shape future expectations outlined in the Board’s Coastal Action modified and resilient for the region; about how the coast and the way Plan Review in 2012, it is expected that The Western Coastal Board will environments where the – Facilitate public awareness, people use it will change over time, over time most of the existing coastal participate in a review of funding demand for development is consultation and involvement in the how we should respond to those action plans will transition into arrangements by the Victorian evident and any impacts can development and implementation changes, and how we should use and appropriate local and regional planning Coastal Council and the be managed sustainably. of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, manage the coast to protect its values. tools, such as coastal management plans. Department of Environment, The actions in this Western Land, Water and Planning, as coastal action plans and coastal The Regional Coastal Plan will also Regional Coastal Plan support these outlined in the Victorian Coastal guidelines; and support investment planning. Ongoing principles and work to make sure Strategy 2014. funding arrangements are essential to that decision making on the coast enable coastal managers to meet their is guided by, and consistent with, responsibilities and to better the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014. understand, protect and manage WESTERN REGIONAL 3 COASTAL PLAN

1.4 Who we work with on land and water Just as we like to use the coast for a range of reasons, there are a number of managers responsible for managing the coast on land and water. Foreshores are managed by a range of organisations. Parks Victoria is responsible for Casterton managing national parks and other y w conservation areas. Others with H lg ne le G I significant responsibilities in the I I I

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o t er T b G SETTLEMENT ROLE AND GROWTH li eorge Riv Waterbody r responsibilities under the Water Act 1989 el Peterborough e G v i R to protect and enhance waterway health. m Regional city - Warrnambool Parks & reserves er a iv h The Twelve R r re a Kennett River Apostles i B A number of other organisations have A Regional centre Softwood plantation & state forest Princetown Skenes Creek responsibilities in identifying and P d N o al int R gin protecting the region’s community District town Native Title determinations and settlements e The Blowhole coastal values; these include Traditional Settlement Other public land C y a pe Ot wa Owners, the Environment Protection Major growth Catchment Management Authority boundary Authority, Regional Development Victoria, Fisheries Victoria, water Medium growth Major roads corporations and VicRoads. Sustainable growth Council boundary 0 20 40 Many of these organisations have Source: Regional Growth Plans kilometres planning processes for their coastal management responsibilities. For example, local councils have statutory planning processes and contribute to Figure 2 The Western coastal region 4 WESTERN REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN

regional growth plans, and catchment 1.5 The structure of this 1.6 Priority actions for 1.6.2 Regional priorities These regional priorities reflect: management authorities have regional plan the Western coastal The Western Coastal Board identified – Key issues identified in the Victorian catchment and waterway strategies. five regional priorities as a focus for Coastal Strategy 2014 which are The Board aims to use this Plan to work This plan has three parts: region action: relevant for specific attention in the with these organisations to achieve the – Chapters 2 and 3 give an overview 1. Managing and protecting coastal Western coastal region (see Table 1 best outcomes for the Western coast. 1.6.1 Vision for the Western and Appendix 2); of the values of the Western coastal coastal region values; This plan helps clarify the roles and region and the key issues affecting 2. Managing impacts of residential and – Issues identified as important by responsibilities for several specific them; The Board acts to achieve the vision tourism growth to balance access stakeholders during the consultation issues particularly for managing and expressed in the Victorian Coastal process; and adapting to climate change (Chapter 6). – Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 set out the Strategy 2014: a healthy coast and protect natural, social, cultural It also identifies actions to clarify strategic objectives for the region appreciated by all, now and in the and economic values; – Areas where the Board can provide (as regional priorities) and how the responsibilities for other issues which future. 3. Integrating coastal planning and leadership and influence. Board intends to work with its will help to improve coordination and management on the foreshore; The actions in this Plan apply across partner agencies and other For the Western coastal region this collaboration between managers. both public and private land tenures. stakeholders to develop plans and means: 4. Adapting to climate change and Integrated Coastal Zone Management None of the regional priorities can be actions that will enhance the ability – Protecting regional biodiversity; increased coastal hazards; and (ICZM) is a principle that underpins this considered in isolation. Each action is for all of us to use and enjoy the 5. Supporting communities to Plan. ICZM is about working across a – Ensuring sustainable developments; linked; recognising these linkages will coast into the future; and contribute to protection and geographic area (land to sea), across and lead to better outcomes from the – Chapter 8 summarises how the plan management of the coast. implementation of the Regional different land tenures (public and – Identifying areas where residential private) and across organisations and will be implemented, including the Coastal Plan. process of monitoring and reporting. and tourism infrastructure are best jurisdictions (national, state, regional sited. and local). ICZM is achieved through both formal and informal collaboration The actions in this Plan will contribute VCS 2014 Key Issues Western Regional Priorities to this vision by: and coordination between the various Managing for population Chapter 4 – Managing regional population and tourism groups using and managing the coast. – Supporting the work of a range of growth pressures The Western Coastal Board helps to organisations and groups Adapting to a changing Chapter 6 – Adapting to climate change and increased achieve ICZM by coordinating action responsible for understanding, climate coastal hazards where gaps exist, or across boundaries managing and protecting the broad Managing coastal land and Chapter 5 – A regional approach to foreshore management by championing good practice and the values of the Western coast; infrastructure use of best available science to inform – Building the evidence base for Valuing the natural Chapter 2 – Coastal values decisions. The Western Victorian Boating ongoing management, particularly environment Contribute to proposed review of the Coastal Management Coastal Action Plan 2010 is one example for the way we use the coast; Integrating marine planning Act 1995, new Marine and Coastal Act, and new management of this. It provides a framework for arrangements and oversight of marine parks, coasts and bays – Improving the integration and planning and management of coordination of management; and recreational boating and associated Integration of key issues Chapter 3 – The dynamic nature of the coast facilities across tenure and – Developing approaches to Chapter 7 – Supporting communities caring for the coast management responsibilities, in close encourage sustainable development cooperation with both individuals and including better consideration of Table 1 Western regional priorities organisations affected by the plan. coastal hazards and impacts from climate change. UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST WESTERN REGIONAL 5 COASTAL PLAN

VISION

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

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

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

PRIORITY REGIONAL COASTAL ISSUES

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

THE WESTERN REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN ACTIONS

CHAPTERS 2 and 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 7 Western Regional Coastal 1. Work with public land managers and waterway 1. Prepare guidelines for the development 1. Develop a systematic approach to 1. Work with partner organisations to Board will work with relevant managers to: of coastal management plans. prioritise areas for detailed coastal organise: organisations to improve the a. map and categorise visitation infrastructure 2. Develop a process that gets managers hazard assessments and adaptation a. biennial regional coastal understanding and throughout the region; to work together where it is sensible planning. conferences; and appreciation of coastal values b. develop a service-level hierarchy for visitation for a coastal management plan to be 2. Refine methodologies for conducting b. regular information sharing events. and processes. infrastructure; and developed across multiple land and detailed coastal hazard assessments 2. Work with statewide groups and c. document existing approaches to demand water managers. From this, local public and integrating flood studies in programs to: land managers can put together coastal areas to identify high risk areas. management (including parking fees, entrance a. support all volunteers to collect precinct or master plans. fees, camping fees, leasing arrangements, 3. Refine methodologies for local data about the coast to inform licensing arrangements and the use of 3. Work with Traditional Owners in adaptation planning, including local decision making; preparing multi park plans that addressing barriers to practical local smart-phone apps to notify visitors to avoid b. support community groups to include coastal areas. adaptation action. congested areas). better link with Traditional Owners 2. Identify priority areas for visitation demand 4. Ensure there are current coastal 4. Continue, or undertake new, detailed to work on joint coastal projects; management. In particular identify: management plans in place coastal hazard assessments and and throughout the Western coastal region. adaptation planning, particularly for a. resilient parts of the landscape where visitation c. support education programs, such the priority areas identified in 1. can be encouraged; as ‘Summer by the Sea’, to improve b. vulnerable parts of the landscape where 5. Implement identified adaptation understanding and awareness of demand might be reduced by encouraging visitors responses through local decisions, for coastal values and management. example updating local planning towards alternative sites; and 3. Promote and support the work done schemes, coastal management plans c. vulnerable parts of the landscape with sought by all local coastal and marine and emergency plans, and prioritising after visitor experiences and limited scope to community groups, including future works. reduce demand. Reefwatch, Fishcare, Seasearch and 3. Develop a Visitation Demand Framework to guide EstuaryWatch. local decisions, support investment and communicate with users. 6 WESTERN REGIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN

2 COASTAL VALUES

The Western coastal region provides Spectacular animals such as each year. This contributes to the important environmental, social, cultural the western blue devil fish, region’s distinct identity and supports cuttlefish and weedy and economic values for Victorians and seadragon are found in the its local amenity and economy. visitors. Understanding these values is Western Coastal region’s The Victorian Government has essential for effective decision-making. marine parks and sanctuaries. Photo: Mark Rodrigue, committed to reviewing the Coastal This broad range of values is managed Parks Victoria Management Act 1995, developing new and monitored by many different management and oversight for marine organisations such as catchment parks, coasts and bays, and establishing management authorities, Parks Victoria, South Australia through to Apollo Bay, a new Marine and Coastal Act. These local councils, committees of and the Central bioregion from Cape initiatives will be the primary mechanisms management, VicRoads, water Otway to west of Wilson’s Promontory.1 to improve the integration of marine corporations, ports authorities, Both contain many different types of and coastal planning – a key issue in Traditional Owners, the Environment marine habitats, including pelagic the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014. Protection Authority, regional bodies habitats (the water column within the and the Department of Environment, ocean), deep rocky reefs, sub-tidal rocky 2.1.2 Foreshore ecosystems Land, Water and Planning. reefs, intertidal shorelines, including The Western coastal region’s foreshore rock platforms and sandy beaches. ecosystems are particularly important; A number of marine ecosystems are they link marine, estuarine, freshwater The Western Coastal Board will The Western coastal region’s sandy Natural values are under pressure from managed through their designation as and terrestrial areas. Foreshore habitats support and work with these beaches and their systems a range of processes and threats such marine national parks and sanctuaries. include the beach, dune system, organisations to improve the respond seasonally as seas alternatively as increasing use, coastal development, The marine national parks in the region headland scrub, , saltmarsh understanding, appreciation and erode and deposit . invasive pest plants and animals, (Discovery Bay, Twelve Apostles and areas and sedgelands. altered fire regimes, pollution, litter protection of the coastal values in The environmental values of the Point Addis) and marine sanctuaries (Merri, Unstable low-nutrient soils, made largely (particularly plastics) and climate change. the Western region. Western coastal region are of national The Arches, Marengo Reef, Eagle Rock of sands that hold little water, interact and international significance. For In general, regional planners and and Point Danger) are highly protected with wind and salt to provide the critical example, the Western coast provides managers focus their efforts on ensuring no-take areas established in 2002. influences on coastal vegetation. Plant diverse habitats for migratory and that local high value habitats can be The ‘Bonney Upwelling’ makes Victoria’s communities growing in these areas 2.1 Environmental resident shorebirds, including marine protected – especially those that are far west coast a highly productive have to cope with this challenging and foreshore ecosystems for nesting, most affected by human activity. environment. From November to May, environment. Examples include the values and reefs and intertidal areas for south-east winds result in cold nutrient- native spinifex that binds shifting foraging. Coastal vegetation provides 2.1.1 Marine ecosystems dunes, as well as the moonah and The Western coastal region bears the rich water ‘welling up’ from the deep critical habitat for several nationally Australia’s southern coast is by far the sheoak trees whose narrow leaves full brunt of the Southern Ocean’s ocean onto the continental shelf. The threatened species. longest south-facing expanse of enable them to cope with high levels of storms; it experiences some of the nutrients trigger growth in algae (from temperate shoreline in the southern highest wave energy in the world. As a Coastal vegetation and sediments also minute plankton to large seaweeds). salt and reduce their water needs. hemisphere, and many of Victoria’s result, wave attack has created a provide important ecosystem services These plants form the building blocks Inter-tidal habitats, including sand flats, marine species, such as the seaweeds dramatic nationally and internationally by sequestering significant amounts of of food webs, and attract many species, rocky shores and rock pools, support that make up its spectacular kelp beds, significant coastal landscape that is carbon (known as “blue carbon”) in including the rare and endangered diverse marine life and seabirds. Many occur nowhere else in the world. constantly changing. Long-shore drift seagrass meadows and intertidal blue whale, seals, sea birds and sharks. species, such as the endangered transports large quantities of sand, saltmarshes. There are two marine bioregions in the The Western coast is one of the only hooded plover, depend on these predominantly from west to east. Western coastal region – the Otway areas in Australia where whales migrate habitats for roosting, feeding and bioregion extending from Cape Jaffa in in such close proximity to the coast nesting, so it is important to protect UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST WESTERN REGIONAL 7 COASTAL PLAN

They are highly dynamic systems that Rocky offshore reefs remain as the coast to the creation story of south west can open to the sea at some times of retreats under constant attack by the sea. Victoria and extremely important to the year and close at others. Estuaries local Aboriginal people. are important parts of the landscape. 2.2 Aboriginal cultural The region includes four Indigenous They provide sites of aesthetic, cultural, values Protected Areas – Aboriginal scientific and educational significance. community owned properties. The The Aboriginal cultural heritage of the They also provide recreation Deen Maar Indigenous Protected Area Western coastal region is extensive and opportunities and generate significant (close to but distinct from the island of rich. economic value. The and its Deen Maar) is a 453 hectare mainland mouth were designated as a Heritage The , Eastern Maar and property of rolling sand dunes, River under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 Wathaurung Peoples have strong limestone ridges, river, lake and for several of these values. connections with the region: their stories wetlands. The Budj Bim National Our towns and farms have now replaced of place, and the tens of thousands of Heritage Landscape contains three much of the original habitat in some years of physical evidence of their Indigenous Protected Areas: Lake systems, and further changes in land presence, remind us of these links. Condah, Kurtonitj and Tyrendarra. These use have the potential to affect the Evidence of archaeological sites along include sites significant as traditional remnant habitats. There is much that the coast, such as shell middens, stone meeting places for the Gunditjmara The estuary of the Glenelg we can do to protect or restore these quarries and places of habitation, date people. They also contain the remains River near Nelson. habitats, while also accommodating back as far as 12,000 years. Sea levels of an elaborate aquaculture system for Photo: Jarred Obst, Glenelg 2.1.3 Hinterland ecosystems sustainable changes in land use. We have changed over this time, and farming eels and the settled Hopkins Catchment The region’s hinterland includes a range Management Authority can make use of appropriate planning traditional lands extend beyond the community the eels supported.5 of ecologically significant habitats such tools, protect local remnant vegetation, current coastline. as coastal forests, coastal heath and Today, the communities in the region manage weeds and plant shelterbelts, Aboriginal people have an ongoing and them. In the Western coastal region, volcanic plains. A number of nationally have a strong interest and role in being design stormwater treatment systems, intimate relationship with coastal and Discovery Bay Coastal Park protects a significant estuaries and wetlands extend more effectively involved in coastal fence off riverbanks and protect marine environments, with continuing long expanse of sandy foreshore and across both foreshore and hinterland. management. Protection of a broad floodplains, to name a few. social, economic, spiritual and traditional dune ecosystems; other protected These habitats are represented in range of values and interests, including connection. Land and Sea Country is a foreshore areas include Bay of national parks, state parks and reserves 2.1.4 Geological features cultural heritage, from inappropriate term for the whole environment, Coastal Park, Port Campbell National such as the Great Otway National Park recreation or damage by coastal erosion The Western coast has a complex integrating land, intertidal areas and Park and Great Otway National Park. and Lower Glenelg National Park. due to storm surge and sea level rise, is geological history leaving a wide range sea, and including natural, heritage, a major concern, as is sharing the Rivers, wetlands and estuaries of state Foreshore ecosystems connect people’s of environments and features formed material and spiritual components. This responsibility for caring for country. The significance occur throughout the region. movements between, and provide from volcanic and sedimentary rocks connection is the basis for maintaining communities bring together natural They include the Glenelg, Moyne and access to, land and water. People are and mobile sands. The iconic Twelve cultural traditions and passing on and cultural values by working on Gellibrand estuaries.2,3 The border able to enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, Apostles was created from erosion of knowledge across generations. country. diving and boating by making use of region between South Australia and Port Campbell Limestone laid down 4 The short finned eels (Kuuyang in the foreshore access. People also enjoy Victoria has the highest density of 10-25 million years ago. Dramatic cliffs Registered Aboriginal Parties have local languages) are highly symbolic to relaxing and walking on the foreshore. wetlands in southern Australia. The occur throughout the region ranging statutory roles under the Aboriginal region’s estuaries link catchments to the from Capes Bridgewater, Nelson and Sir Aboriginal people of the region. It is a Heritage Act 2006, and include in the coast and the marine environment. This William Grant formed in ancient significant food resource, a focal point region: for their culture and society, and a creates a diverse mix of highly volcanoes, to the sandstones of Lorne – the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners connection to past generations. productive ecosystems that support a and the mix of sandstone, limestone Aboriginal Corporation for the rich and diverse range of wildlife and and clays between Anglesea and Deen Maar (formerly known as Lady coastline from to the South vegetation communities; they also Torquay. Mobile dune sands overlay Julia Percy Island) used to be Australian border to 100m seaward support nursery areas for many animals. many features along the coast. connected to the mainland. It is central of the mean low water mark; 8 WESTERN REGIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN

– the Eastern Maar Aboriginal 2.3 Social and historical to be listed on Australia’s National Corporation for areas around the Heritage List. The Great Ocean Road is Shaw and Eumeralla Rivers and values historically significant having been built including Deen Maar. A native title The coast is important to the Western by hand by returned ex-servicemen claim and Registered Aboriginal regional community. In many areas, its from World War I. Party application process are also features are the primary attraction for Deep-water ports are rare in south east underway covering areas to the east residents and tourists. This is reflected in Australia, so the Port of Portland is an of the Shaw River to the Leigh and the strong sense of connection people asset of national significance.7 It is an basins, and the area feel for coastal areas and the high levels export gateway for timber, livestock, from the sea in the south to the of volunteer involvement in mineral sands, grains and woodchips. Great Dividing Range in the north; monitoring, managing, protecting and Its surrounding heritage and amenity and restoring the various values of the coast. values have seen it attract cruise ships. – the Wathaurung Aboriginal Coastal areas provide extensive and The Western coastal region is endowed Corporation for the coastline from varied opportunities for recreation. with significant cultural heritage. Some the outlet of Painkalac Creek Fishing, boating, surfing, bushwalking, of these values are embodied in tangible separating Fairhaven and Aireys Inlet cycling, canoeing, snorkelling and objects, such as buildings, landscapes, to the eastern boundary of the diving are common, and many people shipwrecks, places of significance and Western coastal region and enjoy passive recreation by simply artefacts. Some cultural values, though, including three nautical miles being in the coastal environment. are intangible; they include the seaward of the coastline. Coastal areas are also a significant asset connections to traditions many people The Traditional Owner Settlement Act for research and education institutions. feel, including Aboriginal, maritime and 2010 allows for joint management of The Western coastal region has large agricultural history. Other forms of coastal parks. Ngootyoong Gunditj towns such as Warrnambool, Torquay cultural value arise from holidaying and Ngootyoong Mara (Healthy Country and Portland, that have extensive social recreational traditions. Healthy People) – South West networks associated with employment, Cultural heritage values in Warrnambool, Management Plan is being finalised by training institutions, sporting and Port Fairy and Portland, reach back to Parks Victoria in consultation with artistic life. Smaller coastal settlements Victoria’s early settlement period. The Traditional Owners. It recognises the like Apollo Bay and Port Fairy have and seal industries were active Gunditjmara’s connections to country strong links to neighbourhood, family in the early 1800s, and several whaling and their role in management (also see and place. Many places along the stations were established in Portland the case study on page 17). The plan coastline represent strong, long- Bay before Victoria’s first permanent will be used to guide the management standing connections for the families European settlement at Portland in the and protection of the parks, reserves and friends that share these places. 1830s. There are still over 200 buildings and Indigenous Protected Areas of the from this era in Portland. area. More broadly, several groups are Many features of the Western coastal Top: Tower Hill, near The Great Ocean Road interested in establishing marine ranger region are of national significance. For Port Fairy, is an inactive is listed as a National This Plan describes the types of social example, the Great Ocean Road was volcano and is part of an Heritage site and is one teams to care for their sea country. important landscape of Australia’s most values most explicitly associated with recently added to the State Heritage the coast. Therefore it concentrates on The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and with high cultural and popular tourist Register and has been on the National environmental values as destinations. cultural heritage values and amenity Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007 aim Heritage Register since 2011. It is one of seen at the Tower Hill Photo: Kyeong Woo values. This is how it will help coastal to manage and protect cultural heritage6. Visitor Centre. Kim, Tourism Victoria sixteen National Landscapes identified Photo: Worn Gundidj planners and managers work with local by Parks Australia and Tourism Australia, Aboriginal Cooperative and regional communities to articulate and the Budj Bim landscape of the the priority values they are protecting. volcanic plains was one of the first places UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST WESTERN REGIONAL 9 COASTAL PLAN

ver Ri do an Glenel W g R iv e r

Casterton W an n s o d WILKIN n n R o i P CONSERVATION v e s f r e o RESERVE l o n i Hamilton h y a w r H h lg r e e t C len e G a iv t er e R v W i R e g d s l or k f r e w n a a n Cr

Penshurst w n e

l ro G G k B e k Lismore re e Dartmoor y C e w lt Cr ANNYA H a d ty S lin Mt Cressy FOREST en B wy Elephant Lake H n H in ilto Mattin ra Mt Ham Lake D k HOTSPUR h Shadwell e Gnarpurt a Budj Bim e Mt FOREST nd r Lake GEELONG Fitzr o C oy C r Mortlake Meningorot Corangamite Cundare Nelson e u R Mt Eccles v arwon River i v k i Mt m Pool B D er e R Lake is LOWER GLENELG re r i E co Heywood C r e rr Noorat t Colongulac e v k

ve t i r e r Lake n r v R e u

y NATIONAL PARK o BIG i e M e l v e o B r R w i r v Keilambere M Lake a NARRAWONG a a i y RIVER a R C Camperdown ey Ri D l h R Winchelsea C urr ver l e S e o S a s a FOREST FOREST r yn l Lake Gnotur s e a n Terang t o d i a m M ys k l u r p Lake y Mt D Hw Torquay P E Pr o Lake rinces DISCOVERY BAY a Richmond in H Colac P r c k e Bullen Merri MARINE Narrawong s H Tower Hill Lake NATIONAL PARK w Lake Elingamite Jan Juc y Colac Warrnambool POINT Port Fairy G Anglesea Portland R DANGER E MARINE A r Aireys MERRI MARINE B T ve SANCTUARY Deen Maar a Ri SANCTUARY Co y es er Inlet a o O rdi Riv s f Cu d CAPE NELSON (formerly ) t I C n EAGLE ROCK POINT ADDIS a s ra l la E b STATE PARK P n A li MARINE MARINE ar d l Lorne k s N Ge Mt Sabine E SANCTUARY NATIONAL rski R S ne Rive PARK O PORT CAMPBELL kk ain r Peterborough A NATIONAL PARK rr t Geo D aa rge Ri l PP ver naal Wye River tiioon Port Campbell y NNaa t Kennett River Princetown e a t OOttw aay THE ARCHES GGrre a t MARINE SANCTUARY Skenes Creek G R E AT SOUTHERN OCEAN TWELVE APOSTLES O C E A N R O A D Apollo Bay MARINE NATIONAL PARK B arham River

er Aire Riv BASS STRAIT MARENGO REEF MARINE SANCTUARY Port Seafood

Angling Beef & Dairy Shipwrecks club

Life-saving Pigs Lamb O shore oil Ramsar club & Wool & gas site

Aboriginal Caravan Hardwood Parks cultural sites Park plantation

Figure 3 An indicative map of key regional social, economic and environmental values of the Western coastal region Note: Not to scale. This map is intended to give a broad indication of the range of values in the region and is not comprehensive. 10 WESTERN REGIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN

2.3.1 Amenity values The coast supports a wide range of active and passive pursuits that Many factors affect people’s enjoyment Facilities Sensory Access Vegetation of the coast and contribute to a sense of contribute to our health and wellbeing. wellbeing by providing amenity values. Availability of well-maintained The ability to see and Abundant and healthy Opportunities to interact with natural facilities (chairs, playgrounds, hear waves, feel sand, looking vegetation (including places encourage people to be more Figure 4 describes how different taste salt and smell mangroves and sea grass benches, tables, toilets, bins) active and more engaged in social attributes of the coast can contribute to for general use will increase seaweed will increase beds) that supports animals satisfaction with (like birds, reptiles and sh) is the way people appreciate and value satisfaction with amenity. activities. Note the facilities must not amenity. This relates the most important factor in the coast. Some aspects of amenity are detract from the ‘naturalness’ to the naturalness at increasing satisfaction with The sense of wellbeing derived from the tangible, such as paths and natural of the place. Proximity of the beach including amenity. The exact type of coast is intrinsically linked to our ability paths and access along the open space free vegetation that improves vegetation. Others are intangible, such beach, as well as proximity to from obtrusive amenity di ers for individual to maintain or enhance the quality and as open space, views, safety on the cafes and shops. The type of development. locations and needs to be the extent of natural views, native understood at each location. water, links to places or people, or the facilities expected at di erent vegetation and natural landscapes.8 The locations will vary. Indigenous vegetation is knowledge that wildlife is present. preferable as this has benets built environment also contributes to for other values also. our sense of wellbeing by providing people with physical and visual access to the natural environment and its associated intangible values. Parts of Natural the built environment also contribute Safety Physical Form SATISFACTION to the heritage character of many WITH The ability to use the THE COAST Beaches with a towns in the region. coast safely is an more natural physical attractive feature for a form (including sand, The tracks, paths and boardwalks that particular beach and rock pools, dune allow people to move to, from or along can be enhanced by system, cli s) and signage about hazards, without concrete the beach help improve amenity, while the presence of a will increase at the same time providing access to life-saving club and satisfaction with the sights and sounds of the ocean. other facilities. amenity. Similarly, picnic facilities enable people to enjoy the time they spend beside Water Quality Clean Beaches the coast.

The Pollution is identied as No litter or little litter in Amenity values are diminished by the campground provides an important part of the sea or around the presence of inappropriate or intrusive high amenity values in satisfaction with the beach will increase Lorne. beach and can a ect satisfaction with amenity. development, high levels of congestion, Photo: Great Ocean use such as swimming, This is based on the poorly managed visitation, degraded Road Coast Committee boating, as well as relationship between environments, odour, litter and noise. commercial and presence of litter and recreational shing. satisfaction with Water that is free of oils, the beach. colours, litter and smells will increase satisfaction with amenity.

Figure 4 Managing visitor satisfaction with their coastal experience – key amenity values (derived from Melbourne Water) near the Twelve Apostles Photo: Corangamite Shire Council UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST WESTERN REGIONAL 11 COASTAL PLAN

2.4 Economic values Construction is a major employer in some coastal locations, accounting for 13 per Case study – Economic The Western coast generates significant cent on the Surf Coast work force and benefits of the region’s economic values and benefits from both 8.8 per cent in Warrnambool in 2011.12 commercial and non-commercial The retail, education and healthcare/ caravan and camping parks activities and features. social assistance sectors are economically The Value and Equity for Climate The commercial uses of the coast include significant and important employers. Adaptation: Caravan and Camping Park Case Study project was initiated agriculture and commercial fishing, Renewable energy production is growing to gain a better understanding of manufacturing, tourism and recreation, in the region, with wind, geothermal non-commercial economic and construction, shipping and energy and natural gas energy projects either social values of the coast to assist production services and retail activity. in operation or with planning approvals.13 with climate adaptation decisions. Each of these has direct and flow-on The emergence of new energy industries benefits to local and regional economies. in the region, such as geothermal power, It was undertaken by the Board in Dairy, sheep and beef are important for wave power and carbon capture and 2012, and the first stage surveyed agriculture in the region. Various storage (including from ‘blue carbon’) both campers and residents in five aquaculture industries as well as may offer opportunities for economic coastal towns. It generated a range commercial and recreational fishing take development, while simultaneously of new economic and social place along the coast, targeting abalone, Caravan and camping parks, such presenting new threats and pressures information, such as how people as Warrnambool’s Surfside to natural and social values. value the beach. It showed that fin fish and rock lobster. The economic Holiday Park, deliver significant Great Ocean Road from the Princes the consumer surplus (what contribution of recreational fishing will commercial and non-commercial Highway. Water supply and sewerage The coast also supports high non- economic benefits to the region. people are willing to pay above be boosted by the Victorian infrastructure is vital for towns and commercial economic values: those for Photo: Warrnambool City Council what is actually charged) across Government’s Target One Million plan communities. A wide range of other which no commercial transaction takes the five caravan parks was $49 per to improve fishing opportunities and infrastructure supports recreation, place. The environment has its own person per night, which extrapolates increase the number of recreational servicing and cultural opportunities. intrinsic value, and provides ecosystem to a $90m benefit provided to the fishers. Value-adding to primary Tourism is a significant contributor to services offering significant benefits to community annually from these products by manufacturing injects a the regional economy. The Great Ocean the community. For example, the five parks alone. further $4 billion into the region’s Road is a nationally significant tourist coastline provides storm and flood economy every year.9 destination and captures around seven protection and erosion buffers, sand The second stage of the project The region’s built infrastructure million visitors, contributes over 7000 dunes provide a sand store for beach was the development of a generates and underpins significant jobs and has a direct economic output replenishment after storms, sea grass framework which shows the reader economic value. The Port of Portland is of $1.1 billion per annum.10 It attracts beds act as nurseries for important fish how to incorporate this kind of one of Victoria’s four main commercial more than half of all international visits species (such as bream and whiting) information into existing decision trading ports, handling the bulk of to regional areas (see Section 3.5) and and coastal saltmarshes fix nutrients making processes for adaptation. It commercial trade in the region. Port more domestic tourism expenditure and carbon. steps decision makers through the Fairy, Warrnambool and Apollo Bay also than any other region in Victoria. generation of new information, support substantial ports that are Recreation also makes substantial followed by its inclusion in option tourism destinations. The extensive contributions. For example, the surf assessments and finally the road network managed by Vic Roads Turbines at Cape industry contributes $457.2m (25 per application of the information to supports economic development, Bridgewater over the cent) to the Surf Coast economy.11 the three areas of business case, Bridgewater Lakes. Coastal Management Act 1995 tourism and recreation throughout the Photo: Jarred Obst, region. It also helps to manage access Glenelg Hopkins consent and municipal planning issues, for example by providing Catchment Management approval. alternative inland access routes to the Authority 12 WESTERN REGIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN

2.5 Protecting coastal Coastal Strategy 2014 and the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy 2013. values The catchment management The environmental, social and economic authorities’ regional catchment COMMUNITY COASTAL VALUES values of the coast are affected by a strategies and regional waterway range of pressures and threats, such as strategies will identify significant SOCIAL CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIC increasing use, coastal development, natural values and areas of ecological invasive pest plants and animals, significance to help prioritise investment. – Community networks – Aboriginal heritage – National and coastal parks – Ports and harbours pollution, litter (particularly plastics) Similarly, the Board notes work by local – Amenity values – Non-Aboriginal heritage – Marine national parks and – Fisheries and climate change. councils in planning and managing – Recreational opportunities – Township character sanctuaries – Oil and gas – Marine mammals Under the Coastal Management Act community coastal values within their – Open space provision – Property values – Employment – Coastal Ecological Vegetation – Employment 1995, regional and local decision- planning schemes and urban design. – Landscape character Communities – Tourism makers must have regard for the coastal They work with land holders, developers – Heritage – Shore birds – Infrastructure e.g. Boat ramps values described above when working and public land managers to make sure – Walkways – Habitat connectivity – Camping & Caravan grounds with their communities on coastal impacts of increasing urbanisation and – Volunteerism – Biodiversity – Water supply planning and management. use of the coast are managed to meet – Threatened species community expectations. – Research and education – Renewable energy The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 – Dune health – Roads identifies a hierarchy of principles to The following chapters outline actions – Catchment management – Farming guide planning and decision making. to address priority regional issues about – Rivers/estuaries/marine – Timber production water quality The Board uses this as the basis for population changes, coordination of developing policies and actions to management, and the implications of manage the factors that contribute to climate change particularly the effects coastal values. The hierarchy of of flooding and erosion. principles helps to be explicit and consistent about how we refer to the GUIDE DECISIONS BY COASTAL PLANNERS AND MANAGERS various values and how we prioritise actions and investment. Regionally, this CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT LOCAL COASTAL COMMITTEES TRADITIONAL PARKS COMMERCIAL AND LOCAL WESTERN COASTAL FISHERIES helps us to identify where these values AUTHORITIES GOVERNMENT OF MANAGEMENT OWNERS VICTORIA PORTS AUTHORITIES BOARD are most concentrated, and, in particular, – Regional Catchment – Planning scheme – Coastal management – Sea Country – Park management – Safety and – Regional coastal plans – Fisheries policies assists us in determining where they Strategies components (e.g. plans (master and plans plans (including environment (and existing regional and strategies may be at risk due to coastal processes – Sub-strategies (e.g. significant landscape precinct plans) – Joint management Marine Parks) management plans coastal action plans on – Fishery or human activities. Marine and Coastal overlays, municipal – Leases and licences plans – Joint management – Land use and estuaries, boating, etc.) management Biodiversity Strategy, strategic statements, – Coastal climate – Sustainable plans transport strategy – Studies (e.g. caravan plans Figure 5 provides a regional snapshot of waterway and estuary Coastal Development change investigations development – Ramsar site plans and camping) some of the values within the Western plans Policy) (e.g. coastal climate plans (e.g. Budj coastal region and how these guide – Estuary Entrance – Regional growth plans change vulnerability Bim Sustainable decisions by coastal planners and Management Support – Coastal management and adaptation Development managers. System plans (master and project) Project – Investigations (e.g. precinct plans) Masterplan) It also identifies key plans and work Implications of Future – Climate change strategies – Cultural heritage done by those agencies with significant Climate for Victoria’s (e.g. local coastal management responsibilities on the coast. In particular, Marine Environment) hazard assessments, plans adaptation plans) the Board notes the work by catchment management authorities in estuaries and wetlands guided by the Victorian Figure 5 Community coastal values guide decisions in the Western coastal region. UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST WESTERN REGIONAL 13 COASTAL PLAN

3 THE DYNAMICS OF THE COAST

Coastal planning and management must nature. Public buildings and structures means all proposals for protective works environment particularly along the allow for the dynamic nature of the coast. on the coast include boat ramps, jetties, on the coast (on private or public land) Great Ocean Road. Planned burning is That dynamism is manifested through: picnic facilities, toilet facilities, boardwalks must be considered and designed as important in managing the risk, but – Natural coastal processes; and seawalls. part of a larger coastal compartment or those risks are likely to be exacerbated “whole of coastal cell system” rather by climate change. Given the need for – Climate change; Due to the need to ensure safety and amenity, coastal structures generally have than individual sites. These larger systems shelter and road access during bushfires – Connections to catchments; high maintenance and replacement costs. are areas with the same physical and the need to protect water supply, this characteristics and processes such as has implications for coastal infrastructure. – Demographic trends; and For this reason, buildings and structures with high social or economic value landforms and patterns of sediment – Visitation trends. should not be placed where coastal movement. They are the basis for 3.2 Climate change effectively managing physical hazards and hazards may affect them. If because of Climate change will cause many 3.1 Natural coastal establishing a consistent approach. Works the purpose of the structure there is no significant changes to the region’s must be designed and managed with processes alternative (jetties and boat ramps for coastal and marine environments with example), then the higher costs of an understanding of coastal processes The coast is the interface between land far reaching consequences. maintenance and replacement, and the and the wider impacts on coastal and sea, and is not static. It changes with Rising sea levels are predicted to cause effects on coastal processes, must be values beyond the location of the works. the influence of tides, wind, waves and increased inundation and flooding of planned for and minimised. For example, Coastal acid sulphate soils occur weather systems. Interactions between low lying coastal areas, greater coastal floating jetties provide an effective naturally along the Victorian coast in coastal processes and different landforms erosion, higher storm surges15 and approach to dealing with the seasonal low lying areas such as wetlands and (sandy beaches, rocky headlands, higher costs of managing coastal land. opening and closing of some estuaries. estuaries. If left undisturbed, these soils low-lying mud flats and estuaries) In some areas, increased inundation or are harmless. If exposed to air, the soil create complex and dynamic systems. Hard structures such as groynes and erosion could lead to the loss of narrow seawalls can be used to address erosion. reacts with oxygen to form sulfuric acid The western coast is a high energy coast. coastal reserves. Higher ocean However, they also affect coastal which in turn can lead to release of It is influenced by Southern Ocean temperatures are likely to change ocean processes; they alter sand movement other toxic elements, killing plants and weather systems producing strong currents. Dissolving of additional and the effects of wave energy. For animals, contaminating water and south-westerly winds and swells which carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is Our natural dynamic example, because they interrupt the corroding infrastructure. Drainage, much of the coastline has aligned to. leading to ocean acidification. These coastline - the beach at supply of sand to beaches, through the excavation, drought and climate The coast to the west of has Separation Creek (near changes will disrupt marine and coastal natural long-shore drift of sand, they change can trigger these reactions. some of the highest wind and wave Lorne) in 2011 (top) ecosystems. Higher temperatures will and in 2013 (above). can cause beaches and foreshore to be The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014, energy in the world, with Bass Strait often bring longer, hotter and drier periods Photo: Tammy Smith lost in one area and built up in another. regional catchment strategies and State more sheltered. These patterns create a and greater threats from bushfires. Such changes may not be immediately Planning policy aim to avoid disturbing dominant easterly longshore transport More intense rain events will cause obvious; therefore the potential for this to coastal acid sulfate soils. The Victorian increased riverine and estuarine flooding of sediments, and significant beach environmental degradation, it is happen needs to be carefully considered Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils Strategy and and higher inflows of catchment change and erosion can occur when considered a coastal hazard. before such structures are built. the Victorian Best Practice Guidelines pollutants. The high biodiversity of the seasonal south-east winds reverse this. The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 Accretion can also diminish access for Assessing and Managing Coastal region’s coast will be affected by all of The tidal range is not uniform, with states that coastal planners and particularly to waterways and bays and Acid Sulfate Soils give advice about these changes. Inundation and erosion relatively small tides in the west. managers should respect natural affect safety and environmental condition. identifying and managing these soils. will squeeze some coastal habitats People’s interactions with coastal coastal processes wherever possible. Removing such barriers increases the The Western coast contains extensive against immobile barriers such as cliffs processes can create coastal hazards.14 In order to minimise or avoid coastal costs to land and waterway managers. areas of natural forests and woodlands. and infrastructure, change the If a coastal process presents a risk of hazards, the structures placed along the This brings risks from bushfires for some distribution of some species and increase damage to property, loss of life or The dynamic nature of coastal processes coast must take account of its dynamic coastal towns and the coastal pressure from pest plants and animals. 14 WESTERN REGIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST COASTAL PLAN

Climate change has the potential to 3.3 Connections to enrichment can prevent or restrict use increase the extent and severity of Case study – Port Fairy and reduce many coastal values. 15 catchments coastal hazards. By bringing about Working Group Catchment management authorities increased rates of erosion and more Coastal erosion around Port Fairy is Our coast, catchments and marine areas have developed regional catchment extensive flooding, rising sea levels pose form a continuum across water, land, and waterway strategies to help maintain greater risks to coastal properties, threatening important community activities, environmental values, ecology and communities. What happens or improve the quality of water reaching infrastructure, cultural and social assets, in catchments often affects the coast coastal areas. and biodiversity. It may also result in areas private property and infrastructure. The historical response was to and near-shore marine environments, as that are not at risk now becoming so in well as activities which depend on the future. install a rock wall along the beach from the river mouth to the last them. Many species, particularly fish, The Western Coastal Board will To counter those risks, we need to balance house on Griffiths St at the north move between marine, estuarine and support actions in regional current use and development east edge of town. freshwater habitats. The integrated catchment and waterway opportunities with potential future costs management of coastal and catchment strategies that aim to improve the Further north of the rock wall, the and the long-term health of the coast. issues is essential in protecting the condition of coastal values, Erosion near the Port Campbell beach is eroding and exposing old We also need to address the legacy of environments and amenity of the coast. particularly to improve water Surf Lifesaving Club. tip sites and resulting in debris on earlier land use decisions. Where property Photo: Marion Manifold quality in estuaries, embayments the beach. Approximately two These linkages are particularly evident and infrastructure are now at risk from and coastal waters. tonnes of waste has been collected for waterways which flow through their erosion or flooding, we need to adapt 2,3 since 2011. catchments to estuaries and the sea. to changing circumstances. The options – Value and Equity Framework for Runoff, and more recently environmental may include living with the risk for the Climate Adaptation: Caravan and The Port Fairy Inter-agency Working flows, support the plant and animal economic life of existing assets, Camping Parks Case Study (Western Group came together to share communities in estuaries and nearby 3.4 Demographic trends removing or relocating the assets, or Coastal Board 2013). information and develop shared marine areas. Runoff can also generate Many people choose to live on the coast. protecting the assets from the hazards. The knowledge gained from local solutions to this and other challenges riparian and estuarine flooding which can Changes in population create challenges The Victorian Climate Change Adaptation studies provides the foundation for the confronting the coastline. cause significant disruption and losses in meeting future infrastructure and Plan 2013 sets out how the Victorian next phase of community-driven The Group provided input to the as well as exacerbating coastal hazards. employment needs. Balancing these Government is managing these risks adaption planning. The next steps in Local Coastal Hazard Assessment Water flows and water quality are often changes with the protection of coastal (amongst others) and acknowledges the using the information will be in working for Port Fairy, and it supported the interlinked, and variations in river and values means that the Western region’s contribution by all tiers of government, with local communities to assess the Port Fairy Community Challenge estuarine flows can improve or worsen coastal settlements need to be planned business and communities in this work. risk of the hazards to their community Group in developing a community water quality. Some water quality issues according to geographical landscapes and arrive at decisions that make their beach monitoring program. It is A number of studies by coastal managers are natural processes that affect social and regional strengths. They also need community more climate resilient. A now developing an engagement and local governments have assessed the and economic use of the coast. For to be planned around the relationships good example is the Moyne Shire plan to ensure people understand likely future effects of coastal hazards. example, acidification of the Anglesea with hinterland townships and the Coastal Adaptation Plan for Port Fairy. the potential impacts of climate These include (but are not limited to): River killed many fish in recent years, and larger regional towns that form centres change along Port Fairy’s coastline limited recreational fishing and access – the Port Fairy Local Coastal Hazard for employment and services. and what options may be available for water sports. Human activity has Assessment 2014; to meet this challenge. exacerbated some of these processes Table 1 shows the resident population of – Coastal Climate Change Vulnerability and created new problems, such as the the region’s municipalities from 2011 and 16 and Adaptation study (Great Ocean unplanned opening of estuaries which projections to 2021. This is anticipated Road Coast Committee 2012); are experiencing high water levels. to grow to 143,434 by 2021, with the Pollution and litter, particularly plastics highest growth being in the municipalities – Climate Resilient Communities of the of Surf Coast, Warrnambool and Moyne. Barwon South West 2014; and and plastic particles, can have major adverse impacts on coastal birdlife, Municipal population figures may not marine fauna and enjoyment of the show trends within each council area. coast. Algal blooms due to nutrient In some areas such as Corangamite UNDERSTANDING AND VALUING THE COAST WESTERN REGIONAL 15 COASTAL PLAN

Shire, coastal towns are growing while people may expect within and between some inland towns are static or towns. Regional growth plans guide declining in population. statutory land use decisions by local councils via Clause 11.05 (Regional Changes to the residential population are Domestic overnight evident across the Western coastal region, Development) of the State Planning visitors Policy Framework. They also identify and it is important to note that these Domestic day trip coastal values and address sensitive High Country changes are not uniform and that not visitors coastal areas for planning; they should all settlements are growing. For example, Murray Torquay-Jan Juc had a very high average also identify the growth in localised annual growth rate of 6.4 per cent foreshore use pressures associated with Daylesford & Macedon Ranges between 2006-11, while Aireys Inlet population growth. Yarra Valley and Fairhaven experienced a negative 17 3.5 Visitation trends average growth rate of -2.4 per cent. Mornington Peninsula Portland experienced no change for the The Great Ocean Road and Twelve period, while Apollo Bay also declined Torquay Back Beach during Apostles are among Victoria’s most peak season. by 2.6 per cent during the same time. popular visitor and tourist destinations; Photo: Darren Noyes-Brown Gold elds Mobile populations outside the they are of national and international 19 metropolitan areas also have impacts significance. The Great Ocean Road Great Ocean Road on coastal areas. These include Region captures more domestic and nature-based tourism. As well, the 0 2,000,000 4,000,000 6,000,000 8,000,000 temporary populations associated with international visitors than any other tourism region in Regional Victoria (see increase in day trips from Melbourne to holiday homes that make for large the Great Ocean Road has increased seasonal fluctuations in population and Figure 6). Many other destinations in the Western coastal region such as Torquay, pressure on infrastructure and facilities Figure 6 Visitation to regional Victoria’s tourism destinations 2010 (Great Ocean Road Destination large proportions of unoccupied with only limited opportunities for Management Plan 2012) Source: National and International Visitor Survey, Tourism Research houses for significant parts of the year. Lorne, Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, and Port Australia Fairy draw the majority of their visitors financial contributions to management. The need to better plan for, and consult While visitation dispersal opportunities about, providing utilities, infrastructure from Melbourne, with others coming from intra and interstate and overseas. at some sites should be considered, and services in the identifying ways for visitors to contribute Local Government Area Total Population Council area was identified in the Sea Visitation and tourism are key economic financially to the renewal and 2011 2016 2021 Change Taskforce report (2013).18 drivers for Victoria and for western maintenance of facilities as well as Colac Otway Shire 20,799 20,798 21,274 Anecdotally, this trend may be coastal communities. The above preservation activities that contribute changing, and further studies would attractions draw significant numbers of to maintaining a quality visitor Corangamite Shire 16,526 16,003 16,041 help to clarify appropriate responses. visitors, and it is to be expected that experience also deserve consideration. Glenelg Shire 19,848 19,490 19,686 these numbers will continue to increase. The growth and development of Further studies that examine the visitor Moyne Shire 16,167 16,587 17,094 settlements in the region is set out in The economic opportunities associated experience at coastal sites such as the Surf Coast Shire 26,666 29,834 33,492 the G21 Regional Growth Plan and the with these trends need to be taken in Great Ocean Road should be a priority. Great South Coast Regional Growth ways that protect significant coastal Warrnambool 32,667 34,060 35,847 features and landscapes from the Regional scale strategic planning can Plan released in 2014. These plans have help to address these issues by Total for Western coastal region: 132,673 136,772 143,434 an important role in defining settlement environmental impacts that accompany high visitor numbers. identifying opportunities to tailor the boundaries and the inclusion of green service levels at different sites to Table 2 Projected population for local government areas in the Western coastal region 16 breaks between settlements. They also The impact of increased visitation at key expected visitation demand. The key establish the role of, and relationships coastal sites on the ‘visitor experience’ here is to do that in ways that help to between, settlements, with significant (that is, how an individual interacts and minimise pressures on the vulnerable implications for the infrastructure enjoys a site) is an emerging issue for parts of the coast. 16 WESTERN REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

4 MANAGING REGIONAL POPULATION AND TOURISM PRESSURES

4.1 Background and ballots are all legitimate ways to manage access, but they need to be Case study – Car park Access to coastal land and marine evaluated. demand strategy environments is managed by a variety Careful design and placement of of public land and waterway managers The areas managed by Great facilities along the coast can ease the (see Chapter 5). As far as practical, they Ocean Road Coastal Committee pressure on vulnerable coastal values.21 each aim for balanced access between (GORCC) represent some of the Similarly, the differing levels of service users, being mindful of protecting most highly visited and intensively provided at individual visitation sites can natural values and the impact on used sections of Victoria’s coast. help concentrate visitation pressures in amenity for other users. They manage Visitation demand for the GORCC the most resilient parts of the landscape access through their provision of managed coast is very seasonal. It where adequate facilities exist. facilities that include walking tracks, continues to peak over the boat ramps, car parks, picnic areas, Planning for appropriate levels of traditional holiday periods (from boardwalks, jetties and caravan parks. service at locations is best considered Christmas Day to Australia Day and at the regional scale. Carefully at Easter). There are different types of residents distributing facilities and service levels and visitors to the coast. These include Increasingly, however, coastal use across the region will: local residents, people with also peaks on any warm, sunny day – Enhance accessibility and – especially on weekends and ‘weekenders’ and holiday homes, The Port Fairy Folk itinerant travellers such as ‘grey Festival attracts experiences; public holidays. In part this is driven by the improved nomads’, and people on longer thousands of people – Help reduce potential conflicts each Labour Day accessibility from Melbourne vacations. Collectively, the way they between different uses, such as long weekend. provided by the recently interact with the coast can be referred Photo: Perry Cho boating and swimming, and completed Geelong Bypass. to as ‘visitation’. improve the safety for those uses; Cars are the main form of transport Periods of congestion at popular – Assist in communicating the to the coast, and demands for car locations are frustrating to experience, availability of alternative facilities; and detract from people’s enjoyment of the parks are significant. This can result coast, and are particularly challenging – Help target investment in priority in congestion and indiscriminate to manage. These periods of facilities and environmental assets. parking behaviour, which in turn congestion are extending beyond the Amenity values at some vulnerable affects both the environmental traditional peak school holiday seasons sites may mean that access needs to be and amenity values of the coast. into weekends, particularly in shoulder provided in different ways. In these cases, A Discussion Paper released for seasons at key destinations along the Hiking on the Great Ocean the optimum solution may be to offer consultation at the start of 2014 coast. Peak demand strains assets and Walk. high service levels through the provision outlined a number of options infrastructure and can reduce the Photo: Mark Watson, Tourism Victoria of facilities such as boardwalks, being considered, including natural and amenity values that attract sophisticated parking arrangements providing drop-off bays at popular people to the coast. (for example ‘park and ride’) and public beaches, better communication to There is a balance to be achieved transport. spread the demand and providing a park-and-ride system as an between continually upgrading Portland Harbour This is particularly true of places along facilities at popular sites, and promoting experiences high demand the Great Ocean Road, currently visited alternative to car parking. the availability of alternative sites.21 during the tuna season. by 60 per cent of all international Queuing, parking fees, site-specific fees Photo: Glenelg Shire Council visitors to regional Victoria. BALANCED DECISION MAKING WESTERN REGIONAL 17 COASTAL PLAN

Regional and state tourism bodies have the responsibility to plan for, and Case study – Cooperative planning for cultural tourism manage, tourism to balance the The Gunditjmara people are the Traditional Owners of significant areas in economic benefits with the protection Victoria’s south-west, and have continuous links to these landscapes. of the values that attract many tourists Gunditjmara landscapes are defined by their cultural values and stories, (and residents) to the region. which connect across regional sites including Budj Bim, the Convincing The actions in this Plan will contribute Grounds (Allestree coast), Mt Napier, Tower Hill and the Tyrendarra coastline. to planning for tourism development The Gunditjmara Traditional Owners place a range of cultural values on by bringing together better information natural areas, including aesthetic, social, spiritual and recreational. Cultural about visitation demands and values may be attached to the landscape as a whole and to individual opportunities, encouraging more components, such as plant and animal species used by Gunditjmara integrated management of foreshores Traditional Owners. and improving planning for the impacts of climate change. In conjunction with Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the Gunditjmara Traditional Owners have developed the Regional tourism strategies that promote Ngootyoong Gunditj Ngootyoong Mara South West Management Plan. coastal areas such as Bells Beach and Ngootyoong Gunditj Ngootyoong Mara means Healthy Country, Healthy People the Twelve Apostles should also help to The purpose-built viewing and emphasises the Gunditjmara Traditional Owners’ connections to country. platform at Logan’s Beach manage visitation demand pressures provides onlookers with within levels of service provided at A landscape-scale approach has been adopted across land tenures to spectacular views of southern these locations. manage natural and cultural values, recreation and tourism across more than right whales close to shore. 116 000 hectares of parks, reserves and Indigenous Protected Areas. The areas Photo: Warrnambool City Fortunately, the fluctuations in demand of Sea Country (Koonang Mirring) include Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Mount Council for some community assets can ease Richmond National Park, Cape Nelson State Park and Discovery Bay Marine demand from coastal visitation. School National Park. grounds, recreation parks and footy ovals are a good example; peak Providing for visitors is based on understanding the experiences sought by demands for coastal visitation includes visitors and the relationship between those experiences and the area’s the school holiday period. Some settings, facilities, services and recreational opportunities. These experiences communities, such as Lorne, where there are grouped as Visitor Experience Areas described as either journeys or is a scarcity of space available for extra destinations. The plan’s approach to visitor services focuses on protecting the parking, are now using school grounds unique settings and managing for the underlying values and experiences and shuttle buses to offer park and ride important to park visitors in each Visitor Experience Area. The areas are then Surfboat rowers at Jan Juc. prioritised for the delivery of those experiences. Photo: Great Ocean Road services during peak times. Coast Committee Several land managers and tourism The plan has an emphasis on cultural tourism and interpretation, and organisations have expressed concerns recognises the Traditional Owners’ responsibilities for setting directions and about the impacts of increasing levels priorities for cultural heritage management. of uncontrolled camping in the region. Anecdotally, this has brought increased A breaches at Logan’s pollution from litter and refuse, and Beach, Warrnambool. increased costs of addressing the Photo: Warrnambool impacts. City Council 18 WESTERN REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

4.2 The Boating Coastal Action Plan The Western Victorian Boating Coastal PUBLIC LAND USE Action Plan 2010 is an example of how Waterbody infrastructure can be planned at the regional scale. It shows that there are Parks & reserves significant opportunities to manage Softwood plantation & state forest demand, while maintaining community coastal values. Casterton Other public land The plan was developed in partnership Highway with local government, state agencies, Council boundary land and port managers and stakeholder groups. It includes local Coastal waters ports with both commercial and GLENELG Marine National Parks Lismore recreational uses at Lorne, Port Dartmoor Campbell, Warrnambool, Apollo Bay,

Gl Port Fairy and . Exclusively ene lg R iver commercial facilities are not included. Nelson CORANGAMITE Lake Fit Mortlake Corangamite zr k oy iver e MOYNE R e Heywood r The plan provides an inventory of the C r

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investment processes. To some extent, (formerly Lady Julia Percy Island) o t er T b G li eorge Riv EAGLE ROCK NATIONAL Port Campbell el r G e MARINE v i PARK every facility in a given category provides R SANCTUARY m ver a Ri h interchangeable and complementary e r ir a A B services. Therefore, if one site is THE ARCHES Apollo Bay RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES HIERARCHY MARINE congested it is possible to receive SANCTUARY MARENGO REEF N MARINE similar services at an alternative site. State TWELVE APOSTLES SANCTUARY MARINE NATIONAL PARK The Boating Coastal Action Plan takes a Regional positive step towards planning for the District development of boating facilities, including recreational boating Local infrastructure in local ports, to ensure Informal 0 20 40 SOUTHERN OCEAN BASS STRAIT community expectations and demands kilometers can be balanced with environmental and social values.

Figure 7 An indicative map of boating hierarchy of facilities from the Western Boating Coastal Action Plan 2010 BALANCED DECISION MAKING WESTERN REGIONAL 19 COASTAL PLAN

The plan’s level of service approach can 4.4 Activity and be applied more broadly in coastal management. Taking this approach at recreation nodes the regional scale lends itself to better The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 management of all locations that hold notes that in coastal communities, the potential to provide interchangeable recreation and tourism developments levels of service and complementary are focused around activity and coastal experiences. recreation nodes. These create efficient relationships between buildings, access 4.3 The Draft Shipwreck and infrastructure and they minimise Coast Master Plan development impacts on the coast. The draft master plan study area for the Activity nodes provide for community Shipwreck Coast covers a 28 km recreation facilities and tourism segment of the Great Ocean Road activities. They are within settlements (from Princetown to Boat Bay). (on private or public land) and are Developed by Parks Victoria in partnership adjacent to the activity centres identified in planning schemes. with local councils and Tourism Victoria, The Twelve Apostles it proposes options for better managing Visitor Centre caters Recreation nodes are located on coastal visitation demand. It also shows how for over three million Crown land, outside activity nodes. this approach can be integrated with visitors every year. They provide access and infrastructure Photo: Corangamite for recreation and water-related tourism strategies. Shire Council activities. The proposed long term aim is to develop a series of park-and-ride hubs. These will Any development on coastal Crown provide visitors with opportunities to land within an activity node or engage more deeply with the National recreation node should satisfy the Parks by hiking, cycling or catching criteria for use and development on shuttle buses through a whole-of-coast coastal Crown land in the Victorian ‘open interpretative centre’ curated Coastal Strategy. For example, the Great through a series of visitor pods rather Ocean Road Coast Committee has than a single large interpretative centre. identified a preliminary framework of Visitor centres are intended to be activity and recreation nodes in their Enjoying the Great Coastal Management Plan, which was around five kilometres apart. This would South West Walk. allow for comfortable hiking or cycling Photo: Tourism approved by the then Minister for the between them. The visitor pods would Victoria Environment in 2013. be dispersed in between to provide shelter and information. There is potential for revenue to be raised through fees for car parking, tours and licensed operators. The revenue could be reinvested into visitation infrastructure, park maintenance and supporting services. 20 WESTERN REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

WCB – Western Coastal Board, DELWP – 4.5 Key challenges and Chapter 4 – Visitation Actions Lead Partner Agents By When Department of Environment, Land, Water actions 1. Work with public land managers and and Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – waterway managers to: Committees of Management, TOs – The coast is valued for a range of uses. Traditional Owners, VCC – Victorian Coastal a. map and categorise visitation DELWP WCB, PV, Local Dec 2017 Coastal planners and managers aim to Council, CMAs – Catchment Management infrastructure throughout the region; councils, CoM, Authorities, SES – State Emergency Service provide facilities to enhance access while Western Ports maintaining the values that attracted b. develop a service-level hierarchy for WCB DELWP, VCC, PV Dec 2017 users to the site in the first place. visitation infrastructure; and Population pressures and increased c. document existing approaches to WCB DELWP, PV, Local Dec 2017 tourism visitation will increase the demand management (including councils, CoM importance of getting this balance right. parking fees, entrance fees, camping fees, leasing arrangements, licensing A regional approach will help to arrangements and the use of smart- identify where visitation is best directed phone apps to notify visitors to avoid and those areas that will need further congested areas). protection. 2. Identify priority areas for visitation demand management. In particular identify: The actions in this chapter will provide key information about existing a. resilient parts of the landscape where WCB Local councils, Dec 2018 infrastructure and assets that supports visitation can be encouraged; DELWP, CoM, PV, Tourism boards, visitation to the Western coast. They will Vicroads, TOs build collaboration and coordination b. vulnerable parts of the landscape where WCB Local councils, Dec 2018 between land and waterway managers, demand might be reduced by encouraging DELWP, CoM, PV, and help to share and learn from the visitors towards alternative sites; and Tourism boards, different experiences of each of those TOs, Vicroads managers. The level of service approach c. vulnerable parts of the landscape with WCB Local councils, Dec 2018 used in the Boating CAP will be used as sought after visitor experiences and DELWP, CoM, PV, a basis for assessing other visitation limited scope to reduce demand. Tourism boards, infrastructure. This work will be referred Vicroads, TOs to in developing a framework to guide 3. Develop a Visitation Demand Framework to WCB Local councils, Dec 2018 consistent local decisions, support guide local decisions, support investment DELWP, PV, user investment, explain to coastal users the and communicate with users. groups, CoM, long-term goals of managing access to Tourism boards the coast, and more effectively manage coastal values. It will guide decisions, target investment and help users in making choices about where to go on Outcomes: any given day. 1. Protection of natural and provision of built infrastructure which addresses functions and risks; 2. Matching recreation and tourism expectations with a level of service that addresses social, economic and environmental issues and opportunities; and 3. Sustainable public access for a range of recreation and tourism uses. Discovery Bay National Park. Photo: Parks Victoria BALANCED DECISION MAKING WESTERN REGIONAL 21 COASTAL PLAN

5 A REGIONAL APPROACH TO FORESHORE MANAGEMENT

5.1 Background N Coastal experiences involve the use and enjoyment of the hinterland, foreshore and marine environments. The foreshore Casterton provides the bridge between the hinterland and marine environments and is an important part of the coast to 0 20 40 plan and manage. The foreshore is also kilometers often a focus for use and visitation GLENELG pressures, for example, markets, Lismore sporting events and other activities. Dartmoor

Gl The Victorian foreshore is 96 per cent ene lg R MOYNE iver Public Reserve publicly owned. The majority of Victoria’s Mortlake Lake GEELONG Nelson Fit Committee of CORANGAMITE Corangamite zr k privately owned foreshore is in the oy iver e R e r Heywood Management r C e

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i i l Winchelsea Cre o e v r i on k e R v a s e Terang p e H r r d e r s m m e o v n y h u r public foreshore is managed by a variety i y D T Narrawong E R o eek Torquay w M Cr Marsha a u ll C Nelson Public Reserve h m r of groups including Parks Victoria, local S E e nt e Cape WARRNAMBOOL Mou k Committee of Surf Coast Anglesea councils, committees of management, Bridgewater Port Fairy Colac Management Shire Council Traditional Owners and port authorities. Portland Aireys Inlet r COLAC OTWAY Glenelg ive The different land managers in the MERRI MARINE s R ek Erskine ie re Riv DISCOVERY BAY d C er POINT ADDIS Shire Council SANCTUARY r k u r C w e MARINE region face very different demands. MARINE a iv S Peterborough h R a d a NATIONAL PARK n i Lorne NATIONAL

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o t er PARK Local councils often manage intensively T b G Point Danger Narrawong Port Campbell li eorge Riv l r e e G v Committee of Committee of i Wye River used urban foreshore areas. Other land R Kennett River m POINT Management Management Moyne Shire Council Princetown ver a Ri h managers, such as Parks Victoria, are e Skenesr Creek DANGER ir a A B MARINE responsible for extensive areas where Apollo Bay SANCTUARY City of Warrnambool use is more dispersed. FORESHORE MANAGER THE ARCHES EAGLE ROCK MARINE MARINE Parks Victoria is a major foreshore Parks Victoria SANCTUARY SANCTUARY Great Ocean Road Moyne Shire Council Coast Committee manager in the region; it manages Committee of Management TWELVE APOSTLES of Management MARINE NATIONAL PARK public land and waters of international, MARENGO REEF Local council MARINE national or state-wide environmental Peterborough SANCTUARY Otway Coast Committee of Committee of significance. It is also one of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Management Management managers in the region designated as Port authorities or local port manager Waterway Manager under the Marine MARINE PARK AND Safety Act 2010. Private/Freehold SANCTUARY MANAGER Where there are high levels of use, or Council boundary Parks Victoria Coastal waters there are some opportunities for the SOUTHERN OCEAN BASS STRAIT users of the foreshore to contribute to the cost of providing visitation infrastructure and services, a local council Figure 8 Indicative map of foreshore, marine park and sanctuary managers 22 WESTERN REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

development strategies) guide land-use Decisions about how to manage for the planning within designated ports. The variety of coastal values on the foreshore Case study – Bridgewater Bay Foreshore Master Plan amenity values offered by ports are also are made through the development of The foreshore reserve at Bridgewater Bay, 20km west of Portland, is managed recognised within regional growth plans. coastal management plans. A list of by Glenelg Shire Council. The 1 km long reserve has one of the most popular these developed in the Western coastal Foreshore managers have a number of beaches in the council area for leisure, recreation, tourism, wildlife and natural region are found in Appendix 3. tools to guide and support their decisions. coastal experiences, and is prized by the local community for its sense of A range of tools to implement these The foreshore is rich in coastal values; enclosure and remoteness. However, some of the natural values that attract decisions are also provided for in the community expectations for its people to the area are at risk from dune and foreshore erosion, loss of native Coastal Management Act 1995 and the management are set within the Victorian plants, weed invasion and possible ground water contamination. As well, the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 such as Coastal Strategy 2014 (on page 65). area lacks formal paths creating an unsafe mix of cars and pedestrians. consents, permits and regulations.23 One of the desired outcomes for that The Council worked with the community to develop the Master Plan for the strategy is for the built environment on Where there is high demand for use of reserve. The plan aims to protect the coastal character, water quality, wildlife foreshores to be confined to structures the foreshore – to the point where there habitat, recreational values and amenity of the beach environs, while allowing whose functionality depends on them is competition between potential users sustainable use of the area. It will guide development of the foreshore areas, in The foreshore looking being near the water – while also east at Logan’s Beach, – exclusive use may be provided to particular in improving access and safety along the foreshore. The Master Plan providing significant community benefit. Warrnambool. particular groups through private leasing proposes renewing the infrastructure at the reserve including: Photo: Troy Melville of buildings on the foreshore (including Surf lifesaving club lookout towers, – A foreshore promenade; camping grounds, marinas and cafes). marinas and boat sheds are examples Public land managers may also license of buildings whose functionality – Improved beach access; or a committee of management is particular uses at popular sites. depend on being near the water. generally responsible for managing the – Safer pedestrian and bicycle movement; Foreshore managers need to work with land. Along with the Department of The rent paid to lease or licence coastal the lessees of these buildings to ensure – Boat ramps catering for all abilities; Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Crown land represents a payment to that the siting and design of facilities – Better storm water management and waste water treatment; these groups can also be responsible the community for the private use of a do not increase coastal hazards or for the safety of boating activity as the publicly owned resource. By paying – Development of green space with planting of native vegetation; and reduce amenity for other users. designated waterway manager. rent, those receiving a private benefit – Upgraded visitor facilities. from the right to occupy and use Traditional Owners have a range of coastal foreshores make an appropriate In the long term, only one facility is needed for all of the coastal dependent pre-existing rights and responsibilities payment for that use. Further, rental uses on the foreshore. The plan proposes to consolidate the buildings to for their custodial land that have been payments are one of the only sources maximise the use of the limited space on the foreshore reserve. This will mean formally recognised through the Native of income available to foreshore amalgamating the Surf Lifesaving Club, café, public toilets and change rooms Title Act 1995 (Commonwealth) and the managers to meet the cost of into a multiple use facility. Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 managing and improving the land (Victoria). Their involvement in The vision is for Bridgewater Bay Foreshore Reserve to continue to support a under their control. decisions for coasts and sea country are range of sustainable recreational activities in a tranquil and natural setting. also formally recognised through A commonly used mechanism to set Visitors will be attracted by the largely undeveloped nature of the reserve, co-management arrangements, with rentals on Crown land is through a with modern, well maintained public facilities and beach patrols provided by Parks Victoria, for coastal parks.22 market valuation assessment the Portland Surf Life Saving Club. The Council also hopes to encourage conducted by a qualified valuer.24 For further local involvement to implement the plan through the committee of Commercial port authorities and local example, the Great Ocean Road Coastal management and possibly a Coastcare Group. ports authorities are responsible for Committee charges a commercially boating and shipping safety on public based fee for the ‘Nightjar Market’ at land and water. The Victorian Coastal Torquay, which hosts over 30,000 visitors Rock platforms attract Strategy 2014 and elements of the over four days in January. This is based many people. Victorian Planning Provisions (including on the Committee’s Major Event Policy. Photo: Great Ocean Road Clause 18.03 that lists port land use and Coast Committee BALANCED DECISION MAKING WESTERN REGIONAL 23 COASTAL PLAN

Deakin University 5.2 Working together revegetation works at Case study – Otway Eden The efforts and expertise offered by Rooneys Wetland. Photo: Coastcare project local foreshore managers, government agencies and volunteers, provides an The Otway Eden project is advantage in managing the values Clarifying the boundaries of coastal working on weed infestations associated with coastal land. reserves, including consistent across the Otway ranges, responsibilities related to tidal height, including the Anglesea Heath, The Department of Environment, Land, Great Otway National Park and Water and Planning is developing also helps to improve this co-operative management. Port Campbell National Park, guidelines for coastal management Otway Forest Park and other plans. These plans follow the Victorian Better integrated planning across larger Crown land reserves. Coastal Strategy 2014’s guiding adjacent areas of both public and concept of integrated coastal zone private land is very important. To that The project uses a local approach management; to promote collaborative end the objectives of the guidelines for that works with communities foreshore management across public developing coastal management plans and stakeholders to target the and private tenure. will be to: threat posed by weeds to high value habitat across a landscape Good management should not be – Improve strategic planning; without boundaries. bounded by land tenure; good – Support more consistent management means working across It is coordinated by Parks Victoria monitoring; land boundaries where it is sensible to and is successfully engaging do so. This can be achieved through – Strengthen local community private land holders, different collaborative partnerships across engagement; and public land managers (Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee, jurisdictions aimed at coordinating – Simplify coastal approvals. strategic approaches, planning and government departments) and management to address issues that Where coastal management plans the Corangamite Catchment occur beyond management boundaries. cover a larger area, local managers may Management Authority in Local councils, foreshore managers, wish to develop more detailed precinct targeting current, new and committees of management and ports or master plans for specific areas or sites. emerging weed species that can managers can work together to The Department of Environment, Land, impact natural systems along improve consistency in responses and Water and Planning has recently the coast. actions and achieve better outcomes identified the need for strong Support from community for the coast. For example, several local Gordon TAFE students Coastal managers at governance processes to ensure and ANGAIR the Western Coastal groups such as ANGAIR and the councils might agree to have consistent volunteers planting at and Marine Forum, community expectations of foreshore Southern Otway Landcare local laws about uncontrolled camping. Red Rocks. Warrnambool 2010. managers are met and these standards Network is critical in the Photo: Amanda May Photo: Steve Blackley, are maintained.25 outcomes delivered by the The Coastal Management Act 1995 Department provides for coastal management plans Environment, Land, This also identified that there is potential project. In particular, the on public land but good practice in the Water and Planning to strengthen coastal management by volunteer support in monitoring Western coastal region has seen the improving the governance, oversight has enabled the project to trial foreshore managers working with and support for committees of innovative methods for weed adjacent land holders and waterway management. treatment with great success. managers to manage coastal values together. 24 WESTERN REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

5.3 Key challenges and Chapter 5 – Foreshore Management Lead Partner Agents By When actions Actions 1 Prepare guidelines for the development of DELWP WCB, CoM, Local Dec 2015 A range of different organisations coastal management plans. councils, PV manage the coast. There are synergies 2. Develop a process that gets managers to DELWP WCB, Local June 2016 to be achieved by coordinating their work together where it is sensible for a councils, CoM, efforts across land boundaries. Many coastal management plan to be developed PV, Vicroads submissions about the draft Regional across multiple land and water managers. From this, local public land managers can Coastal Plan supported better put together precinct or master plans. integration of management across larger cohesive areas. 3. Work with Traditional Owners in preparing PV TOs, WCB, CMAs, 2020 multi park plans that include coastal areas. DELWP, Aus The Board will work with the Government Department of Environment, Land, 4. Ensure there are current coastal WCB DELWP, Local 2020 Water and Planning to ensure new Tyrendarra Beach management plans in place throughout councils, CoM guidelines for developing coastal Clean-up Project. the Western coastal region. management plans encourage land Photo: Jarred Obst, and water managers to collaborate Glenelg Hopkins Catchment wherever possible with their Management WCB – Western Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and communities to achieve the best Authority Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, outcomes for the coast. The guidelines VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State will also facilitate future revision of Emergency Service existing plans when needed. The Board Under the Coastal Management Act will also work with Traditional Owners 1995, coastal management plans apply to support them to develop plans to to public land on the coast. The better manage their land and sea development of the new marine and Outcomes: country, and to integrate that coastal act by the Department of 1. Improved efficiency and effectiveness of coastal management, including management with adjacent land and Environment, Land, Water and Planning better alignment with Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 and the Regional water managers. This will encourage provides an opportunity to explore Coastal Plan priorities; planning and management to cover issues, such as where and when coastal management plans should apply. 2. Improved governance, oversight and support for committees of cohesive areas of the coast with similar management; and issues and processes. It will guide local decisions while maintaining 3. Strong community engagement in planning for the coast. consistency and high standards of planning and management, and supporting future investment.

Looking west along the Shipwreck Coast. Photo: Corangamite Shire Council. BALANCED DECISION MAKING WESTERN REGIONAL 25 COASTAL PLAN

6 ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND INCREASED COASTAL HAZARDS

The coastline of the Port 6.1 Background Campbell National Park Key terms is constantly changing. As outlined in Section 3.2, climate change Photo: Marion Manifold is expected to cause significant changes – Coastal flooding - temporary to Western coastal and marine or permanent flooding of low-lying areas by ocean environments. Potential impacts on the development in close proximity to waters caused by high sea coast include loss of public land (including existing development). The floodplain level events, with or without beaches), damage to buildings and guidelines apply unless a council’s the impacts of rainfall in other infrastructure, changes in coastal adaptation planning makes specific coastal catchments and marine ecosystems, and alternative arrangements. destruction of cultural heritage. – Coastal erosion - short-term If we are to adapt, these impacts will retreat of sandy and soft rock need to be addressed at the appropriate shorelines and dunes as a Case study – Supporting scale and over different time periods. result of storm effects and local responses to adaptation climatic variations Increasing ocean temperatures and A key focus of the Victorian acidification are global scale impacts; – Coastal recession - progressive Government’s Adaptation Program they are being addressed through and ongoing retreat of the is to strengthen partnerships with international and national initiatives. shoreline local councils and to support them Some regional-scale impacts, such as – Coastal adaptation planning 6.2 Adaptation planning The Climate Change Adaptation in engaging communities to build changes to biodiversity, fire regimes - the process of Memorandum of Understanding climate resilience. The program and water supply, are being addressed to manage flooding understanding the physical between state and local government includes grants to deliver place- across broad landscapes by state and processes and community and erosion also identifies sea level rise as one of based responses. regional organisations. values that determine the agreed priority areas for clarification The primary causes of coastal inundation Currently the program is assisting This Regional Coastal Plan focuses on hazards, assessing risks and of responsibilities. and flooding are storm surges combining the collaboration led by: hazards that are unique to the coast identifying actions that will with high tides (especially storm-tides), The Government’s Future Coasts program – coastal flooding, erosion and increase resilience – Moyne Shire Council to build extreme wave events and, sometimes, produced guidelines, comprehensive long-term recession, driven by rising on the Port Fairy Local Coastal – Coastal Hazard - when coastal estuarine flooding. Erosion impacts are data sets and digital models to help sea levels. There is a clear need to Hazard Assessment to develop processes (flooding, erosion determined by tides, wave action, sea Victorians better understand the hazards improve regional and local planning for an Adaptation Plan; and recession) have a levels and geology. Rising sea levels, and plan for the risks associated with these issues, and this Plan outlines negative impact on life, resulting from climate change, will sea level rise and storm surge. It also – Colac-Otway Shire Council and significant improvements. property or other assets cause increased rates of erosion and worked with local councils to engage others to develop Phase 2 of more extensive flooding.14 their communities in investigating local Climate Resilient Communities – Risk - the effect of uncertainty needs and opportunities. of the Barwon South West; on objectives The Victorian Climate Change Adaptation Plan, released in 2013, sets out priorities The Victorian Government has established – Surf Coast Shire Council to (Derived from the Victorian long term sea level rise benchmarks and develop a Climate Risk and Coastal Hazard Guide 2012) for adaptation including partnering with local government and communities. floodplain management guidelines to Adaptation Plan; and inform local planning and development. The Victorian Government provided – Warrnambool City Council to The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 sets funding and support for local government do an Assets at Risk Register the policy for planning for an increase of adaptation planning and action, including and Adaptation Plan. a pilot mentoring initiative. not less than 0.8m by 2100 and 0.2m by 2040 for urban infill (which is new 26 WESTERN REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 Many adaptation responses are possible. Additional funding will be needed to envisages that increased threats from The relevance of each will vary from carry out detailed local coastal hazard Case study – Implementing coastal hazards will be strategically place to place. Broadly, risks can be: assessments and adaptation plans. This flood studies managed, on both public and private Plan provides the framework for state, – avoided, for example, by updating Glenelg Shire Council have land, through regional and local regional and local agencies to work planning schemes to implement recently amended flood planning adaptation planning. This involves the use together on attracting funding to carry state coastal planning policy; controls for Portland and of coastal hazard assessments to identify out this work. Narrawong in the Glenelg Planning areas of public and private land vulnerable – reduced through planned retreat Scheme, effectively implementing to inundation, erosion or recession, and (such as removing or relocating findings of flood studies that understanding how the community’s assets) or protection (such as sea Victorian Floodplain looked at coastal influences on the values in these areas are affected. This walls, beach renourishment or Management Strategy extent of flooding. informs the assessment of future risks improved building construction); and adaptive management responses. – shared, for example through In line with policy for inland The Glenelg Hopkins Catchment insurance and better information flooding, responses to mitigate Management Authority has sharing; or A storm surge washes coastal flooding may benefit from supported the Council to ensure over the Great Ocean the cost sharing arrangements communities have the best Case study – Ocean Drive, – transferred, for example by Road at Apollo Bay in outlined in the 2015 Revised Draft available information that accepting and living with the risk or May 2005. Port Fairy (Port Fairy Coastal Photo: Gary McPike Victorian Floodplain Management incorporates factors such as sea and Structure Plan) dealing with it through emergency Strategy.26 The Revised Draft level rise, rainfall intensity and responses. Strategy makes it plain that where Working with many agencies is storm surge as well as the more The map in Figure 9 shows the three adaptation plans specify that critical to achieving a good outcome Certain adaptation responses may be traditional river-based flood areas where coastal hazards have been mitigation infrastructure is required in planning for Ocean Drive, Port Fairy. triggered by observed changes in the factors. Achieving the optimum assessed (Narrawong towards Portland, for public benefit, then, in line with Overtopping of the low-lying dune environment (for example, increasing result that uses appropriate Port Fairy and the north eastern Otway government policy, local councils and Ocean Drive has occurred height of sea walls or relocating planning thresholds is difficult, coast). The 2010 assessment by the will contribute to the capital costs several times in the past during infrastructure when sea level reaches a considering the importance of Glenelg Shire Council of low lying areas in cost-sharing arrangements with heavy storms. predefined height, or when specific protecting property while areas are flooded with a certain between Portland and Narrawong was the Victorian and Commonwealth recognising the community value The beach and the road are frequency). This allows certain actions done before standardised coastal governments. The benefiting of this land. managed by Moyne Shire. hazard assessments were developed. communities will be responsible and investments to be postponed until The work has taken into account a Nonetheless, it provides important for the ongoing management and Through the Port Fairy West Structure risks in particular locations are more range of data to determine the information about the potential maintenance costs of this Plan many of these issues are being certain, to avoid costly over-reaction. appropriate flood levels to set, impacts from climate change and infrastructure. An assessment of discussed and prioritised for action Having the appropriate authorities including limited tidal information, adaptation options for the Council to the costs and benefits will among many stakeholders, engaging with the local community changes in rainfall intensity and use in working with the community to determine the priority of state including the Department of (the people directly affected by the risk anecdotal information from local determine the preferred adaptation government contributions. The Environment, Land, Water and and in the best position to manage it) is community members about response. Figure 9 also shows three total costs used in those Planning, Parks Victoria, Glenelg the best way to go about adaptation historical floods. areas where further detailed hazard assessments will take account of a Hopkins Catchment Management planning. Therefore much adaptation assessment and adaptation planning broad range of social, A similar approach has been Authority and Moyne Shire. planning needs to be led at the local are likely to be needed: Portland and environmental and economic undertaken by Moyne Shire by level, in close consultation with the A major outcome for the area is Warrnambool and their surrounds, and values associated with the coast, implementing the findings of the affected community, supported by all identifying options for those the Otway Coast between Kennett such as the value of beaches and 2008 Port Fairy Regional Flood levels of government. properties at risk and ways to River and Cape Otway (particularly the opportunity costs associated Study and the 2010/12 Addendum minimise any future coastal Apollo Bay). These areas have particularly with their potential loss. Reports on Sea Level Rise. hazard risk. significant natural or built assets that are vulnerable to coastal hazards. BALANCED DECISION MAKING WESTERN REGIONAL 27 COASTAL PLAN

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Sandy shores backed by soft/hard rock Vulnerable locations where coastal hazard assessments have occurred Soft rock shores Vulnerable locations which would bene t from Hard rock shores coastal hazard assessment because of - Low lying area with potential for inundation • high social, economic and environmental assets • low lying areas subject to inundation 0 20 40 Built up areas • vulnerable coastal profile kilometres

Figure 9 Map indicating areas for hazard assessment and adaptation planning (based on coastal instability and low lying areas) DISCLAIMER: TheSOUTHERN data used in OCEAN this map is fromBASS the Victorian STRAIT 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. 28 WESTERN REGIONAL BALANCED DECISION MAKING COASTAL PLAN

6.3 Port Fairy and 6.4 Key challenges and Chapter 6 – Flooding and Erosion Actions Lead Partner Agents By When Barwon South West actions 1. Develop a systematic approach to prioritise DELWP WCB, Local Dec 2016 areas for detailed coastal hazard councils, CMAs, PV Coast key projects The Department of Environment, Land, assessments and adaptation planning. Water and Planning will work on a Coastal adaptation planning is already 2. Refine methodologies for conducting DELWP CMAs, WCB, Dec 2016 systematic regional approach to underway in Victoria through state detailed coastal hazard assessments and Local councils prioritise areas for more detailed hazard integrating flood studies in coastal areas to government, councils and catchment assessment, where adaptation planning identify high risk areas. management authorities. For example, would be beneficial. Priorities will be set the Port Fairy Local Coastal Hazard 3. Refine methodologies for local adaptation DELWP WCB, Local Dec 2017 in partnership with local councils and planning, including addressing barriers to councils, RDV, Assessment analysed the coastline from catchment management authorities, practical local adaptation action. CMAs, SES, PV Cape Reamur to Cape Killarney and who are also working on regional 4. Continue, or undertake new, detailed Local DELWP, WCB, Dec 2018 . The large number of prioritisation of riverine and estuarine coastal hazard assessments and adaptation Councils RDV, CMAs, PV private properties and public buildings flood studies. planning, particularly for the priority areas at risk makes it clear that adaptation A storm surge erodes the identified in 1. Local councils and catchment planning is needed. Moyne Shire dune at Warrnambool 5. Implement identified adaptation responses Local CMAs, DELWP, 2020 Council is working with the local management authorities will then need during storm seas in through local decisions, for example updating councils PV, SES, CoM community to prepare the Port Fairy to work in partnership with June 2014. Photo: Jarred Obst, local planning schemes, coastal management Adaptation Plan which details Commonwealth and Victorian Glenelg Hopkins plans and emergency plans, and prioritising adaptation options that are informed government agencies to attract funding Catchment Management future works. by community values and preferences. for hazard assessments, flood studies and Authority adaptation planning in priority areas. The Climate Resilient Communities of Community engagement to understand the Barwon South West project is a values and preferences is essential at to guide decisions about climate Outcomes: collaboration between a range of 27 each stage of adaptation planning. change adaptation for these areas. regional bodies including ten local 1. Findings from local coastal hazard assessments are applied locally to The Board will encourage continual councils, the Western Coastal Board and The results of these hazard assessments address hazards; improvement in adaptation planning, the Department of Environment, Land, and flood studies, once they are and the practices and methodologies 2. Areas at high risk are identified and adaptation responses are included in Water and Planning. It provides a developed in consultation with that support it, in the light of new data local planning schemes, coastal management plans, and emergency snapshot of climate risks, levels of affected communities, should be and knowledge about emerging risks. management plans; preparedness and adaptation priorities incorporated into formal instruments, This will progressively improve the for the partner organisations in the such as planning schemes, building 3. The full range of options for adapting to flooding and erosion risks to focus and rigour of the technical work region. A priority outcome is for each controls, local emergency plans and public and private land are properly considered (including benefits and needed to inform adaption planning council to prepare an adaptation plan adaptation strategies. costs) and reflected in local decisions; and help to make the management in 2015 and 2016 to respond to and 4. The community has a shared understanding of erosion and flooding risks There is a need to build reliable data products from technical assessments manage identified risks. and adaptive management responses; and sets to assess erosion risks in coastal more effective in specific situations. Phase 2 of the project looked at options hazard assessments. As well, better 5. Western region coastal communities are resilient to coastal hazards. to mitigate key risks to councils. For understanding of social and economic example, the Great Ocean Road values will support more holistic Resilience project focussed on the assessments of both risks and adaptation potential problems associated with the options. For example, recent work by WCB – Western Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and low-lying section of road between the Western Coastal Board improved Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State Apollo Bay and Marengo. the understanding of the social and Emergency Service, RDV – Regional Development Victoria economic values of coastal caravan and camping parks and provided a framework IMPLEMENTATION WESTERN REGIONAL 29 COASTAL PLAN

7 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES CARING FOR THE COAST

7.1 Background Case study – Peek Whurrong Coastcare Victoria’s volunteers and community Deen Maar is on the south-west coast of Victoria, near the community of groups make invaluable contributions Yambuk. It was declared an Indigenous Protected Area as part of the National to coastal management; they help to Reserve System in 1999. This land is of special spiritual significance to local protect coastal values and in so doing Aboriginal people and has spiritual and visual connection with Deen Maar they raise broader community (formerly Lady Julia Percy Island) where Bunjil, the Creator, left this world. This appreciation of those values. land and its story are connected to Gariwerd (the Grampians National Park). Volunteer groups and individuals give There has been much work done to manage the sensitive coastal and river generously of their time, knowledge zones of the 453 hectare property of rolling sand dunes, limestone ridges, and energy to deliver on-ground river, lake and wetlands. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal land management projects that contribute to our techniques are being used and this is an exciting approach to caring for knowledge, improve environmental country: using the best current technology alongside generations of wisdom outcomes and make a difference to from the traditional custodians of the land. local communities.28 The Board values the work of volunteers and will work One project of importance is the Basin Midden Protection Project near with them where possible to provide Killarney, which consisted of on-ground restoration works to stabilise dunes them with positive and rewarding Community groups have an and protect surface material from wind erosion. This involved refurbishing an experiences. This includes facilitating important role measuring existing wire fence, incorporating jute logs and installing brush fence panels to is central to Victoria’s model of coastal changes – Sea Search input into statewide and regional management. The Board is committed to surveys at Eagle Rock the western end of the area. The perimeter fence was also reinstated. strategies, as well as local plans. enabling and nurturing active community Marine Sanctuary A specialised contractor led these works with volunteer support from local Photo: Parks Victoria Aboriginal communities and Coastcare. Community awareness and education involvement in managing the coast. about our coastal and marine areas is There are opportunities for local essential to improve our understanding landholders and community groups to develop monitoring guidelines to improve of community values. Programs such as work with the Victorian Government to the comparability of data collected.29 Traditional owners Summer by the Sea foster volunteer work to record and protect community coastal values. Community groups in the Western protect sensitive community groups and coastal Local public land managers throughout coastal region are keen to learn from cultural sites like this management agencies to share their coastal midden. the Western coastal region provide Traditional Owners in the region and expertise and local experience with Photo: Coastcare incentives and grants to engage the should be supported to work on joint residents and visitors over summer. wider public and involve them in work coastal projects with them. User groups such as Victorian Surf to protect coastal values. One area of Opportunities to raise the cultural Lifesavers, angling groups and boating community action that has proven awareness of coastal communities groups are also involved in building popular is monitoring of beaches. should be pursued. Involving the community understanding of the coast. Citizen science is important for broader Indigenous community of Community involvement in ‘hands-on’ monitoring and gathering better Victoria can also help build better management (for example as part of a information for ongoing management. coastal projects that involve all regional community group, Coastcare or Landcare In line with the Coastcare Strategy communities. group) and in planning and decision- 2011-2015, there is an opportunity for It is important to provide clarity about making (for example as a member of a organisations such as Coastcare to the roles, responsibilities and expectations committee of management, Regional promote the use of local community data for all regional agencies involved in Coastal Board or Victorian Coastal Council) by coastal planners and managers and 30 WESTERN REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION COASTAL PLAN

managing the coast – especially where Chapter 7 – Community Support Actions Lead Partner Agents By When operating boundaries overlap. The Board will work to clarify regional roles 1. Work with partner organisations to organise: and responsibilities and ensure that important initiatives are not delayed. a. biennial regional coastal conferences; WCB DELWP, CMAs, Dec 2016 and Local councils, The Board also has a role in providing TOs, CoM, PV opportunities for networking and b. regular information sharing events. WCB CMAs, Local ongoing knowledge exchange between different councils, DELWP, groups and agencies. Our coastal CoM, PV communities continue to change, and there is an ongoing need to support 2. Work with statewide groups and programs information sharing to make the most to: of our coastal management experience a. support all volunteers to collect data DELWP WCB, VCC, CMAs, ongoing and promote innovation. The capacity about the coast to inform local decision Local councils, making CoM of planners and managers in the region is a key influence on the management b. support community groups to better DELWP WCB, TOs, CMAs, ongoing of the coast. The Board will contribute link with Traditional Owners to work on PV joint coastal projects; and to building the capacity of all Learning about the organisations involved in integrated marine environment c. support education programs, such as DELWP PV, WCB, CMAs ongoing as part of Parks coastal zone management, and ‘Summer by the Sea’, to improve Victoria’s Summer by understanding and awareness of coastal networking and knowledge exchange the Sea program at values and management. between different groups and agencies. Warrnambool. Photo: Parks Victoria 3. Promote and support the work done by all WCB PV, CMAs, Local ongoing There is a need to maximise our efforts local coastal and marine community councils, DELWP to support and encourage community groups, including Reefwatch, Seasearch, involvement on the coast. For example 7.2 Actions Fishcare and EstuaryWatch. programs that provide resources specifically for the involvement of The actions in this chapter recognise volunteers (e.g. Reefwatch, Fishcare, the broad range of groups contributing Seasearch and EstuaryWatch) are to the protection, management and Outcomes: important and should continue to be monitoring of our coast. They aim to 1. Community organisations working on the coast understand and are resourced. build the capacity of individuals, Volunteer divers enter community organisations and engaged in the delivery of outcomes of the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 Future processes to appoint the Regional the water at Apollo managers by providing support and and the Regional Coastal Plan; Coastal Board and any coastal committees Bay Harbour to building networks to encourage 2. Information from citizen science projects about coastal values and of management should continue to strive remove the invasive pest Japanese kelp learning. 30 pressures is utilised by coastal land and water managers; and to recruit a diverse range of people. (Undaria sp). Factors such as gender and disability, as Photo: Parks Victoria 3. The broader community develops greater appreciation of coastal issues well as Indigenous, cultural and and is encouraged to be active in protecting coastal values. linguistically diverse representation should be considered. Also, even though Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners already have many interests and WCB – Western Coastal Board, DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and roles in coastal management, they should Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – Committees of Management, TOs – Traditional Owners, VCC – Victorian Coastal Council, CMAs – Catchment Management Authorities, SES – State also be encouraged to be involved in Emergency Service this work. IMPLEMENTATION WESTERN REGIONAL 31 COASTAL PLAN

8 MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Monitoring, evaluating and reporting Chapter 4 – Visitation Actions Lead Partner Agents By When Chapter 5 – Foreshore Management Lead Partner Agents By When on the condition of the coast and the Actions implementation of actions is fundamental 1. Work with public land managers and waterway managers to: 1 Prepare guidelines for the development of DELWP WCB, CoM, Local Dec 2015 to efficiently and effectively protect and coastal management plans. councils, PV enhance coastal values. The Victorian a. map and categorise visitation DELWP WCB, PV, Local Dec 2017 Coastal Council in partnership with the infrastructure throughout the region; councils, CoM, 2. Develop a process that gets managers to DELWP WCB, Local June 2016 Western Ports work together where it is sensible for a councils, CoM, Western Coastal Board and other coastal management plan to be developed PV, Vicroads agencies will develop a state framework b. develop a service-level hierarchy for WCB DELWP, VCC, PV Dec 2017 across multiple land and water managers. visitation infrastructure; and to monitor the condition of Victoria’s From this, local public land managers can coast and the delivery of actions set out c. document existing approaches to WCB DELWP, PV, Local Dec 2017 put together precinct or master plans. in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014, demand management (including councils, CoM 3. Work with Traditional Owners in preparing PV TOs, WCB, CMAs, 2020 parking fees, entrance fees, camping regional coastal plans and coastal multi park plans that include coastal areas. DELWP, Aus fees, leasing arrangements, licensing Government management plans. arrangements and the use of smart- Evaluation of the condition of the phone apps to notify visitors to avoid 4. Ensure there are current coastal WCB DELWP, Local 2020 congested areas). Western coastal region’s values is management plans in place throughout councils, CoM the Western coastal region. undertaken by a number of agencies, 2. Identify priority areas for visitation demand including the catchment management management. In particular identify: authorities, Parks Victoria, committees of a. resilient parts of the landscape where WCB Local councils, Dec 2018 management and local government. visitation can be encouraged; DELWP, CoM, PV, Chapter 6 – Flooding and Erosion Actions Lead Partner Agents By When Tourism boards, Results are publicly reported, in Vicroads, TOs 1. Develop a systematic approach to prioritise DELWP WCB, Local Dec 2016 documents such as the Index of Stream areas for detailed coastal hazard councils, CMAs, PV Condition and the Index of Estuary b. vulnerable parts of the landscape where WCB Local councils, Dec 2018 assessments and adaptation planning. demand might be reduced by encouraging DELWP, CoM, PV, Condition. visitors towards alternative sites; and Tourism boards, 2. Refine methodologies for conducting DELWP CMAs, WCB, Dec 2016 The accountabilities and timelines for TOs, Vicroads detailed coastal hazard assessments and Local councils integrating flood studies in coastal areas to the delivery of the actions set out in the c. vulnerable parts of the landscape with WCB Local councils, Dec 2018 identify high risk areas. following tables provides the basis for sought after visitor experiences and DELWP, CoM, PV, 3. Refine methodologies for local adaptation DELWP WCB, Local Dec 2017 reporting on the implementation of this limited scope to reduce demand. Tourism boards, Vicroads, TOs planning, including addressing barriers to councils, RDV, Plan. The Board will report annually to practical local adaptation action. CMAs, SES, PV the Victorian Coastal Council on 3. Develop a Visitation Demand Framework to WCB Local councils, Dec 2018 4. Continue, or undertake new, detailed Local DELWP, WCB, Dec 2018 progress and this Plan will be reviewed guide local decisions, support investment DELWP, PV, user and communicate with users. groups, CoM, coastal hazard assessments and adaptation Councils RDV, CMAs, PV in 2020. Tourism boards planning, particularly for the priority areas There is much existing information identified in 1. about the condition of the coastal 5. Implement identified adaptation responses Local CMAs, DELWP, 2020 values of the region and the processes The Board will prepare an WCB – Western Coastal Board, DELWP – through local decisions, for example updating councils PV, SES, CoM local planning schemes, coastal management and pressures that affect them. More implementation plan for these actions Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, PV – Parks Victoria, CoM – plans and emergency plans, and prioritising information is needed though to better within six months of the Regional future works. understand those values, the processes Committees of Management, TOs – Coastal Plan being endorsed by the Traditional Owners, VCC – Victorian Coastal and the pressures so that we can adapt Minister. Council, CMAs – Catchment Management to the dynamic physical, biological and Authorities, SES – State Emergency Service, social nature of the coast, and protect RDV – Regional Development Victoria coastal values. 32 WESTERN REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION COASTAL PLAN

9 REFERENCES Chapter 7 – Community Support Actions Lead Partner Agents By When 1. Work with partner organisations to organise: Chapter 2 Coastal values 12 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Chapter 4 Managing regional a. biennial regional coastal conferences; WCB DELWP, CMAs, Dec 2016 1 Corangamite CMA (2009) Marine (2011). Census of Population and visitation pressures and and Local councils, and Coastal Biodiversity Strategy (in Housing 2006 and 2011. Accessed maximising access TOs, CoM, PV via profile.id.com.au partnership with the Western 20 Victorian Coastal Council (2007) A b. regular information sharing events. WCB CMAs, Local ongoing Coastal Board) 13 Department of Transport, Planning Levels of Service Framework for the councils, DELWP, 2 Corangamite CMA (2014) Regional and Local Infrastructure (2014) Great Coast CoM, PV South Coast Regional Growth Plan Waterway Strategy 21 Victorian Coastal Council (1998) 2. Work with statewide groups and programs 3 to: Glenelg Hopkins CMA (2014) Chapter 3 The dynamics of the Siting and Design Guidelines for the Regional Waterway Strategy coast Victorian Coast a. support all volunteers to collect data DELWP WCB, VCC, CMAs, ongoing about the coast to inform local decision Local councils, 4 Bird, E.C.F. (1993) The Coast of 14 Department of Sustainability and Chapter 5 A regional approach making; CoM Victoria: The shaping of scenery. Environment (2012) Victorian to foreshore management b. support community groups to better DELWP WCB, TOs, CMAs, ongoing Melbourne University Press Coastal Hazard Guide 22 Parks Victoria, Gunditj Mirring link with Traditional Owners to work on PV 5 15 joint coastal projects; and Gunditjmara people (2010) The Department of Sustainability and Traditional Owners Aboriginal People of Budj Bim. Engineers of Environment (2012) Victorian Corporation and Winda Mara c. support education programs, such as DELWP PV, WCB, CMAs ongoing aquaculture, builders of stone Climate Change Adaptation Plan ‘Summer by the Sea’, to improve Aboriginal Corporation (2013) Draft understanding and awareness of coastal house settlements and warriors 16 Department of Transport, Planning Ngootyoong Gunditj Ngootyoong values and management. defending country and Local Infrastructure (2014) Mara South West Management Plan 3. Promote and support the work done by all WCB PV, CMAs, Local ongoing 6 www.dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/ Victoria in Future 23 Department of Environment and local coastal and marine community councils, DELWP aboriginal-affairs/aboriginal-affairs- 17 Department of Transport, Planning Primary Industries (2011) groups, including Reefwatch, Seasearch, overview/25-aboriginal-affairs/452- Fishcare and EstuaryWatch. and Local Infrastructure (2011) Committees of Management aboriginalheritage-planning-tool Towns in Time 1981-2011 Responsibilities and Good Practice 7 Guidelines Department of Transport, Planning 18 Sea Change Taskforce (2013). Time It is also important to monitor the constrained over the next few years and Local Infrastructure (2014) Great and tide: moving towards an 24 Department of Sustainability and condition and pressures on coastal given the current economic conditions. South Coast Regional Growth Plan understanding of temporal Environment (2010) Leasing Policy values so that we can be confident that Therefore this Plan has been designed 8 Victorian Coastal Council (2012) population changes in coastal for Crown Land in Victoria we are maintaining or improving them. to set realistic expectations about what Coastal and Marine Environment Australia 25 Victorian Auditor General’s Office The state governments’ recently can be delivered and by when. The Community Attitudes & Behaviour 19 Australian Government (2011) Great (2014) Oversight and Accountability proposed five-yearly State of the Bays Board anticipates that some of the key 9 Ocean Road World Class Tourism of Committees of Management report to monitor the health of coasts, actions can be delivered within existing Regional Development Australia Investment Study bays and waterways throughout budgets of management agencies. (2012) Great Ocean Road Victoria will help build evidence about However additional funding will be Destination Management Plan the success of this plan. needed to carry out further planning and 10 Regional Development Victoria The monitoring evaluation and management steps such as detailed (2012) Great South Coast Regional reporting actions set out in this Plan coastal hazard studies, and adaptation Strategic Plan focus on evaluating our progress in plans. Over the next five years the Plan 11 AEC Group (2014) Economic Value implementing the Plan. provides the framework for state, of the Surf Industry to Surf Coast regional and local agencies to work Shire 2014 The budgets of coastal management together on attracting funding to carry agencies at state, regional and local out these additional pieces of work. levels are expected to remain highly APPENDICES WESTERN REGIONAL 33 COASTAL PLAN

APPENDICES

Chapter 6 Regional-scale Appendix 1 – Coastal planning for coastal flooding management and Coastal management Coastal planning and erosion Coastal Management Act 1995 Planning and Environment Act 1987 26 Department of Environment and planning connections Primary Industries (2014) Draft in Victoria (from Victorian Coastal Strategy Victoria Planning Provisions Victorian Floodplain Management Victorian Coastal (Private and public land) (Private and public land) Strategy Strategy 2014, page 7) • State-wide vision Standard provisions for use and 27 Western Coastal Board (2012) The • Policies and actions development of coastal land Value and Equity Adaptation • Guidance for Regional Coastal Plans • Environmental and landscape values STATE • Roles and responsibilities (coasts, coastal Crown land, coastal Framework for Climate Adaptation: tourism, bays, waterways) Coastal caravan and camping parks • Environmental risks (coastal case study inundation, erosion) • Controls on development Chapter 7 Supporting communities caring for the coast Regional Coastal Plans Regional Growth Plans (Private and public land) (Private and public land 28 Victorian EPA (2012) Environmental in designated area) Citizenship Strategy • Regional vision • Regional issues, threats and gaps • Strategic land use and infrastructure 29 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2011- • Agreed integrated strategic directions directions 2015 (2011) • Support for place based management • Direction for accommodating growth • Coastal hazards • Issues and challenges 30 Victorian Government (ongoing) REGIONAL Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines for Victorian Government Coastal Management Plans Municipal Planning Schemes boards, Statutory Bodies and (Public land) (Private and public land) Advisory Committees • Vision for coastal reserve • Municipal strategic statement • 3 year business plan with actions • Local plans and policies

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

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

SITE • Master plans to guide developments on coastal reserves • Operational plans • Budgets etc. 34 WESTERN REGIONAL APPENDICES COASTAL PLAN

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

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

Western Regional Coastal Plan Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 Chapter Action Issue Key Issues (i) VCS Desired Outcome (page) 2 The Board will support and work with relevant organisations to improve the 2 1.1 Valuing the coast - intrinsic characteristics valued, environment values recognised understanding appreciation and protection of the coastal values in the Western (33) region. 1.2 and 1.3 Marine environments (35), wetlands and estuaries (38) - planning and management of coastal waters, estuaries wetlands, onshore environments 3 The Board will support actions in the regional catchment and waterway strategies that 2 1.1 Valuing the coast - intrinsic characteristics valued, environment values recognised aim to improve the condition of coastal values, particularly to improve water quality in (33) estuaries, embayments and coastal waters. 1.5 Catchments and water quality - better planning/management framework and collaboration (43) 4 1 Work with public land managers and waterway managers to: 1, 3 1.4 Onshore environments - access/use in onshore environments well managed (41) a. map and categorise visitation infrastructure throughout the region; 3.2 Visitation and tourism - diverse visitation in suitable areas, capacity guides service b. develop a service-level hierarchy for visitation infrastructure; and level (68) c. document existing approaches to demand management. 3.3 Access to the coast - access minimises risk (70) 3.4 Boating and water-based activities - sustainable network of facilities, balance 2 a-c Identify priority areas for visitation demand management: resilient areas, vulnerable 1, 2, 3 access and environment (72) areas to reduce demand, and vulnerable areas with limited scope to reduce demand. 3 Develop a Visitation Demand Framework to guide local decisions, support investment 1, 3 and communicate with users. APPENDICES WESTERN REGIONAL 35 COASTAL PLAN

Western Regional Coastal Plan Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 Chapter Action Issue Key Issues (i) VCS Desired Outcome (page) 5 1 Prepare guidelines for developing coastal management plans. 3, 5 1.5 Catchments and water quality - better planning/management framework and collaboration (43) 3.1 Coastal buildings, infrastructure and management - building and infrastructure planning across boundaries (65) 2 Develop a process to get managers to work together where it is sensible for a coastal 3 1.5 Catchments and water quality - better planning/management framework and management plan to be developed across multiple land and water managers. collaboration (43) 3.1 Coastal buildings, infrastructure and management - building and infrastructure planning across boundaries (65) 3 Work with Traditional Owners in preparing multi park plans that include coastal areas. 3, 5 1.6 Heritage - TO role (46) 4 Ensure there are current coastal management plans in place throughout the region. 3 1.5 Catchments and water quality - better planning/management framework and collaboration (43) 6 1 Develop a systematic approach to prioritise areas for detailed coastal hazard 2 2.1 Coastal hazards and processes - understand vulnerable areas , development siting assessments and adaptation planning. (49) 2 Refine methodologies for conducting detailed coastal hazard assessments and 2, 3 integrating flood studies in coastal areas to identify high risk areas. 3 Refine methodologies for local adaptation planning, including addressing barriers to 2, 3 practical local adaptation action. 4 Continue, or undertake new, detailed coastal hazard assessments and adaptation 2, 3 planning, particularly for the priority areas identified in 1. 5 Implement identified adaptation responses through local decisions, for example 2, 3 2.1 Coastal hazards and processes - development siting (49) updating local planning schemes, coastal management plans and emergency plans, 2.2 Coastal settlements - growth to suitable areas (54) and prioritising future works. 7 1 a, b Work with partner organisations to organise biennial regional coastal conferences and 2.4 Research and knowledge sharing - information exchange (60) regular information sharing events. 2.5 Community participation - community participation with best information (62) 2 Work with statewide groups and programs to: 2.4 Research and knowledge sharing – monitoring (60) a. support all volunteers to collect data about the coast to inform local decision- 2.5 Community participation - communities supported (62) making; b. support community groups to better link with Traditional Owners to work on joint 1.6 Heritage – Traditional Owner role (46) coastal projects; and c. support education programs, such as ‘Summer by the Sea’, to improve 1.1 Valuing the coast - intrinsic characteristics valued, environment values recognised understanding and awareness of coastal values and management. (33) 2.5 Community participation - communities supported (62) 3 Promote and support the work done by all local coastal and marine community 2.5 Community participation - value coast, communities participate and supported groups. (62) 36 WESTERN REGIONAL APPENDICES COASTAL PLAN

Appendix 3 – Western coastal region’s coastal and marine plans

Many organisations with land and water the Victorian Coastal Strategy and management responsibilities have Coastal Action Plans and a wide range developed local and regional plans with of other state, regional and local strategic direct and indirect implications for the plans. The key planning documents can coast. These plans seek to implement be found in the following tables.

1. Coastal action plans and coastal management plans under the 2. Park management plans developed by Parks Victoria Coastal Management Act 1995

Organisation Plan Park reserves with park management plans Great Ocean Road Coast Committee of Coastal Management Plan 2013 Bay of Islands Coastal Park (Port Campbell National Park) Management Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve (Discovery Bay Parks Marine Park) Otway Coast Committee of Management Otway Coast Committee Coastal Management Plan 2013 Cape Nelson State Park (Discovery Bay Parks Marine Park) Warrnambool City Council Warrnambool City Council Coastal Cape Otway Cemetery (Port Campbell National Park) Management Plan 2013 Reserve (Great Otway National Park) Western Coastal Board Lorne Coastal Action Plan 1998 Discovery Bay Coastal Park (Discovery Bay Parks Marine Park) Western Coastal Board Anglesea Coastal Action Plan 1999 Discovery Bay Marine National Park Western Coastal Board Warrnambool Coastal Action Plan 1999 Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary (Point Addis Marine National Park) Western Coastal Board and Moyne Shire Moyne Coastal Action Plan 2001 Great Otway National Park Council Loch Ard Cemetery (Port Campbell National Park) Western Coastal Board and Colac Otway Skenes Creek to Marengo Coastal Action Plan Shire Council 2002 Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary Western Coastal Board and Glenelg Shire Glenelg Coastal Action Plan 2004 Merri Marine Sanctuary Council Point Addis Marine National Park Western Coastal Board South West Victoria Estuaries Coastal Action Point Danger Marine Sanctuary (Point Addis Marine National Park) Plan 2002 Port Campbell National Park Western Coastal Board South West Victoria Regional Coastal Action Plan 2002 The Arches Marine Sanctuary (Twelve Apostles Marine National Park) Western Coastal Board Central West Victoria Regional Coastal Action Twelve Apostles Marine National Park Plan 2003 Western Coastal Board Central West Victoria Estuaries Coastal Action Plan 2005 Western Coastal Board Western Victoria Boating Coastal Action Plan 2010

Hiking on the Great Ocean Walk Photo: Mark Watson, Tourism Victoria APPENDICES WESTERN REGIONAL 37 COASTAL PLAN

3. Other coastal plans

Organisation Strategy/Plan Gunditjmara Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria and DELWP Ngootyoong Gunditj Ngootyoong Mara - Healthy Country Healthy People - South West Management Plan (2014) Framlingham Aboriginal Trust and Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation Kooyang Sea Country Corangamite CMA Aire Estuary Management Plan Corangamite Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Strategy (in partnership with the Western Coastal Board) Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy 2014 Corangamite Regional Waterway Strategy 2014 Gellibrand Estuary Management plan Revised Estuary Management Plan 2012-2020 Glenelg Hopkins CMA Implications of Future Climate for Victoria’s Marine Environment (Klemke J. & Arundel H., ed) Fitzroy Estuary Management Plan Glenelg Hopkins Regional Waterway Strategy 2014 Estuary Management Plan Glenelg Hopkins Regional Catchment Strategy 2014 Hopkins River Estuary Management Plan Merri Estuary Management Plan Surry Estuary Management Plan Surry River Flood Study Yambuk Lake Estuary Management Plan Glenelg Hopkins CMA and Moyne Shire Council Flood Study for Port Fairy Moyne Shire Council Port Fairy Local Coastal Hazard Assessment Colac Otway Shire Council Apollo Bay Harbour Master Plan Surf Coast Shire Council Bells Beach Surfing Reserve Coastal Management Plan & Master Plan 2012 Department of Primary Industries Corangamite Fishery Management Plan Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan Portland Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves Management Plan Great Ocean Road Coast Committee of Management Lorne Caravan Parks Master Plan Lorne Foreshore Master Plan Queens Park Master Plan Point Grey Precinct Plan Torquay Foreshore Master Plan Otway Coast Committee of Management Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Master Plan Warrnambool City Council Levy’s Point Coastal Reserve Management Plan Others Draft Shipwreck Coast Master Plan VicRoads Great Ocean Road Management Strategy DELWP – Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, CMAs – Catchment Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Master Plan Management Authorities 38 WESTERN REGIONAL APPENDICES COASTAL PLAN

Appendix 4 – Priority recommendations from the Review of Coastal Action Plans in Victoria’s Western Coastal Region (2012)

Priority Recommendations from the Western Coastal Board’s 2012 Review of local Coastal Action Plans Incorporated into Western Regional Coastal Plan 7 a. Regional and local stakeholders should determine which elements of Local CAPs are outstanding and relevant in consultation with the Board, and identify a All of the Regional Coastal Plan, particularly Chapter 4 – Managing suitable translation of strategic directions and actions into regional and local coastal planning mechanisms. regional population and tourism pressures (actions). b. The development of revised Regional CAPs should consider the inclusion of a dedicated municipal section to ensure the consideration of both VCS and Chapter 5 – A regional approach to foreshore management (map regional issues, and provide improved guidance for the development of CMPs. and actions). 10 The process to revise Regional CAPs should: Process for developing Regional Coastal Plan included: a. Consider the inclusion of a scoping study which examines the matters to be addressed by future Regional CAPs and linkages to other strategic planning • Scoping phase that included stakeholder meetings and mechanisms. submission process; b. Be aligned with the VCS 2008 mid-term review and the development of the VCS 2013. • Alignment with Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014; and c. Ensure adequate capacity is available within the Board and key partners to facilitate the implementation of Regional CAPs once they are developed. • Consultation with partners and the community 13 Retain the planning framework and guidance provided by Estuaries CAPs to support the development of management planning approaches for outstanding and Victorian Waterway Strategy and Regional Waterway Strategies minor estuaries until the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy (formerly VSHREW) is developed and Regional Catchment Strategies and their supporting have been released. Estuary Plans have also been released. strategies are revised. Regional Catchment Strategies were revised in 2013 and 2014. 14 a. Retain Regional CAPs as a central component of the coastal planning framework and refine them to deliver ICZM at a regional and sub-regional scale. Regional Coastal Plan identified within the Victorian Coastal b. Key stakeholders should work together to improve and clarify linkages between CAPs and the VCS. Strategy 2014 in complementary role in guiding coastal decision makers. 16 a. Linkages between CAPs, CMPs and the Act consent process should be clarified and enhanced by key stakeholders to deliver ICZM and the objectives of the Act. Chapter 5 – A regional approach to foreshore management (map b. DSE should consider funding the preparation of CMPs to ensure that local levels of prescription are not lost. and actions). c. Relevant strategic directions and actions in Local CAPs should be incorporated into CMPs following the development of a second generation of CAPs. Chapter 7 – Supporting communities caring for the coast (description and actions). 20 a. Regional CAPs should be revised to provide subregional guidance for the development of coastal Crown land management plans (CMPs) and improved Chapter 5 – A regional approach to foreshore management (map linkages between the VCS, CAPs and CMPs. and actions). b. DSE and key stakeholders should continue to improve the level of support for the development of CMPs. 28 a. The Board should work with Government, VCC, other RCBs and DSE to ensure that coordination, implementation and advocacy activities for future CAPs are The Regional Coastal Plan outlines the approach for the adequately resourced. co-ordination of activities, including the Western Coastal Board’s b. Improve capacity for the Board to drive and facilitate CAP implementation throughout the duration of CAP program delivery. involvement in supporting the implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy (Chapter 8 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting). The Surfing Beach, Torquay, Victoria. c1920-1954 Rose Stereograph Co. www.wcb.vic.gov.au