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Prepared by Margie Morrice with assistance from the Central West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program Steering Committee and Christine Barnes for:

Borough of Queenscliffe

City of Greater Geelong

Surf Coast Shire

Colac Otway Shire

Western Coastal Board

Department of Sustainability and Environment

Parks Victoria

National Oceans Office

Design by: Kathryn Junor

Cover Photographs by: Ingrid Makowski ( Coast Action/Coastcare photo competition finalist), Margie Morrice

Other Photographs: Margie Morrice, Tony Leishman (Coast Action/Coastcare photo competition finalist), Jon Breedveld, Jeanette Spittle, Donna Groves

General Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Printed on recycled paper

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Acknowledgments The development of this CAP has involved the collective effort of many dedicated people within the community of the Central West Region. In particular, members of the Central West Victoria CMPP Steering Committee have spent many long hours and brain power (not to mention copious cups of coffee and consumption of carrot cake and sandwiches) to articulate the issues and initiatives documented here. The CMPP Steering Committee also wishes to thank the CMPP Reference Group and working groups (see Appendix 2 as the number of people will not fit on this page) who brought their dedication to coastal and marine planning, open minds and constructive debate to the table. Special thanks to Jeanette Spittle, Jon Breedveld, Julie Woodruff and the rest of the Environment Unit (Steve Cameron, Lachlan Close, Donna Groves and Chris Porter) from the Surf Coast Shire, and volunteers Kelly Miller, Tom Bennetts and Mark Huntingford for their hard work, support and patience. Appreciation also goes to the consultants who put in the effort to produce high quality products, especially Jamie Lamour-Reid, Brad Sharkey, Brett Lane, Shelley Heron, Chris Harty and Christine Barnes. Last but not least to all individuals and groups in the community of the Central West Victorian coast who maintain the passion and dedication to improve our coastal and marine environments for the future. LIST OF ACRONYMS AA V ABM CAP CCMA CMPP COM CWCMPP EPA ESD EVCs GOT MAFRI MAV MCCN MOU NHT NOO DSE PV RAPI SOE SPPF SRV TAFE IUCN WCB VCC VCS VLGA

Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Association of Bayside Municipalities Coastal Action Plan Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Coastal and Marine Planning Program Committees of Management Central West Victoria Coastal and Marine Planning Program Environment Protection Authority Ecologically Sustainable Development Ecological Vegetation Classes Geelong Otway Tourism Marine & Freshwater Research Institute Municipal Association of Victoria Marine and Coastal Community Network Memorandum of Understanding Natural Heritage Trust National Oceans Office Department of Sustainability and Environment Parks Victoria Royal Australian Planning Institute State of Environment State Planning Policy Framework Sport and Recreation Victoria Technical and Further Education International Union for the Conservation of Nature Western Coastal Board Victorian Coastal Council Victorian Coastal Strategy Victorian Local Government Association

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Coastal Action Plans - Implementing the Victorian Coastal Strategy The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2004, developed by the Victorian Coastal Council and endorsed by the State Government, establishes the overall framework for planning and management of the Victorian coast. Through the Strategy, Government is providing leadership to ensure that Victoria's coastal and marine environment will continue to be well managed and used by present and future generations. Coastal Action Plans (CAPs), developed in accordance with the Coastal Management Act 1995, provide a key mechanism for the implementation of the Strategy. CAPs enable the broad principles and priorities identified in the Strategy to be further developed and applied at a sub regional or issue based level. They provide strategic direction for the future management of an area of coast by identifying necessary priorities, actions and outcomes. Following completion of a draft CAP, the Regional Coastal Board refers the draft plan to the Victorian Coastal Council for approval. Subject to Council's approval, the plan is then referred by the Council to the Minister for endorsement and formal notification through the Government Gazette. The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2004 (VCS)

• provides strategic direction for planning and management of the whole coast • was developed by the Victorian Coastal Council and approved by the State Government as

Government policy • integrates State, National and International principles and policies for the coast

Coastal Action Plans (CAPs)

• enable the broader principles and priorities of the VCS to be further developed and applied at a regional or local level, or for particular issues

• are consistent with the Victorian Coastal Strategy and play a key role in its implementation • take a long term strategic view, clarify directions for future use and key actions required to achieve

preferred outcomes • are developed by or under the guidance of Regional Coastal Boards • involve public consultation during preparation • are referred to the Victorian Coastal Council for approval prior to referral by the Council to the Minister

for endorsement Management Plans

• provide direction for day to day management of an area of coast by appointed managers • include a business plan which outlines management requirements, proposed works and budget

priorities • are developed by coastal managers in accordance with the Coastal Management Act 1995 • must be consistent with the VCS, CAPS and relevant legislation • are approved by the Minister

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CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. BACKGROUND

1.1. The Need for a Regional Strategy

1.2. The Coastal and Marine Planning Framework 1.2.1. Who is involved in Coastal Management? 1.2.2. Planning and Management Framework of the Central West Region 1.2.3. Key Implementation Tools

1.3. HOW DO WE GET THERE?

1.3.1. The Scope 1.3.2. Project Approach 1.3.3. Consultation Process 1.3.4. Developing Strategic Direction and Actions 1.3.5. Implementing the CAP

2. STRATEGIC DIRECTION

2.1. Vision 2.2. Regional Objectives

3. ACTION PLAN

3.1. Integrated Coastal Zone Planning & Management 3.2. Biodiversity 3.3. Natural and Cultural Heritage 3.4. Coastal Land 3.5. Coastal Waters 3.6. Human Settlement

REFERENCES APPENDIX 1. OTHER REFERENCES APPENDIX 2. STAKEHOLDERS APPENDIX 3. HIERARCHY OF PRINCIPLES FOR COASTAL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT

6 10 10 12 12 12 15 17 17 17 18 18 19 21 21 22 23 23 27 31 34 36 39 42 43 46 50

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Draft Central West Victoria Regional CAP was prepared in partnership through the Central West Victoria Coastal and Marine Planning Program (CMPP) and funded jointly by the Natural Heritage Trust, CMPP partners and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. It provides a framework to support and integrate existing local CAPs, and a regional context and guide to the development of regional and local policies and strategies, and on-ground works programs.

The CAP sets out the strategic direction for the region. It brings together commonwealth, state, regional and local policy into a coastal and marine regional context. In particular it is based on the principles of environmental sustainability and the hierarchy of principles in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002. The action plan flows from and implements the strategic direction. The actions provide for the continual improvement of outcomes for coastal and marine values.

The scope

The following criteria helped guide which issues were appropriate for inclusion in the CAP: - the issue is relevant to more than one local area and therefore regional in nature, - a number of agencies and groups have a role or responsibility for the issue and there is a need to integrate

and co-ordinate their activities, - the issue covers a range of land tenures, - a range of management approaches are available to address the issue, - existing planning frameworks are ineffective in dealing with the issue, and - issues addressed in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002 require regional implementation.

The scope of issues included the coastal regions under the jurisdiction of the Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and the Colac Otway Shire; national and state parks such as the Cape Otway National Park, Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve and Angahook-Lorne State Park; and the coastal townships of Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Breamlea, Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Wye and Kennett Rivers, Skenes Creek, Apollo Bay, Marengo, Glenaire and Johanna. How do we get there?

The five stage development of the Draft Central West Victoria Regional CAP is documented in the Central West Victoria CMPP Discussion Paper 2000, Strategic Implementation Plan 2000 and project progress reports. The first two stages brought together the stakeholders to identify and articulate the relevant regional coastal and marine issues (Central West Victoria CMPP Discussion Paper 2000), Stages three and four involved developing a plan of priority actions to be implemented in 2001 (Central West Victoria CMPP Strategic Implementation Plan 2000)

The actions in this plan included the development of issue-based working groups to direct work needed for coastal waterways and strategic planning, and studies and/or products which would inform the CAP. Some of these products were developed in partnership with the South West Victoria CMPP (indicated by *). Recommendations from these studies and plans have been used in the development of actions in this CAP.

Central West Victoria Products • Mapping Study of Regional Values and Threats (MakoMap 2001) *, • Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders for the West Coast of Victoria (PPK Environment and Infrastructure

2001)*, • Guide to Coastal Waterway Planning and Management (Brett Lane & Associates in association with Heron

Consulting 2001), • Central West Victoria Estuaries CAP (Chris Harty Planning & Environmental Management 2001), and • Central West Victoria: Coastal Planning Scheme Review (Fisher Stewart 2000, Maunsell McIntyre In association

with Keaney Planning & Research 2001)

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Integrated Coastal Zone Planning & Management Challenges

• getting stakeholders to make decisions and resource actions together • improvement and consistency in policy and planning controls • supporting and empowering the community • getting the best information

Outcome Ecologically sustainable coastal and marine management, and planning is undertaken in a co-operative, partnership approach involving the community, industry and government agencies Key Strategic Actions.

• Implement CAP through resourcing in partnership, formal agreements ie. MOU between key stakeholders and evaluation and monitoring

• Regional association and networks for coastal local municipalities • Continual improvement in the region's planning schemes to protect and enhance coastal and marine values • Regional coastal community networks and forums with improved availability of management guidelines and

expansion of community monitoring programs for priority coastal and marine areas • Access to coastal and marine information via regional media outlets eg. Internet and newspaper features, and

improved information collection, use and exchange • Training in coastal and marine environmental management to improve skills and working knowledge of agency

and industry personnel and the community

Biodiversity Challenges

• needing detailed knowledge • strengthening policies and controls • use and development pressures • co-ordination across boundaries

Outcome Biodiversity conservation is actively promoted and gains are achieved across the region. Key Strategic Actions

• Research and monitoring programs to fill strategic information gaps for coastal and marine species and habitats

• Bioregional Plans to integrate planning and management strategies across public and private land and sea

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Challenges

• understanding of issues and legislation • translation into local policy • training to adequately administer planning issues • protocols and land-use agreements

Outcome Aboriginal cultural heritage is further identified, protected and restored. Key Strategic Actions

• Forum to bring together key stakeholders to discuss and agree upon appropriate management strategies to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage on private and public coastal land

• Provide for a local Aboriginal planning liaison officer to assist local municipalities and public land managers with Aboriginal cultural heritage planning and management issues

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Coastal land Challenges

• improving access • managing increased and changing land-uses

Outcome Coastal land in the region continues to support a broad range of land-uses recognising land capability and carrying capacity Key Strategic Actions

• Support the implementation of agreed outcomes from the Great Ocean Road Region Strategy • Strategic framework (eg. CAP) to manage access along the Western Victorian coastline • Coastal areas of high risk and/or sensitivity are clearly mapped and suitable use and development in these

areas defined and managed

Coastal Waters Challenges

• integrating the catchments to the coast • policy and protection • over-used intertidal areas • managing land-use practices

Outcome Sustainable use and development and management of estuarine, intertidal and marine areas Key Strategic Actions

• Guide to the region's current coastal waters values, risks and planning and management framework for the community and waterway managers

• Strategic plan (CAP) and management guidelines to protect and improve the condition of the region's estuaries • Strategic plan (eg. CAP) and identification of local and regional sites of significance to protect intertidal and

nearshore marine areas from threatening activities • Improved monitoring, policing and education programs for harvesting activities in estuary, intertidal and marine

areas • Maintain and extend Fishcare programs and integrate with other community action programs

Human Settlement Challenges

• preserving coastal character • recognising land capability • applying best practice to off-site impacts

Outcome The distinctive qualities of coastal settlement areas in the region are clearly defined, valued and protected Key Strategic Actions

• Coastal issues information sheet and checklist to be considered in development proposals to inform and guide planning authorities, public land managers. landowners, developers and the community

• Improved local approvals processes for subdivision applications to ensure the effectiveness of existing statutory planning provisions in terms of protecting and enhancing coastal and marine values

• Priority program for urban character studies, vegetation assessments, local siting and design guidelines, township strategies and rural residential strategies

• Completion and implementation of stormwater management plans • Septic management system which includes an audit of all unsewered townships and allotments and improved

monitoring regimes • Regional forum on effluent management to identify a priority program to manage sites where effluent disposal

is impacting on coastal and marine values

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1. BACKGROUND

1.1. THE NEED FOR A REGIONAL STRATEGY The Central West Victorian coastal region (Point Lonsdale to Moonlight Head, Figure 1.1) covers some of Australia's most spectacular and significant coastline. It is home to a unique blend of values that hold great importance to residents and visitors, the relatively unspoilt natural scenic landscapes being one of the chief attractions. It is the love of this coast that is bringing unprecedented increases in population and tourism activity. Past and present use and development within and around many fragile coastal and marine environments in this Central West Region has led in many cases to their gradual degradation, and so threatens the long term social and economic prosperity of this region. Currently there are numerous laws, regulations, policies, strategies and forums at all levels of government setup to address the challenges posed by increased use and development of Victoria's coastal areas. Co-ordination of these policies and relationships occurs through agreements and committees at many levels of government and with the community. There is also a general willingness in the Central West Victorian coastal region to preserve and enhance the region's values, and an understanding that the health of natural and cultural values drive the region's economy. So why does the region need further strategies and integration? This region tends to focus on economic development without giving due consideration to environment and social factors. The region's community has limited opportunity to clearly recognise or prioritise what it values; there are limited resources to manage these values effectively; and planning and management authorities tend to work on their own "patch" without considering the consequences of their activities outside their area of jurisdiction. Agencies and the community across the region have recognised that the most effective way of improving management outcomes for the region's coastal and marine values is to work together. This is particularly important for issues that cross natural and jurisdictional management boundaries. The most appropriate formal mechanism in the region to co-ordinate such work is through the development of a Coastal Action Plan (CAP) under the Coastal Management Act 1995 The CAP will integrate planning and management of the region's coastal, intertidal and marine environments across private land, public land and the sea. The Surf Coast Shire, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government (Environment Australia and now the National Oceans Office), Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, Western Coastal Board, Parks Victoria, and the Dept. of Sustainability and Environment took the opportunity to apply for funding under the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) for a Coastal and Marine Planning Program (CMPP) - a Commonwealth Government initiative developed through Environment Australia's Coasts and Clean Seas Program. This National Program focuses on protecting and maintaining Australia's coastal and marine environments by developing local and regional strategic planning initiatives through partnerships within the context of national integrated catchment and coastal management principles. The Draft Central West Victoria Regional Coastal Action Plan (CAP), prepared under the Central West Victoria CMPP, provides for consistent and integrated outcomes for coastal and marine values for the long term. This CAP helps ensure the on-going protection and enhancement of the region’s coastal and marine areas while providing direction and opportunities for sustainable use and development along the coast.

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The CAP builds on and complements existing planning strategies. It also provides a framework to support and integrate existing local CAPs (eg. Angelsea, Skenes Creek to Marengo, Lorne), and a regional context and guide to the development of regional and local policies and strategies, and on-ground works programs. As this plan has been prepared cooperatively, it has multilateral ownership which will be crucial in its successful implementation. 1.2. THE COASTAL AND MARINE PLANNING FRAMEWORK 1.2.1. Who is involved in Coastal Management? Management of Victoria's coastal and marine areas is shared between Commonwealth, State and local Governments (PPK Environment & Infrastructure 2001, Victorian Coastal Council 2001). A variety of agencies implement a range of legislation and have responsibility for planning, management and approval of onshore and offshore activities. There are also a number of international and national agreements, conventions and strategies that need to be observed and respected (Morrice 2000a, Appendix 1). The broad policy context for coastal planning and management across all levels is illustrated in Figure 1.2. The Commonwealth Government is responsible for waters beyond three nautical miles from low water mark of the Victorian coast. It ensures that Australia meets it obligations under international agreements and co-ordinates policy, programs (eg. Coasts and Clean Seas Program and the CMPP) and on-ground activities through National Heritage Trust funding. Inside the three nautical mile limit and for coastal land, the State Government exercises control of activities including management of Crown land including foreshore reserves (through its ,j delegated managers), licensing of waste disposal, " protection of rare and endangered flora and fauna, oil pollution, aquaculture, mineral exploration and exploitation, water quality, marine navigation and provision of boating facilities. Local Government is responsible for land above low water mark and manages land use planning, building control, approval of waste disposal systems on private land, provision and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems and provision and maintenance of road access within municipal council areas. In the Central West Region (ie. on the open coast), the planning schemes of the four municipalities extend to low water mark for Queenscliffe and Colac Otway, to 100m and 600m seaward of low water mark for Greater Geelong and Surf Coast respectively. The land use planning responsibilities of some of these councils therefore extend over the near shore waters beyond the municipal boundary. Interest groups such as Coast Action/Coastcare and Landcare groups have a role in coastal management. These groups are involved in a range of activities including revegetation, dune protection, public awareness and education and local area planting. These groups rely on voluntary input from interested people in the wider community and are a critical element in implementing management activities. Industry groups also have an important role in day-to-day management of resource use, and in resourcing planning and on-ground works. 1.2.2. Planning and Management Framework of the Central West Region The planning and management framework of the Central West Region is made up of a number of key agencies responsible for: Ø The ownership of the land or waters Ø The management of the land or waters Ø Planning the way in which land or waters are to be used Ø Regulating activities on land and waters

To understand the planning and management framework, it is important to distinguish between who owns the asset, who is charged with direct management of the land or waters, and who is responsible for planning and regulating the way in which land or waters can be used at a local, state or regional level. The role and activities of the various agencies involved in coastal and marine planning and management depends upon their function as an owner, manager, planner or regulator. The planning and management framework for the Central West Region is shown conceptually in Figure 1.3.

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Figure 1.2. International, Commonwealth, State and local Government Policy Context

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Figure 1.3. Coastal Owners, Planners, Managers & Regulators

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1.2.3. Key Implementation Tools The implementation of coastal and marine planning and management is achieved through a variety of mechanisms including legislation, regulations and by-laws, planning policies, strategic plans, management plans and planning schemes. The key implementation tools which underpin the coastal planning and management system in Victoria and Central West Victoria are shown in Figure 1.4. Although coastal management is the primary driver, the framework is essentially a combination of coastal management, land use planning, and the regional catchment management framework. The Coastal Management Act 1995 establishes a framework for co-ordinated strategic coastal planning in Victoria. The Act established the Victorian Coastal Council and the three Regional, Coastal Boards. The Western Coastal Board covers the area from the South Australian border to Bream Creek north of Torquay and includes a majority of the Central West Region. The Act also provided for the preparation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002 (VCS), CAPs and management plans. The VCS is an overarching policy setting out the strategic direction for planning and management of the Victorian coast. It sets four major directions: Ø ensuring the protection of significant environmental features on the coast; Ø ensuring the sustainable use of natural coastal resources; Ø providing clear direction for the use of the coast and marine environment: and Ø identifying suitable development areas and opportunities.

Coastal Action Plans are intended to be key strategic regional planning tools to implement the VCS for an area or to address a particular issue.

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They are to provide for the detailed planning and be used as a basis for co-ordination of the management and decision making activities of all land managers and stakeholders. They also provide for co-ordinated planning of coastal Crown land and where appropriate, freehold land. Management plans for coastal and marine areas are prepared for specific areas of Crown land throughout the region by a variety of land managers. They are to be consistent with the VCS and relevant legislation and CAPs for that area. They set out the detailed management of a particular area and include a site specific works program and a business plan. The land use planning system in Victoria is established by the Planning and Environment Act 1987. It provides for the preparation of municipal planning schemes to provide the strategic planning policy and statutory control over the use, development and protection of public and private land in a municipality. In most cases, local government is the designated planning authority for preparation and implementation of planning schemes. The Victoria Planning Provisions are the basis upon which all planning schemes in Victoria are prepared, and they contain a consistent statewide set of planning provisions including the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF). This SPPF gives effect to and provides a policy link with the VCS and Coastal Action Plans. The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 establishes Catchment Management Authorities and the management and planning framework for regional catchments in Victoria. It provides for the preparation of Regional Catchment Strategies as overarching strategic planning and management policy for each region, and detailed Action Plans as part of the implementation tools. The coastal and marine areas of the Central West Region form part of the Corangamite catchment.

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1.3. HOW DO WE GET THERE? 1.3.1. The Scope To deliver integrated outcomes, the Draft Central West Victoria Regional CAP took on a wide geographical planning area to cover both private and public land in catchment, coastal, estuarine, intertidal and marine areas; and a wide scope of issues to cover the many agencies and groups with a role and/or responsibility for the protection, enhancement, use and development of these environments. Planning area The CAP applies to the geographic area of the Central West Victorian coastal region, between Point Lonsdale and Moonlight Head (Figure 1.1). It covers:

• land and inland waters within the coastal catchment (ie. rivers and streams that flow to sea within this coastal region), and

• the sea and seabed to the State limit - three nautical miles (or 5.5 kms). This includes the coastal regions under the jurisdiction of the Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and the Colac Otway Shire; national and state parks such as the Cape Otway National Park, Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve and Angahook-Lorne State Park; and the coastal townships of Point Lonsdale, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Breamlea, Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Wye and Kennett Rivers, Skenes Creek, Apollo Bay, Marengo, Glenaire and Johanna. Planning Issues The following key criteria were used to determine which issues were appropriate for inclusion in the CAP:

• the issue is relevant to more than one local area and therefore regional in nature, • a number of agencies and groups have a role or responsibility for the issue and there is a need to integrate

and co-ordinate their activities, • the issue covers a range of land tenures, • a range of management approaches are available to address the issue, • existing planning frameworks are ineffective in dealing with the issue, and • issues addressed in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002 require regional implementation.

1.3.2. Project Approach The five stage development of the Draft Central West Victoria Regional CAP is documented in the Central West Victoria CMPP Discussion Paper 2000, Strategic Implementation Plan 2000 and Project Progress Reports. The key goals for the development of the CAP were to develop a fully accountable and open process, maximise input from the region's stakeholders, identify and document the priority planning and management issues and opportunities in the region, and develop a framework, including a regional policy, that directs and integrates planning and management activities over the next five years. The first two stages brought together the stakeholders to identify and articulate the relevant regional coastal and marine issues (Central West Victoria CMPP Discussion Paper 2000) Stages three and four involved developing a plan of priority actions to be implemented in 2001 (Central West Victoria CMPP Strategic Implementation Plan 2000). The actions in this plan included the development of issue-based Working Groups to direct work needed for coastal waters and. strategic planning, and studies and/or product which would inform the Draft Central West VIctoria RegIonal CAP. These Included:

• Mapping Study of Regional Values and Threats ' (MakoMap 2001) *, • Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders for the West Coast of Victoria (PPK Environment and Infrastructure

2001)*, • Guide to Coastal Waterway Planning and Management (Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd 2001), • Central West Victoria Estuaries CAP (Chris Harty Planning & Environmental Management 2001) and • Central West Victoria: Coastal Planning Scheme Review (Fisher Stewart 2000, Maunsell McIntyre ( 2001)

Some of these products were developed in partnership with the South West Victoria CMPP (indicated by *). Recommendations from these studies and plans have been used in the development of actions in this CAP.

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1.3.3. Consultation Process The Central West Victoria CMPP recognised that the broader community in the region ie. all stakeholders, had a lot to contribute to the development and implementation of the CAP. Stakeholder consultation was therefore recognised as a very high priority and undertaken from the project's inception in early 1999. The CMPP Steering Committee, made up of representatives from the proponent agencies (Appendix 2), brought together stakeholders across other state, regional and local agencies, industry and the community. Both formal and informal consultation processes were initiated to encourage wide participation and input particularly at important milestones. Formal processes were engaged through a Public Participation Strategy, reference group and issues-based Working Groups, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by eleven key stakeholders (Appendix 2). Stakeholders were kept informed of the progress of the project through progress reports; a regular Shorebreak newsletter sent to over 400 individuals and groups; a newspaper feature distributed to all regional and local papers across Western Victoria in 2001; displays at shows and markets; talks and lectures at state, regional and local forums, conferences, workshops and community meetings; and a regularly updated website (http://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/environment/coastal). The draft plan will go through a six week public consultation period. During this time it will go on public display with the publication of a notice in statewide, regional and local newspapers and notices. Copies of the draft plan will be available through the Regional Coastal Boards, local DSE offices, municipal offices and information centres. The community and other stakeholders will also be able to make comments during formal and informal open discussions. Consultation and feedback from the community in the finalisation of the CAP will aim for wider community input and agreement to the actions and responsibilities that are generated by the plan. 1.3.4. Developing Strategic Direction and Actions This CAP sets out the strategic direction for the region expressed in a vision and regional objectives. Actions to achieve these strategic outcomes are identified and form the action plan for implementation of the CAP. The strategic direction for the CAP was drawn from a series of discussions with members of the CMPP Steering Committee and strategic planning working group (Appendix 2), and from a review of the region's four planning schemes (Fisher Stewart 2000, Maunsell McIntyre 2001) and the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002. It brings together commonwealth, state, regional and local policy into a coastal and marine regional context. The development of the vision and regional objectives have been based on the principles of environmental sustainability, and the hierarchy of principles in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002 developed to guide strategic direction and decision making for coastal and marine areas (Appendix 3). The action plan flows from and implements the strategic direction. It is structured around State of Environment (SOE) themes:

• Biodiversity, • Inland Waters, • Land Resources, • Estuaries & the Sea, • Atmosphere, • Natural & Cultural Heritage, and • Human Settlements.

This links the action plan to current SOE themes, and continual improvement approaches and reporting in the region (eg. by Surf Coast Shire, City of Greater Geelong, Parks Victoria). The themes are also compatible with those developed for the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002. An extra theme - integration - has been included to bring together values, challenges and actions that require co-ordination. Criteria used to identify actions that were a priority for the CAP include that the action:

• could achieve improved coastal and marine outcomes at a regional level, • was seen as a high priority by the community, CMPP Steering Committee and MOU Signatories, • must complement actions in commonwealth and state strategies, and other regional and local plans,

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• encourages innovative and improved ways of delivering key outcomes, • increases knowledge and awareness of coastal and marine environments and the planning framework, • will result in high public benefit, • encourages stable partnerships and long term resource sharing, • must have a clear lead authority which has identified ownership for the action, • requires immediate attention and can be achieved in a reasonable timeframe ie. five years, • could be implemented within current resource arrangements and opportunities, and • will provide for continual improvements to coastal and marine values.

How do we know we're making a difference? The framework used for the actions is based on 'program logic' which identifies the cause-effect relationship between actions and their ultimate outcomes. The outcomes occur at different levels. The highest occurs in terms of achievements to environmental, social and economic conditions, and the next in terms of behavior change and modification or supplementation of knowledge, attitudes, skills and/or aspirations of people that will take place in order to reach these higher-order outcomes. The actions are designed to be flexible enough to respond to and manage change, and prescriptive enough to provide certainty and consistency. They are also intended to provide outcomes for coastal and marine values which will work towards addressing the issues affecting them. All actions are considered a priority. The process by which they will be implemented is documented below. 1.3.5. Implementing the CAP The Central West Victoria Regional CAP will be implemented through a number of statutory, cooperative and resourcing mechanisms. The ultimate success of this CAP and its implementation will be reflected in the extent of community and other stakeholder ownership of the plan and its expected outcomes, and real change on-the-ground. Statutory mechanisms Following public exhibition, the CAP will go through a process of endorsement by the Steering Committee, its MOU Signatories and the Western Coastal Board. Once endorsed it will be referred by the Coastal Boards to the Victorian Coastal Council for approval, and to the Minister for Environment and Conservation for endorsement. It is then an approved statutory document under the Coastal Management Act 1995 Managers of public land affected by the CAP are required by the provision of the Act to take all reasonable steps to give effect to the CAP. The Victoria Planning Provisions and in turn the State Planning Policy Framework of the municipal planning schemes in the region also require planning authorities to have regard to any CAP. The Regional CAP will provide strategic direction and guidance for the review and development of local policy within planning schemes, local CAPs and management plans to ensure there is consistency for matters that affect the entire coast. Co-operation The implementation of the outcomes of the CAP requires a partnership approach across Commonwealth, State and local government and the regional community. This will be achieved through: agreement to the CAP strategic direction, actions and lead and support responsibilities, improved communication and knowledge sharing, further development of working relationships, further development of formal agreements, sharing of resources and collectively sourcing external funds,and achieving continuity and consistency in policy. A particular mechanism applied by the CMPP to formalise partnerships was a Memorandum of Understanding between stakeholders expected to be involved in the development of the CAP. It is intended to revise and/or redraw this agreement in order to further engage and inform these stakeholders of their agreed responsibilities to implement the CAP.

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Resourcing Resourcing of actions will occur by lead authorities and partners making every endeavour to allocate sufficient resources to their respective actions in the CAP during annual reviews of budgets and works programs. Agencies will be encouraged to reference the Regional CAP in relevant corporate and business plans. Funds will be sourced from local, regional, State and Commonwealth funding programs (eg. Coasts and Clean Seas, CCMAs Healthy Waterways Incentives Program). Sharing of resources and applying for external funds in partnership will be actively encouraged particularly for issues and actions where agencies have a shared responsibility. Workplan and review The Western Coastal Board is responsible for facilitating the implementation and review of the CAPs to ensure they remain relevant and respond to opportunities. To assist this process the Board will facilitate a number of activities: 1. "Kick off" with the implementation of high priority actions to be earmarked early in 2002 and completed by June

2002. These will be undertaken by a project officer, funded jointly by the four municipalities. A detailed six month workplan, including performance measures and timeframes, will assist this officer in their day to day activities.

2. Review of the CAP every 12 months, and more completely within five years, using the following key evaluation questions as a guide:

• What short and long-term impacts have the implementation of CAP's had on conditions of regional coastal and marine values?

• How can the CAP's be improved? • What were the unexpected outcomes?

To develop implementation mechanisms, the Board will facilitate a forum in early 2002 to get lead authorities and partners together to explore and agree upon evaluation and monitoring mechanisms. These will help agencies with a responsibility for actions to set realistic targets for implementing actions, include sufficient resources in their budget process, and a framework in which to report what they have achieved.

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3. STRATEGIC DIRECTION The VIctorian Coastal Strategy 2002 provides a hierarchy of principles to guide the decision making process for the Central West Region: Ø firstly, provide for the protection of significant environmental features; Ø secondly, ensure the sustainable use of natural coastal resources; Ø thirdly, undertake integrated planning and provide direction for the future; and Ø finally, when the above principles have been met, facilitate suitable development on the coast within existing

modified and resilient environments where the demand for services is evident and requires management. The Vision and Regional Objectives express a common future for coastal and marine areas in the region, and the outcomes that the broader community seeks to achieve. 2.1. VISION

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2.2. REGIONAL OBJECTIVES

• To implement consistent and comprehensive coastal and marine policy at a regional and local level. • To encourage and foster communication and enduring partnerships between authorities responsible for

planning and managing coastal and marine areas, industry, research institutions and the community.

• To increase public awareness, understanding and appreciation of coastal and marine values and threats to their

• To protect and enhance coastal and marine areas, features and characteristics of value for their biodiversity

and other biological value, and natural and cultural heritage. This includes conservation and recreation parks and reserves, Ramsar and other wetland areas, unique and representative flora and fauna communities including areas of high habitat value on private land, sites listed on state and local registers including those of value for geology and geomorphology, science and to Aboriginal communities, historical, and significant viewlines and vistas.

• To achieve a net gain in the extent and quality of coastal and marine indigenous habitat and biodiversity

through restoration of degraded habitat and provision of habitat corridors on both public and private land and sea.

• To ensure that where natural coastal and marine resources are used this is undertaken in a manner that meets

the needs of people today without compromising the needs of future generations and other values of the resource.

• To implement an integrated approach and apply best practice to catchment and coastal management so as to

provide for environmental flow and the highest quality of water within the region's inland waters, estuaries and the sea.

• To ensure that urban development is contained within strategically defined township boundaries and that land

provided for future growth takes into account township character, land capability including limited water resources, environmental and social needs, and infrastructure and population capacity.

• To ensure that all development is compatible with or enhances the character of the coastal and marine

environment, and the township within which it is located.

• To ensure that the use and development of the coastal and marine environment is environmentally sustainable. This includes applying adequate management and buffers to ensure activities are not detrimental to the scenic and environmental qualities of the region.

• To provide opportunities for a range of sustainable and socially equitable recreational and tourism activities

and experiences that complement and promote the region's natural and cultural values.

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3. ACTION PLAN In achieving the vision and regional objectives, the actions of the CAP are aimed at continually improving the management and understanding of the region's coastal and marine environment. They aim to ensure that the region's distinctive qualities and identity, and its special role for residents and visitors, are maintained and enhanced, and that these values are protected and healthy for future generations. They also work to reflect the community's desire for growth and therefore the need for sustainable infrastructure and services. The region faces many challenges, and therefore this action plan is designed to describe and address common issues that were identified as a priority by stakeholders and where initiatives are available to make significant progress towards achieving the CAPs outcomes within the next five years. 3.1. INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT Values The Central West coast of Victoria is fortunate in that there have been and continue to be many efforts at a commonwealth, state, regional and local level to work in partnership to co-ordinate and resource coastal, marine and catchment management activities. These working partnerships rely on informal and formal relationships, and other communication mechanisms between agencies and with the broader community. The outcomes of which often have resulted in long term change and integration. The most valuable and relatively unique aspect of these relationships, is that the whole region has a very passionate and active community who strive very hard to improve outcomes for their coastal and marine environments. The community plays a very valuable role in monitoring of environmental, social and economic values and pressures on these values. A number of programs such as "Coast Action/Coastcare, "Waterwatch", "Airwatch" and "Frogwatch" are very successful in providing useful monitoring information, and they also provide an opportunity for people, particularly children, to learn about their environment. Opportunities are available to co-ordinate policy and continue to strengthen planning controls for coastal and marine areas as part of the three yearly review of the planning schemes, This is facilitated by local municipalities' willingness in the region to develop formal partnerships and be involved in regional decision making. Technological advances such as Internet and geospatial recorders and programs have allowed regional communities to communicate between groups and across long distances, and to collect information at a scale that is meaningful to managers, Challenges Getting stakeholders to make decisions and resource actions together The region's challenge is to make sure that the policy and actions in the CAP are acted on. This requires the combined support and resources of government authorities with a responsibility to manage coastal and marine areas, with help from industry and the community. Ownership of this CAP and its policy and actions, and enduring partnerships will be critical to its success. Further details on the issues regarding stakeholder coordination can be found in Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders on the West Coast of Victoria (PPK Environment & Infrastructure 2001). Resourcing coastal and marine initiatives is a major limitation as funds are either already allocated or much competition exists for access to funding programs. Criteria to allocate funds need to be founded more on the strategic needs of values rather than tenure and other geographic factors. Options for cost recovery and resource sharing programs need to be assessed.

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Improvement and consistency in policy and planning controls The review of planning schemes in the region to identify how they applied planning policy for coastal and marine issues (Asher Stewart 2000, Maunsell McIntyre 2001), recognised there was room for improvement for the coverage of issues and consistency in planning policy and associated controls. This will mean achieving greater consistency in strategic outcomes and strengthening the existing local policy frameworks of each municipal council. Planning schemes also need to give effect to strategic planning done by public land managers and catchment authorities as it effects the coastal and marine environment. Supporting and empowering the community With an active and passionate community in the region, there is a need to further support this community to achieve its desired outcomes for coastal and marine areas, and to further empower individuals and groups to be part of decision making processes. The community have shown an interest in wanting to be more informed and involved in coastal and marine issues, and it is important that their current and on-going involvement is valued and utilised. This includes ensuring that adequate consultation processes are provided to allow community and industry input, including local knowledge. Communities need to be able to access coastal and marine planning and management information and have the opportunity to share ideas and resources. This includes access to technical and other expertise, their own and government authorities' spatial and legal responsibilities, and relevant management guidelines to assist with best practice for issues such as environmental pest control, habitat corridors, injured wildlife, emergency response, litter and other pollution, Aboriginal and other cultural heritage sites, and managing estuaries and intertidal areas. The extension of community monitoring programs over priority coastal, estuary, intertidal and nearshore areas in the region, would rapidly increase information on the condition of these environments, especially for sites where no other information is available. This information would need to be updated and integrated with other monitoring data, and its existence widely advertised through local and regional media. Getting the best information Planning and management authorities in the region can only make good decisions if they have the best information available to them. There is a real need to ensure that public land managers and planning authorities in the region have easy access to adequate information (ie. sufficient scale and detail) associated with regional values and preferred management approaches. Important information for coastal and marine areas include:

• land capability, • biodiversity condition and habitat protection, • cultural heritage, • risk management, • siting and design, • neighbourhood character, and • other relevant coastal and marine strategies and plans.

Information also needs to be relatively inexpensive, integrated and compatible, updated and stored for future use. Protocols also need to be in place for exchanging information and managing sensitive information. Training to improve decision makers (eg. local municipality staff, contractors, tourism operators, park and reserve managers, community action groups, real estate agents, developers and customer service) knowledge of coastal and marine areas should target understanding of:

• compliance for relevant legislation and regulations, • strategic coastal and marine documents eg. Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002 and CAPs, • coastal and marine objectives and policy in the Victorian and local planning frameworks, • roles and responsibilities, • natural coastal processes, • management guidelines for coastal works, • processes for planning approvals, • plan preparation, monitoring and evaluation, • the suite of coastal issues, and

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• accessing coastal and marine information.

Monitoring and evaluating the success of the CAP A crucial process to ensure that actions in the CAP are successfully protecting and enhancing regional coastal and marine values will be to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework

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INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN

OUTCOME Ecologically sustainable coastal and marine management, and planning is undertaken in a cooperative, partnership approach involving the community, industry and government agencies. PRACTICE CHANGE Communities and government agencies working collaboratively to plan and manage the coastal zone to protect and enhance coastal and marine values. CHANGES NEEDED

• Planning structures and resources required to implement the Regional CAP are engaged; as well as a forum and process for on-going coordination, monitoring and review.

• Adequate resources to Implement the Regional CAP are obtained and are equitably distributed . • Queenscliffe, Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Colac Otway Planning Schemes provide for consistent

and comprehensive policy and planning controls that relate to protecting and enhancing regional coastal and marine values.

• Community appreciation and participation In the management and decision making of coastal and marine values is further fostered and promoted

• Information relating to coastal and marine values and their management is more integrated and accessible, and research has progressed in partnership with research institutions, government agencies, industry and the community.

• Monitoring and evaluation incorporating continual Improvement In condition and performance is a feature of all coastal and marine management programs in the region.

KEY STRATEGIC ACTIONS Responsibility (&

Partners) 3.1.1 Gain funding from local, regional, state and commonwealth government

agencies to enable the Regional CAP to move into the implementation phase.

CW CMPP (WCB, NOO)

3.1.2 Revise the Memorandum of Understanding to commit key stakeholders to their respective responsibilities to implement the Regional CAP.

WCB

3.1.3 Identify opportunities and gain support to develop a regional association for local municipalities within coastal catchments.

local municipalities (MAV, ABM, VLGA)

3.1.4 Develop and implement a priority program for reviewing the application of planning scheme zones, overlays and associated schedules to implement the policy recommendations from the Central West Victoria Coastal Planning Scheme Review 2001, and to give effect to the Regional CAP and other CAPs developed or planned for in the region.

local municipalities (DSE)

3.1.5 Ensure that coastal and marine issues are given a priority as part of the continual improvement of planning schemes in the region to ensure they protect and enhance coastal and marine values and give effect to the recommendations from the Central West Victoria Coastal Planning Scheme Review 2001, zone and overlay application review, endorsed CAPs and other regional and local strategic planning policy that relate to coastal and marine areas.

local municipalities

3.1.6 Help facilitate and support the development of regional coastal community networks and regular forums for coordinators and representatives from community action groups in the region.

DSE - Coast Action/ Coastcare, Fishcare, Landcare (WCB, CCMA, MCCN, local municIpalities)

3.1.7 Promote the use of and extend community monitoring programs to help measure environmental, social and economic values and pressures on these values for priority coastal, estuary, intertidal and nearshore areas in the region.

local municipalities (EPA, DSE; CCMA)

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3.1.8 Develop and update an Internet site which provides a summary and

search tool for all existing databases and other information relevant to planning and managing the region's coastal and marine environments.

WCB (DSE)

3.1.9 Build on, formalise and integrate existing coastal and marine environmental management courses and/or new courses in partnership with training and education institutions to improve the skills and working knowledge of agency and industry personnel and the community.

MAV in partnership with RAPI and VCC (ABM)

KEY SUPPORTING ACTIONS Responsibility (and

Partners) 3.1.10 Facilitate a forum to develop and promote an agreed regional monitoring

and evaluation framework to assist public land managers and planning authorities in the preparation and review of CAPs, management plans and municipal planning schemes, and for reporting the condition of regional and local coastal and marine values.

WCB (DSE; CCMA, Environs Australia, local municipalities, PVJ)

3.1.11 Review the Regional CAP to identify the progress of actions every 12 months against an Evaluation Plan using performance measures agreed to by all lead authorities and partners.

WCB

3.1.12 Prepare and widely distribute a handbook on funding programs available for coastal and marine planning and management projects.

WCB (DSE)

3.1.13 Hold an open forum in the region to explore opportunities and initiatives to resource coastal and marine management into the future.

WCB

3.1.14 Produce an annual newspaper feature during the Easter period that highlights regional coastal and marine issues and achievements.

WCB (CCMA, NOO, WCB, DSE, VCC, Deakin Uni)

3.1.15 Ensure community action groups and foreshore committees of management have access to the suite of available and relevant best practice management guidelines.

DSE - Coast Action/ Coastcare, Fishcare, Landcare (CCMA, local Aboriginal communities, Greening Australia, Trust for Nature)

3.1.16 Facilitate a process to discuss issues and opportunities relating to coastal and marine information needs, access, coordination and integration.

WCB (DSE, local municipalities, CCMA, PV)

3.1.17 Continue to develop partnerships and information exchange with research institutions and government authorities to address strategic gaps in the knowledge of coastal and marine values, their condition, risks and on-ground management needs.

WCB (Universities and TAFES, CCMA, DSE, PV, MAFRI, EPA)

All other actions (CW CMPP - Central West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program, WCB - Western Coastal Board, NOO - National Oceans Office, MAV - Municipal Association of Victoria, ABM - Association of Bayside Municipalities, VLGA - Victorian Local Government Association, DSE - Dept. of Sustainability & Environment, CCMA - Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, MCCN - Marine & Coastal Community Network, EPA - Environment Protection Authority, VCC - Victorian Coastal Council, PV - Parks Victoria, RAPI - Royal Australian Planning Institute, MAFRI - Marine & Freshwater Research Institute) 3.2. BIODIVERSITY ... the variety of all life forms: the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes and the ecosystems of which they are a part... Diverse ecosystems are healthy, self-sustaining ecosystems. When many plants and animals are living together, built-in checks and balances keep the system operating. Ecosystems that are rich in diversity have greater resilience and are able to recover more readily from both natural and human induced stresses as they have a range of pathways to use to rehabilitate and recover. Possibly the greatest value of biodiversity may be the opportunities it gives us for adapting to change.

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Values The region supports a rich natural environment biological communities. Conserving and maintaining the region's biodiversity is important for ecosystem processes, ethics, aesthetics, culture and economic prosperity. Examples of biodiversity values occur across the region with many pristine natural areas of coastal bush land, woodlands, heath lands and temperate rainforest, both on private and public land. Many coastal towns still have significant indigenous flora and fauna communities, and these are recognised as habitat corridors for threatened flora and fauna species. Victorian land bioregions for Central West Victoria include most of the Otway Ranges and Otway Plain, and parts of the Warrnambool Plain and Victorian Volcanic Plain (Dept. Natural Resources & Environment 1996). The marine bioregions include the Central Victoria and Otway regions (Figure 3.1). Many significant regional values are protected in state and local conservation reserves such as Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve, Iron Bark Basin Nature Reserve, Angelsea Heath, Angahook-Lorne State Park, Otway National Park and foreshore reserves (Figure 3.2). Biodiversity values are also specifically documented and/or protected through a number of international, commonwealth, state, regional and local strategies, legislation, planning controls (such as environmental significance and vegetation protection overlays) and Trust for Nature covenants (Figure 3.2). Other programs such as biodiversity incentives and Land for Wildlife assist private landholders to protect and rehabilitate biodiversity values and habitat on their land. Bioregional planning is being enhanced through a bioregional network that comprises key land resource managers. Heathlands The heathland at Anglesea (Figure 3.2) is recognised nationally for its variety of heathland plants and orchids and is listed on the Register of the National Estate. It is the richest and most diverse vegetation community recorded in Victoria (Brighton 1999) It provides habitat for numerous bird, mammal and fish species, some of which are rare or endangered such as the crimson spider orchid, Angelsea grevillea, Victorian grey gum, New Holland mouse and swamp skink. Angahook-Lorne State Park The Angahook-Lorne State Park and adjoining private land (Figure 3.2) contains a variety of ecological communities including wet sclerophyll forest, red ironbark sclerophyll forest, heathy woodlands and coastal heath lands. It is recognised nationally for its flora and fauna diversity and threatened plants and animals. These include habitat for the swamp antechinus, common bent- winged bat, spot-tailed quoll, powerful owl and rufous bristlebird. The Otways The temperate rainforests of the Otways, including the Otway National Park (Figure 3.2), support tree fern gullies and tiny orchids with tall forests of blue gums, myrtle beech and mountain ash. These alternate with waterfalls and the pristine environments of Heritage listed rivers such as the Aire River. Kangaroos, echidnas, koalas and possums find habitat throughout the forest. Old trees and hollows also provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife. Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean The southern coast of Australia is the only major south-facing coastline in the southern hemisphere. It has been relatively isolated for some 65 million years, and as a result Australia's southern waters are unique. They support the world's highest diversity of red and brown seaweeds, sea mosses, crabs, shrimps and sea squirts. A remarkable feature is that 90-95% of species in most groups occurs only in southern waters and nowhere else on earth (Environment Conservation Council 2000). Challenges Needing detailed knowledge The greatest challenge facing the region's coastal and marine indigenous habitats and their biodiversity, is a lack of specific knowledge of their extent, condition (eg. vegetation quality), critical habitat and management needs, such as buffer zones. Associated with this is the need for wider recognition, access, commitment and know-how to use this knowledge, particularly as management authorities strive for 'net gain' (refer to inset).

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'Net gain is where, over a specified area and period of time, losses of native vegetation and habitat, as measured by a combined quality - quantity measure (habitat - hectare), are reduced, minimised and more than offset by commensurate gains' (Victoria's Biodiversity Strategy 1997, Draft Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan 2000). Mapping of Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) has been undertaken by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA 2000) and provide valuable information about the level of depletion and threat status of different vegetation types (Figure 3.3). The day to day use of this information and collection of more detailed information needs to be actively facilitated and co-ordinated. Estuarine, intertidal and marine indigenous habitats are least known, as is the case around Australia. Knowledge of coastal habitats varies - generally this has not been recorded at a scale that can be applied to individual parcels of land (refer to Integrated Coastal Zone Planning & Management p. 23). Strengthening policies and controls Existing mechanisms set up to protect biodiversity, such as conservation parks and reserves and planning controls, are not working well enough to achieve 'no net loss' of biodiversity, let alone 'net gain'. Many habitats, both coastal and marine, are not provided with any protection under existing legislation or controls, are under-represented in conservation parks and reserves, or lack sufficient connections to other habitats and migratory pathways. Current and future initiatives need to be supported through partnerships across government, industry and the community (refer to Integrated Coastal Zone Planning & Management p. 23). Use and development pressures Use and development associated with human activity is having one of the greatest impacts on biodiversity in the region. Direct and cumulative impacts occur from activities such as:

• land clearing for agriculture and forestry, • encroaching urban development, • unsustainable land-use practices, • unsustainable recreation and tourism activities, • physical infrastructure, • pest plants and animals, fungal diseases and • inappropriate burning regimes.

Coastal habitats with their indigenous plant and animal populations are becoming increasingly fragmented and isolated, with reduced natural ranges and consequent loss to their genetic diversity. In coastal townships the greatest fragmentation comes from increased sub-division and density of residential development (refer to Human Settlements p. 39). Vegetation is being cleared as part of fire risk management, and non- indigenous garden varieties continue to be planted which spread and out-compete with indigenous plants. Access tracks in and between coastal towns also fragment and disturb these environments, providing pathways for weeds and feral animals (refer to Coastal Land p. 34). In the region's rural areas water is not only a very valuable commodity for agriculture and human consumption, it also sustains a diversity of aquatic habitats from the upper catchments to the sea. Continuing degradation of water quality and reduced natural water flow from unsustainable catchment land-use practices are reducing the available habitat for aquatic plants and animals (refer to Coastal Waters p.36). Due to the linked nature of these environments, estuary, intertidal and marine environments are also impacted upon by these land and upper catchment activities. Co-ordination across boundaries The legacy of management boundaries set with little relationship to natural community boundaries has made co-ordination difficult, particularly across public and private land. Planning and management structures and groups are now forming that take a 'whole of catchment', and 'catchment to sea' approach including the Coastal Boards and Catchment Management Authorities. Further work in integrating management across land tenures and at their boundaries will prove beneficial to both indigenous flora and fauna communities and to coastal residents’ and visitors' quality of life. This will become increasingly relevant as the threat of global climate change impacts on us and our environment locally.

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BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN OUTCOME Biodiversity conservation is actively promoted and gains are achieved across the region. PRACTICE CHANGE All land owners and managers protecting the biodiversity values of their land WHAT CHANGES NEEDED

• A common understanding of what biodiversity is. • Recognition of the importance of biodiversity. • Ability to identify site-specific and regional biodiversity values. • Tools to protect and improve the condition of biodiversity values. • Desire to see areas with biodiversity values protected and conditions improved. • Awareness of what biodiversity elements are threatened and why.

KEY STRATEGIC ACTIONS Responsibility (and Partners)

3.2.1 Develop and implement a prioritised program of research and monitoring to fill information gaps on coastal and marine species and habitats and other management related data. This information will be used in bioregional plans, planning schemes and controls, biodiversity incentives programs, regional vegetation plans and catchment strategies, and State of Environment reporting

DSE - Flora & Fauna (CCMA, local municipalities, PV)

3.2.2 Develop and implement Bioregional Plans (eg. Otway Ranges, Otway Plain, Otway and Central Victoria marine bioregions) which develop management strategies across public and private land and sea for protecting and improving the condition of species and habitats.

DSE - Flora & Fauna (CCMA, local municipalities, PV)

3.2.3 Ensure that appropriate planning policy and controls are implemented in municipal planning schemes to protect areas of biodiversity significance and to give effect to strategic planning undertaken by public land managers and catchment authorities within the region.

local municipalities (DSE, CCMA, PV)

KEY SUPPORTING ACTIONS 3.1.4 Review application of planning scheme zones and overlays. 3.1.5 Ensure planning schemes protect and enhance coastal & marine values. 3.1.7 Community monitoring programs. 3.1.10 Monitoring & evaluation framework 3.5.6 Strategic framework for intertidal and nearshore marine areas.

[DSE -Dept. of Sustainability & Environment, CCMA - Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, PV - Parks Victoria, WCB - Western Coastal Board]

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3.3. NATURAL & CULTURAL HERITAGE Sustainable development will only be possible if it is firmly based on our natural and cultural heritage (State of the Environment 1997). Values Australians value the natural and cultural heritage attached to the coast and the sea, which contributes to the total quality of life for residents and visitors to the region. Natural and cultural heritage are defined by criteria and listed on commonwealth, state and local registers such as National Trust Register, Register of the National Estate, Victorian Heritage Register and local government planning schemes and heritage lists. Natural Natural significance means the importance of ecosystems, biological diversity and geodiversity for their existence value, or for present or future generations in terms of scientific, social, aesthetic and life support value (Australian Committee for the IUCN 1998). They include places of botanical, zoological, biodiversity (eg. Biodiversity (p.18), geological, geomorphological, palaeontological or other scientific importance. It has been recognised that some natural areas are in fact culturally influenced landscapes, where the cultural (both indigenous and non-indigenous) and the biophysical aspects of the environment may evolve together, and that it is the sum of these interactions that results in the particular natural heritage values of a place. Significant geological, geomorphological and palaeontological features exist as rock formations and fossiI sites. In Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Shire of Otway (Rosengren 1984) Dinosaur Cove is an example of an internationally recognised site, where the exposed lower cretaceous sandstone reveals dinosaur fossils which are helping to clarify the evolution of Australia's fauna. Cultural Cultural significance includes values that are social, spiritual, aesthetic, historic or scientific and is defined in the Burra Charter (Australia ICOMOS 1992) and the Guidelines for the Protection, Management and use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Places (Dept. Communications and the Arts 1997). Many significant pre-contact and post-contact cultural places remain throughout the region, helping to reveal meaning and story to human lifestyles in these areas and enrich community understanding and appreciation. These are represented by places, sites and objects of traditional, historic and archaeological Aboriginal heritage significance; and sites associated with the European discovery, exploration, settlement and cultural development of the region eg. landfalls of early explorers, shipwrecks, lighthouses, wharves, buildings, parks, gardens, landscapes, viewscapes, towns, and social and recreational icons such as the surfers' mecca Bells Beach. The region reflects a significant period of Aboriginal land-use. This heritage of the region dates back tens of thousands of years, with areas of highest Aboriginal archaeological sensitivity extending along the coast and coastal waters. Many significant artifact places such as shell middens, scar trees and artifact scatters remain along the coast near estuaries, wetlands and saltmarsh environments. Some of these places have been individually documented, such as the middens at Point Addis, while other places are believed to be rich in archaeological history but are either not documented or sensitive in nature. A key role and responsibility of the local Aboriginal communities of the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative and Framlingham Aboriginal Trust is as custodians of their heritage (and therefore owners, managers and regulators) through both commonwealth and state protective legislation. As well as a rich Aboriginal past the region has many examples of post-contact heritage including sites associated with William Buckley, one of the first Europeans in the area, who lived at Bream Creek with the local Wathaurong Tribe and built a fixed kiddie to catch the migrating fish.

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The lighthouses at Point Lonsdale, Aireys Inlet and Cape Otway act as beacons to our maritime history. The remains of shipwrecks on foreshores and in the ocean just beyond the rocky reefs continues to highlight the dangers and wildness associated with Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean (Land Conservation Council 1996). The Great Ocean Road is noted as being one of Victoria's premier scenic and tourist locations. It was constructed principally by repatriated World War One soldiers between 1918 and 1932 and represents and outstanding engineering feat as well as a memorial to the Great War. It was planned as a tourist as well as a scenic road, demonstrating that tourism was as powerful a road building incentive in the 1920s as trade. Sites associated with its construction include the locations of workers' camps at Wye River, Cumberland River, Apollo Bay and Cape Patton, and natural features named by the soldier-workers such as Artillery Rocks, Mount Defiance, Shrapnel Gully and Cinema Point. Challenges Understanding and knowledge of our natural (refer to Biodiversity p.27) and cultural heritage is hindered by the:

• lack of clear and detailed information and awareness, • limited and inconsistent consultation, • encroaching urban development, • clearing of vegetation, • inappropriate land-use practices, • wildfire, and • insufficient protection through policy and planning controls.

Further challenges and key strategic actions for natural heritage are documented under other themes, particularly Biodiversity and Coastal Waters, in this CAP. There has been a different level of local response to pre- and post-contact management. Post- contact places have been considered in a number of municipalities recently as part of heritage studies and application of the Heritage Overlay in local planning schemes. The key strategic action to address inconsistencies in planning policy and controls that relate to post-contact heritage is documented under the theme - Integrated coastal zone planning and management. Koori cultural heritage Issues Within the region Aboriginal cultural heritage requires specific attention. There are still limited archaeological surveys and assessments which cover key coastal areas, due mostly to the large amount of time and cost required. Although local Aboriginal communities do have a good understanding of where their places of cultural heritage are likely to be and how they should be managed, it is the translation of this information into local policy and general awareness, and the need for better recognition of the sensitivities of this information that needs improvement across the region. Other cultural heritage management issues for these local Aboriginal communities are:

• lack of understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation by management authorities and the general community,

• amount of planning referrals and approvals, • few resources, • lack of trained officers to administer planning

issues, • few planning protocols and land-use

agreements, and • some threatening uses not covered under

existing planning protocols.

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ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE ACTION PLAN OUTCOME Aboriginal cultural heritage is further identified, protected and restored. PRACTICE CHANGE Landowners protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and planners take a more holistic approach to coastal planning decision making that includes Aboriginal cultural heritage values. CHANGES NEEDED

• Understanding of current Aboriginal cultural heritage, roles, responsibilities, issues and options. • Recognition of the importance of Aboriginal cultural heritage and role of Aboriginal communities as

custodians to their heritage. • Recognition of the need for planning protocols and land-use agreements. • Ability and tools to Identify and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. • Willingness to work together and build better relationships. • Desire to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage for the future.

KEY STRATEGIC ACTIONS Responsibility (and Partners) 3.3.1 Facilitate a process amongst key stakeholders to identify and

implement management strategies to improve the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage on private and public land.

DSE (AA V) (Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op, Framlingham Aboriginal Trust, local municipalities, foreshore COM, Coast Action/Coastcare)

3.3.2 Seek support to resource an officer within local Aboriginal communities whose role is to liaise and assist local municipalities and public land managers with Aboriginal cultural heritage planning and management issues.

Aboriginal communities in partnership with local municipalities (AAV)

3.3.3 Ensure that appropriate planning policy and controls in municipal planning schemes, and strategic direction in local coastal ac tion plans and management plans are implemented) to protect areas of natural and cultural significance.

local municipalities (DSE, PV, foreshore COM)

KEY SUPPORTING ACTIONS 3.1.4 Review application of planning scheme zones and overlays. 3.1.5 Ensure planning schemes protect and enhance coastal & marine values. 3.1.15 Access to relevant best practice management guidelines by community. [DSE - Dept. of Sustainability & Environment, AAV - Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, foreshore COM - foreshore Committee of Management, PV - Parks Victoria]

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3.4. COASTAL LAND Coastal rural landscapes, parks, forests and reserves, viewscapes, and uses of this land Including tourism and recreation, agriculture, residential living... Values One of the more unique aspects of Victoria's coast is that 96% of coastal land is in public ownership (Figure 3.4). This is in recognition that the coast is one of Victoria's greatest natural assets (Victorian Coastal Council 2001). Coastal land in this region is characterised by diverse and productive ecosystems, and a range of human land-uses such as agriculture, timber production, tourism, recreation and residential living (Figures 3.5 and 3.6). The unique qualities and amenity of this land has led to a high demand for coastal property, raising its cost and socio-economic value. Just one example of a unique and diverse aspect of coastal land in the region is the dune zone between Point Lonsdale and Point Impossible, which contains pockets of remnant moonah woodland and habitat for the threatened hooded plover. The landscapes along the Great Ocean Road are characterised by some of the highest coastal cliffs in Australia, providing spectacular views of Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean, beaches, small inlets estuaries (Victorian Coastal Council 1998). These natural coastal systems are also critical to erosion control, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, water balance and aesthetic appeal to tourism. Recreation and tourism in the area focuses largely on water based activities such as surfing, diving, swimming, fishing and boating. The region is also extremely popular for its magnificent coastal walks, bush walks, scenic drives and horse riding. Tourism within the region has experienced significant growth in recent years, with 8.1 million visitors to the Great Ocean Road region (which includes the region further west) in 1998, comprising 2.7 million overnighters and 5.4 million day trippers. These visitors contributed $883 million to the regional economy (National Visitors' Survey 1998). Challenges The region's coastal rural landscapes are most under pressure from expanding towns and increasing visitation. These in turn are putting pressure on environmental and scenic values and existing infrastructure. Improving access Access to coastal land via pathways, tracks and roads has already been recognised as an area requiring better planning and management through current management plans. Access is largely managed separately by relevant authorities and is under pressure from traffic growth (particularly along the Great Ocean Road) and at the boundaries of and along access routes into conservation and recreation parks and reserves. Impacts on access into these and other areas include:

• disturbance to wildlife, • loss of habitat, • pathways for pes ts, • increased sediment, • degrading or destruction of sites important for their natural, cultural heritage and scenic values, and • loss of local community and visitor experience of the region.

The management of public risk is an important consideration in the provision and management of access. Public land managers have a responsibility to mitigate the public risks posed by the coastal environment including unstable or dangerous cliffs and unsafe beaches. The restriction of access is an option available to public land managers where other risk management measures such as fencing or signing are considered to be less effective. The community must recognise the inherent risk posed by parts of the coastal environment and recognise that in some cases access needs to be restricted in the public interest. There is a need for an overall management framework to guide access issues in the region. This would include an audit and management guidelines for access ways, as well as associated infrastructure such as toilets, ramps and steps, food and recreational facilities. Parks Victoria has commenced this process in parks and reserves under its jurisdiction through the 'levels of service framework'. The Great Ocean Road Region Strategy (Dept of Infrastructure

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2001) is also underway and will set strategic direction for issues associated with traffic growth and alternative access in this region. Managing increased and changing land-uses This coast also has many considerations as far as its capacity and capability to sus tain current or changed land-uses. Considerations include natural events such as landslip, erosion along cliffs and on steep slopes and unstable soils, inundation by the sea, flooding, introduced pests, wildfire and coastal acid sulphate soils - so termed high risk or highly sensitive to valued natural, cultural, scenic and built features, and human life. There is limited or no information on many of these risk areas, or it is in a format that cannot be directly applied to planning decisions, potentially resulting in inappropriate land-use and developments. Rural land-uses along the coast, such as agriculture, dairy, forestry and tourism, are moving towards sustainability through best practice. However, the cumulative effects of these activities are still being felt downstream of the catchments. Mechanisms to manage these land-use changes have not been developed as rapidly as these changes have occurred. There has been a call from agencies and the community for greater work towards monitoring impacts, extending codes of practice to cover private land, and improved resources for training, monitoring and enforcing these practices. COASTAL LAND ACTION PLAN OUTCOME Coastal land in the region continues to support a broad range of land-uses recognising land capability and carrying capacity. PRACTICE CHANGE People recognise the special nature of coastal land and ensure that the values, capability and capacity of coastal land is considered in regards to coastal development and access. CHANGES NEEDED

• Access to the regions coastal and marine areas occurs in an environmentally sustainable manner. • Understanding of the unique features of coastal land. • Recognition of the special nature and uses of coastal land. • Planning schemes provide for consistent and comprehensive policy and planning controls that relate to

protecting and enhancing regional coastal values with due regard to risk. • Ability to Identify threatening processes and impacts. • Desire to maintain the integrity and character of coastal land.

KEY STRATEGIC ACTIONS Responsibility (and Partners) 3.4.1 Support the implementation of agreed outcomes from the Great

Ocean Road Region Strategy, and provide input to reflect the linkages and strategic direction of the Regional CAP.

(WCB, DSE; CCMA, PV, VicRoads, local municipalities, foreshore COM)

3.4.2 Develop and implement a strategic framework (eg. CAP) to provide strategic direction and guidance to manage access along Western Victoria, which complements the Great Ocean Road Region Strategy.

WCB (DSE; PV, VicRoads, Geelong Otway Tourism, Discovery Coast, foreshore COM, Sport and Rec. VIC)

3.4.3 Ensure that coastal areas of high risk and/or sensitivity are clearly mapped. and that suitable use and development in these areas are defined and managed.

local municipalities in partnership with DSE(CCMA)

3.4.4 Ensure that appropriate planning policies and controls are implemented in municipal planning schemes to protect and manage coastal areas of high risk and/or sensitivity.

local municipalities (DSE; CCMA)

KEY SUPPORTING ACTIONS 3.1.4 Review application of planning scheme zones and overlays. 3.1.5 Ensure planning schemes protect and enhance coastal & marine values. 3.1.10 Regional monitoring & evaluation framework. 3.5.5 Monitoring, policing and education programs for harvesting in estuary, intertidal and marine areas. 3.5.6 Strategic framework for intertidal and nearshore marine areas. WCB - Western Coastal Board, NRE - Department of Sustainability & Environment, CCMA - Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. PV - Parks Victoria, Foreshore COM - Foreshore Committees of Management

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3.5. COASTAL WATERS Coastal stream bed banks and water, estuaries, sea, floodplain and wetlands, beaches, dunes, intertidal rocky platforms, flora and fauna, seascapes, water quality; stream flow, special water supply catchment areas, rural water supply, tourism, recreation, public amenity, cultural heritage, commercial fishing, seafood quality, shipping, parks and reserves, heritage rivers... Values Coastal waters have long supported natural and human coastal populations. They provide economic, social and environmental goods and services - water to support all life, industries such as commercial and recreational fishing, tourism and recreational activities, shipping and plant and animal habitat. Surrounding river floodplains and estuaries provide a filtering system for overland run-off. These waters are an important attraction for recreational and tourism activity for, amongst other things, their scenic and landscape appeal. The Otway coast basin has the best water quality for the western Victorian region. These streams are therefore recognised for their high diversity of native fish species and low occurrence of introduced fish (Parks Victoria 1999). The heritage-listed Aire River flows are extremely important to its biological health. Studies of shallow water sections of this river found rapid increases in rearing habitat for juvenile fish with quite small increases in flow. This system also supports many rare and migratory birds, fish and mammals, and cattle grazing land. The whole Painkalac Creek valley is a highly significant natural and cultural landscape and provides water and a site for effluent treatment for the town of Aireys Inlet. The floodplains of the creek support significant vegetation communities and migratory water birds, and are protected as a local conservation reserve and by a covenant. The estuary at the Barwon River and Murtnaghurt Swamp forms part of the lake Connewarre Ramsar wetland, recognised internationally for providing habitat for migratory birds (Figure 3.7). The endangered and elusive orange-bellied parrot migrates each year from southwest Tasmania to feed on the glasswort of the saltmarsh. At the lower section of the Barwon River estuary, the southern most occurring mangrove community provides a muddy breeding and feeding ground for insects, molluscs, fish and many other creatures. The reserve also has visual and landscape qualities and provides opportunities for public education and recreation, particularly fishing and boating. The sea and its habitats provide similar values and a diversity of uses (see Environment Conservation Council 2000). The target commercial fisheries for the region are southern rock lobster and abalone (Figure 3.5). Apollo Bay provides the main port and access to these productive fishing areas. There are also many opportunities for recreational fishing from rock platforms, beaches and boats. At the outer limit of Victorian waters, the region provides a path for a significant shipping channel where ships gain access to one of Australia's largest ports - Port Phillip Bay. The region is also a migratory pathway and feeding and breeding area for marine mammals, seabirds and fish such as humpback whales, southern right whales, blue whales, gummy sharks, Australian fur seals and little penguins (Figure 3.7). The rocky and sandy shores of the intertidal zone provide habitat for a rich and colourful array of marine animals and plants. Many are endemic to southern Australia. Some of the rocky shores in this region (e.g. Point Danger and Point Lonsdale) house an extremely high diversity of sea slugs, including many unusual and rare species. Beaches between the rocky shores are home to numerous animals that live amongst the sand grains and the seaweed that is constantly washed ashore. These provide a rich food source for surf fish and shore birds (Chris Porter pers. comm.). Challenges The threats and causes of these threats to the region's coastal inland waters is discussed in detail in the Guide to Coastal Waterway Planning and Management (Brett Lane & Associates 2001) and the Draft Waterway Health Strategy (CCMA 2001). In summary, the main causes of deteriorating water quality, reduced water flows and the degradation of indigenous in-stream and streamside habitat quality are rural and urban land-use practices. The challenges facing estuarine environments are discussed in detail in the Draft Central West Victoria Estuaries CAP (Chris Harty Planning & Environmental Management 2001). The issues surrounding intertidal and marine environments in this region are similar. They arise from increased and competing commercial and recreational activity, development, and the flow down effects of catchment and land-use activities. The management challenges are that a majority of the region is characterised by:

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• diverse water habitats, • low and very seasonal rainfall, and • competition among stakeholders who value, use and manage these waters.

Other challenges lie in the lack of access to and awareness of information, monitoring and reporting of waterway health, biodiversity values, threats and management needs. Integrating the catchments to the coast It is a challenge for agencies with a role in planning and managing this coast to help integrate the catchments with the coast, including to estuaries and the sea. Many land and water uses require planning and management under different government authorities and involve separate groups of stakeholders. However there is a need to include stakeholders who may be impacted downstream of an activity. In many cases this includes private landholders, tourism and recreation users, and managers of coastal waterway habitats. As estuary and intertidal areas are traditionally recognised as transitional zones between land and sea, they are often left out or have overlapping planning and management boundaries. This has naturally created confusion with government authorities' roles and responsibilities. Often the end result is inconsistent management approaches or these areas being completely left out of planning processes. An assessment of the coastal waters planning and management framework would improve partnerships and help clarify the roles and responsibilities of waterway authorities. Making this information accessible for use on-the- ground would streamline problem solving of issues. The need for policy and protection If the region is to take integrated management seriously, there will need to be a review of planning policy and controls to see how they apply to these coastal waterway areas. Very few marine species or habitats are protected under commonwealth or state legislation, as a result of the limited information and the few resources available to enforce existing regulations. The government is currently undertaking a process to declare a system of marine national parks for Victoria, which includes a number of marine areas in the region. Other protective mechanisms include fisheries regulations, local laws and applying coastal zones. Over-use of intertidal areas There are ever increasing signs that trampling, fishing and collecting intertidal and nearshore (from high water mark to approx. 100m offshore) sealife for consumption, bait, garden mulch, aquaria or display is degrading these environments (eg. Ryan 1995). In some areas fishery authorities have had to restrict commercial and recreational activities (eg. Breamlea to Point Lonsdale), and people who have regularly fished these areas in the past believe it is not worth their while any more. People have literally 'loved this area to death'. Harvesting of beached seaweed (wrack) is recognised as a serious issue for many coastal birds that use this resource for shelter, food and nesting sites. Current management is based on an ad-hoc system of permits (McCulloch 1999). Managing land-use practices In rural areas land-use practices which impact on coastal waters include livestock access to stream banks, water extraction from diversions and drainage for grazing and irrigation, land clearing including wetland reclamation, artificially opening estuaries to the sea, introduction of pest plants and animals, barriers and other structures on rivers and streams (dams, weirs and culverts) and unsealed roads and forestry activities (refer to Coastal Land p. 34). In coastal areas these rural activities are often compounded by urban activities downstream such as building construction, effluent disposal through septic and sewage systems, sealed roads with increased water runoff, untreated stormwater systems, water drainage and diversions for domestic and industry use, and commercial and recreational ventures such as golf courses (refer to Human Settlement p. 39). Maintaining popular swimming and beach areas in a suitably safe and clean manner is a challenge, with particular emphasis on the removal of syringes, other sharps and refuse which poses a public health issue. These demands must be balanced against environmental considerations including vegetation management, alteration of beach profile and the role of seawrack in the intertidal zone. There is a need to further recognise the value of water over other uses, find practical and effective planning mechanisms which balance the different uses, and protect valuable coastal water assets from the above activities.

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COASTAL WATERS ACTION PLAN OUTCOME Sustainable use and development and management of estuarine, intertidal and marine areas. PRACTICE CHANGE Appropriate planning applied to manage existing and future use and development impacts on estuarine, intertidal and marine values. CHANGES NEEDED • A greater understanding of the values, threats, risks and planning and management responsibilities of coastal

waters by government authorities and the community. • Recognition of the complexity and Importance of coastal waters. • Clear finks are established between the management of coastal catchments and the health of • coastal waters. • Best practice management is adopted leading to sustainable use of estuarine, intertidal and marine

environments. KEY STRATEGIC ACTIONS Responsibility (and Partners) 3.5.1 Develop and distribute a problem-solving guide to regional

coastal waters values, risks, and the planning and management framework for the community and waterway managers.

CCMA (WCB, EPA)

3.5.2 Continue to promote and support high quality projects that further identify and improve the health of coastal waters.

CCMA (WCB, CSE, EPA, local municipalities)

3.5.3 Facilitate the implementation of the Central West Victoria Estuaries CAP.

WCB in partnership with CCMA (PV, foreshore COM, local municipalities, DSE, Community Reference Groups)

3.5.4 Ensure that appropriate planning policy and controls are implemented in municipal planning schemes to protect coastal catchments, estuaries, intertidal and marine areas, including the consistent extension of the region's planning schemes to 600 metres offshore from low water mark.

local municipalities (DSE, CCMA, PV)

3.5.5 Establish improved monitoring, policing and education programs for harvesting activities in estuary, intertidal and marine areas that comply with best practice and relevant regulations.

DSE - Fisheries (local municipalities, PV, foreshore COM)

3.5.6 Develop a strategic framework (eg. CAP) for intertidal and nearshore marine areas and apply policy, regulations and management guidelines to protect these areas from high risk activities.

WCB (PV, foreshore COM, local municipalities, DSE, Aboriginal communities, GOT)

KEY SUPPORTING ACTIONS Responsibility (and Partners) 3.5.7 Apply estuary-specific management guidelines across Western

Victoria. CCMA (WCB, PII: foreshore COM, local municipalities, DSE)

3.5.8 Identify intertidal and nearshore marine areas of local and regional conservation significance.

WCB (PV, foreshore COM, local municipalities, DSE, Deakin Uni)

3.5.9 Phase-out intertidal collecting of marine plants and animals. DSE - Fisheries (DSE - Flora and Fauna, PII: local municipalities, foreshore COM)

3.5.10 Extend and maintain the coverage of Fishcare programs in partnership with the community, and integrate with other community action programs.

DSE - Fisheries (local municipalities)

3.5.11 Encourage the use and monitor the effectiveness of the Victorian Best Practice Guidelines Beach Cleaning 2000

DSE (local municipalities, foreshore COM, PV, Bancoora SLSC)

3.1.4 Review application of planning scheme zones and overlays. 3.1.5 Ensure Planning schemes protect and enhance coastal & marine values. 3.1.6 Regional coastal community networks. 3.1.7 Community monitoring programs. 3.1.15 Access to relevant best practice management Guidelines by community. 3.1.10 Regional monitoring & evaluation framework. 3.2.2 Bioregional plans. [CCMA - Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, WCB - Western Coastal Board, EPA - Environment Protection Authority, DSE - Dept. of Sustainability & Environment, PV - Parks Victoria, Foreshore COM - Foreshore Committees of Management, GOT - Geelong Otway Tourism, SLSC - Surf Lifesaving Club]

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3.6. HUMAN SETTLEMENT Coastal townships and villages, settlement outside towns, viewscapes, building and infrastructure, siting and design ... Values The State of Environment Report (Officer for the Commissioner of the Environment 1997) defines human settlements as encompassing all the places where people live. Although much of the coastal zone in the Central West Region of Victoria is in public ownership, there are defined areas of activity that are reserved for urban settlement and an ever- increasing population. The coastal towns are extremely popular, typically having a small permanent population with large influxes of visitors at holiday times particularly during the summer months. These towns offer tranquil lifestyles, access to quality coastal and marine areas, and cultural experiences such as cafes and galleries. Aesthetic and heritage values are often associated with human settlements, through buildings and landscapes which contribute to the livability of these towns. For example Barwon Heads' distinctive urban character is symptomatic of its natural wetland systems and associated boating and other recreational activities and services. Torquay is popular for its surf culture, boasting prime surf beaches and industry-related shopping opportunities. In contrast, Aireys Inlet's appeal stems from its essential natural character, small village atmosphere and the Split Point Lighthouse. Apollo Bay also has a village atmosphere and one of two ports in the region, catering for a local fishing fleet as well as tourism ventures and recreational boating. It also hosts community cultural festivals. Challenges Preserving coastal character As coastal areas accommodate a growing population and increasing numbers of visitors it becomes more important that growth and development does not detract from the unique qualities that draw people to the region in the first place. Continual pressures for development within coastal regions has led to increased densities within townships and in some areas linear development along the coastline. It is state policy generally that linear development is restricted as it generally has a high impact on natural and cultural values in the region, impinging on scenic landscapes and viewscapes and leading to further destruction of the natural environment. The challenge therefore is to provide sustainable development opportunities for residential and visitor accommodation within strategically defined township boundaries, that respects and contributes to the coastal township character and residential amenity of coastal settlements, and does not negatively impact upon environmental qualities and features or scenic landscapes. There are a number of examples of good planning processes applied to coastal towns in the region which factor in these issues and which could be applied elsewhere (eg. Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove). Recognising land capability Planning for further development, particularly subdivision, and other future land use must therefore carefully consider a range of issues relevant to the coastal environment. Particularly important is recognising the land capability of many coastal areas (eg. from restricted water supply, landslip, wildfire, storm events, pests, limited capacity for waste within stormwater, effluent and landfill systems), and the sensitive nature of areas to particular types of use and development. Applying best practice to off-site Impacts In addition to strategic planning for future growth and development, coastal regions also need to ensure that construction activities and disposal of stormwater and effluent are appropriately planned and managed. Best practice management approaches must be implemented to reduce the on-site and off-site impacts of these activities. Point and diffuse sources of pollution transported by licensed ocean sewerage outfalls (Apollo Bay, Lorne, 'Anglesea and Black Rock - Breamlea), stormwater and coastal streams are increasing with more hard surfaces and increasing development activity upstream and along the coast.

40

This CAP seeks to address these challenges by encouraging relevant agencies to: • clearly define the qualities which are valued in coastal settlements, • develop appropriate measures to ensure that these qualities are preserved or enhanced, and • co-ordinate agencies to ensure consistent policy and management approaches. An opportunity exists in the tri-annual review of municipal planning schemes to ensure that coastal and marine planning policy and controls are in place and continually strengthened to achieve improved outcomes in decision making. Examples of coastal issues: q neighbourhood character q biodiversity q vegetation protection q Aboriginal archaeological sites q land capability q areas of high risk and buffer zones q siting and design (including viewscapes, emerging offshore structures and sustainable energy) q effluent and stormwater management q natural and cultural heritage protection q density q activity nodes q social equity q other issues associated with the interface between coastal Crown land and private land Examples of issues to consider for management of off-site impacts from minor building construction and subdivisions: q drainage q sediment and litter control q vegetation retention and planting q vehicle washdown areas q soil removal q noise and air pollution q viewscapes and landscapes q water and waste use q stormwater design and construction

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HUMAN SETTLEMENT ACTION PLAN OUTCOMES The distinctive qualities of coastal settlement areas in the region are clearly defined, valued and protected. PRACTICE CHANGE Adoption and protection of coastal township characteristics in local planning policies CHANGES NEEDED • Identify and define the qualities of coastal settlements in the region. • Minimise impacts from building construction, stormwater and effluent disposal in coastal settlements. • Future growth of coastal townships comprehensively considers a wide range of coastal issues (land

capability, coastal township character, environmental qualities, community needs, infrastructure and eventual limitations to growth)

KEY STRATEGIC ACTIONS Responsibility (and Partners) 3.6.1 Develop and distribute a coastal issues information sheet and

checklist on coastal planning issues that need to be considered in development proposals that can be used to inform and guide planning authorities, public land managers, landowners, developers and the community.

(local municipalities, WCB, DSE)

3.6.2 Review and apply improved local approvals processes for subdivision applications to ensure the effectiveness of existing statutory planning provisions in terms of protecting and enhancing coastal and marine values. Case studies will be the primary means of assessing the effectiveness of existing controls.

local municipalities (DSE)

3.6.3 Review and continually improve the effectiveness of planning schemes by identifying gaps in strategic planning policies and controls to ensure that they clearly express future growth outcomes and expectations, including limitations, for townships along the coast taking into account social, economic and environmental impacts. This includes a priority program for actions such as urban character studies , vegetation assessments, local siting and design guidelines, township strategies and rural residential strategies.

local municipalities

KEY SUPPORTING ACTIONS 3.6.4 Complete and implement stormwater management plans. local municipalities 3.6.5 Develop and promote the use of best practice management

guidelines, statutory instruments to regulate these guidelines, and an awareness program for controlling off- site impacts of minor building construction activities and new subdivisions.

local municipalities

3.6.6 Develop and encourage the regional application of a septic management system, including the audit of all unsewered townships and allotments in the region, and improve current monitoring regimes.

local municipalities (EPA)

3.6.7 Facilitate a regional forum on effluent management to develop a prioritised management program for sites where effluent disposal is impacting on local and regional coastal and marine values.

Barwon Water (EPA, local municipalities)

3.1.4 Review application of planning scheme zones and overlays. 3.1.5 Ensure planning schemes protect and enhance coastal & marine values. 3.1.9 Training in coastal and marine environmental management. [WCB - Western Coastal Board, NRE - Dept. of Sustainability & Environment, EPA - Environment Protection Authority]

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References Australia ICOMOS 1992. Australian ICOMOS charter for the conservation of places of cultural sIgnifIcance (Burra Charter). Australia ICOMOS. http://www.icomos.org/

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Brett Lane & Associates (2001). Guide to Coastal Waterway Planning and Management. Prepared for the Central West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program Steering Committee. 68 pp.

Chris Harty Planning & Environmental Management (2001). Draft Central West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan. Prepared for the Central West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program Steering Committee. 62 pp.

Central West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program (1999). Memorandum of Understanding. 15 pp.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (2000). Draft Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan. 106 pp.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (2001). Draft Waterway Health Strategy. 79 pp.

Dept Infrastructure (2000). Victoria Best Practice Guidelines Beach Cleaning. Prepared by Cathy Whelan for the Victoria Beach Cleaning Best Practice Project Steering Committee. 65 pp.

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Environment Conservation Council (2000) Marine Coastal & Estuarine Investigation Final Report. 76 pp

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Fisher Stewart (2000). Planning Scheme Review - Colac Otway, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast Planning Schemes. Prepared for the Central West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program Steering Committee. 36 pp.

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Land Conservation Council (1997). Historic places - Special investigation South-western Victoria final recommendations. Victoria. 176 pp.

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McCulloch, E. (1999). Save our seaweed. Article in The Bird Observer October 1999. P. 8

Morrice (2000a) Discussion Paper: Issues and options. Prepared for the Central West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program Steering Committee. 66 pp.

Morrice (2000b) Strategic Implementation Plan. Prepared for the Central West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program Steering Committee. 32 pp.

Officer for the Commissioner of the Environment (1997). State of the Environment Report. CD. Parks Victoria (1999). Angahook-Lorne State Park Management Plan. Victoria. 77pp.

PPK Environment and Infrastructure (2001). Roles and Responsibilities of stakeholders on the West Coast of Victoria - Stage 1 and 2 Reports. Prepared for the Central West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program Steering Committee. 33, 7 pp.

Rosengren, Neville (1984). Sites of geological and geomorphological significance in the Shire of Otway. Prepared for the Dept. Conservation, Forests and Lands. 320 pp.

Ryan, B. A. (1995). Common Intertidal fauna from Aireys Inlet to Cape Otway. Prepared for the Dept. Conservation and Natural Resources and Deakin University, Warrnambool. Unpublished report. 12 pp.

Victorian Coastal Council (1998). Landscape setting types for the Victorian Coast. Victoria. 40 pp.

Victorian Coastal Council (2002). Victorian Coastal Strategy Victoria. 52 pp.

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Appendix 1

OTHER REFERENCES Association of Bayside Municipalities (2001). Port Phillip Coastal and Marine Planning Program - Stages 1&2 CD.

Barson & Calder (1976). Sites of Special Scientific Interest - botanical Prepared for the Town and Country Planning Board.

Bird, E. C. F (1977). Sites of Special Scientific Interest - a report on geological & geomorphological aspects. Prepared for the Town and Country Planning Board.

Brighton M. (1999). Anglesea Heath (Alcoa lease area) Draft Management Plan - prepared for AIcoa of Australia Limited and Parks Victoria.

Central Coastal Board (1999). Draft Queenscliff Coastal Action Plan. Prepared by Maunsell McIntyre and ERM Mitchell McCotter. 40 pp.

Chris Dance Land Design (1999). Anglesea Coastal Action Plan. Prepared for the Western Coastal-Board. 50 pp.

Chris Dance Land Design (1999). Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. Draft Landscape Management Plan. 59 pp.

Chris Dance Land Design (1999). Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. Strategic Business Plan. 34 pp.

Chris Harty Planning & Environmental Management (2001). South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan. Prepared for the South West Victoria Coastal & Marine Planning Program Steering Committee.

City of Greater Geelong (1994). Geelong 2010: a preferred future. Geelong. 64 pp.

City of Greater Geelong (1999). City of Great Geelong Environmental Management Strategy Local Agenda 21. 75 pp.

City of Greater Geelong (1999). Geelong & District Environment Directory. 52 pp.

Commonwealth of Australia (1998). Australia’s Oceans Policy. Canberra, ACT. 48 pp.

Commonwealth of Australia (1998). Australia’s Oceans Policy: specific sectoral measures. Canberra, ACT. 48 pp.

Corangamite Catchment & Land Protection Board (1997). Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy. Colac, Victoria. 62 pp.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (1998). Draft Nutrient Management Plan. Colac, Victoria. 60 pp.

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (2000). Draft Corangamite Native Vegetation Plan. Published by the Dept. Natural Resources and Environment. 106 pp.

Country Victoria Tourism Council Inc. (1996). Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Development Plan. Victoria. pp. 236.

Coutts, P. J. F, V. C. Witter, R. M. Cochrane and J. Patrick (1977). Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the Victorian Coastal Region - archaeological aspects. Prepared for the Town and Country Planning Board.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (1993). Otway National Park Inventory of Resources and Uses. Prepared by D. Nugent. 116 pp.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (1993) Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve Management Plan. 37 pp.

Department of Infrastructure (1999). State Planning Agenda: a sensible balance. Victoria. 25 pp.

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Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands (1988). Geelong Region Coastal Management Plan Volume 1- Resource Document, Volume 2 - Management prescriptions.

Department of Conservation and Environment (1991). Colac Region Proposed Coastal Management Plan- Prescription Document and Resource Document.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1996). Otway National Park Management Plan. Victoria. 43 pp.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1996). Victoria’s Biodiversity: our living wealth. Victoria. 34 pp.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1996). Victoria’s Biodiversity: sustaining our living wealth. Victoria. 30 pp.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1996). Victoria’s Biodiversity: directions in management. Victoria. 149 pp.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2000). Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and foreshore reserve Draft Management Plan. Victoria. 53 pp.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2000). Victoria’s Draft Native Vegetation Management Framework. Victoria. 43 pp.

Donaldson, B, C. Evans and T. Walker (1998). Understanding the Dynamics of Lower Catchment Management in the Coastal Township of Anglesea. Graduate School of Environmental Science, Monash University.

Dorward (1976). Sites of Special Scientific Interest - zoological. Prepared for the Town and Country Planning Board.

Environment Conservation Council (2000). Marine coastal and estuarine investigation. Victoria. 140 pp.

Environmental and Natural Resources Committee (2000). Inquiry into Fisheries Management Discussion Paper. 40 pp.

Environment Protection Authority (1999). Protecting the Victorian Marine Environment from Marine Pests. Draft Industrial Waste Management Policy 1999 (ship's ballast water and hull cleaning) and Draft Policy Impact Assessment. Victoria. Victoria. 95 pp.

Franke, Bernie (2000). Erskine River and Stony Creek Catchment Plan. Prepared for the Erskine River and Stony Creek Working Group. 112 pp.

Geelong Otway Tourism (1996). Ecotourism Three Year Development Strategy. Geelong.

Geelong Otway Tourism (1998). Three Year BusIness Plan 1998-2001. Geelong. 37 pp.

Geelong Otway Tourism (2001). Geelong Otway TourIsm Strategic BusIness Plan 2001-2004.Geelong. 95 pp.

Heritage Victoria (2000). Victorian Heritage Strategy. 30 pp.

Kellaway, Carlotta (1998). Draft Farmland forest and surf' environmental history of Surf Coast Shire. Prepared for the Surf Coast Shire. 83 pp.

Land Conservation Council (1996). Historic places - Special Investigation South-western Victoria proposed recommendations. Victoria. 166 pp.

Marine & Coastal Community Network (1998). The 1998 Blue Pages - A marine and coastal contacts directory for South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. 95 pp.

Marine & Freshwater Resources Institute (2000). Victorian Oil Response Atlas. CD.

Mosley, G. (1997). Where the forest meets the sea, a conservation strategy for the Great Ocean Road. Victoria. 68 pp.

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National Oceans Office (2001) A snapshot of the South-East - a description of the South-East Marine Region. 52 pp.

Parks Victoria (1999). Angahook-Lorne State Park Management Plan. Victoria. 77pp.

Pitfield, C (1998). Torquay - Jan Juc Coastal Mammal Survey and Draft Management Plan.

Planning Schemes for Queenscliffe, Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Colac Otway.

PPK Environment and Infrastructure (2001). Colac Otway Strategic Development Master Plan - Coastal Action Plan - Skenes Creek to Marengo. Prepared for the Colac Otway Shire and WCB. 28 pp.

Revie, A. (1997). Whites Beach Reserve Torquay Draft Management Plan. 18 pp.

Richards, R (1998). A Predictive Model of Aboriginal Archaeological Site Distribution in the Otway Range Occasional Report No. 49. Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. 87 pp.

Richards, T. and J. Jordan (1999). Aboriginal Archaeological Investigations in the Barwon Drainage Basin. Occasional Report No. 50. Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. 217 pp.

State Boating Council (in prep.). Draft Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy 1999-2010. Victoria. 30 pp.

Strategic Planning Pty Ltd (1998). Johanna Environs - Managing a changing environment: a planning strategy. 23 pp.

Surf Coast Shire (1996). The economic significance of tourism to the Surf Coast Shire. Henshall Hansen Assoc., Yann Campbell Hoare Wheeler, Justin Francis Assoc. Victoria.

Surf Coast Shire (1996). Surf Coast Shire 2020 Vision: a preferred future. 32 pp.

Surf Coast Shire (1997). Spilt Point Lightstation: conservation analysis and masterplan. Allom Lovell & Associates Pty Ltd. Melbourne. pp. 68.

Surf Coast Shire (2000). Surf Coast Shire Environmental Directory. 80 pp.

Thompson Berrill Landscape Design Pty Ltd (1998). Torquay foreshore masterplan and management plan. Prepared for the Torquay Public Reserves Committee of Management. 107 pp.

Thompson Berrill Landscape Design Pty Ltd (1999). Breamlea foreshore masterplan and management plan report. Prepared for Dept. Natural Resources and Environment and the City of Greater Geelong. 49 pp.

Traill, B. and C. Porter (2001). Nature Conservation Review Victoria. Prepared for the Victorian National Parks Association & Nature Conservation Review Steering Committee. 190 pp.

Victorian Coastal Council (1998). Siting and DesIgn Guidelines for Structures on the Victorian Coast. Victoria. 44 pp.

Weir, Ian and Aireys Inlet Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management (1998). Management Plan 1999- 2001 for the Aireys Inlet Foreshore Reserve and Associated Public Land 27 pp.

Western Coastal Board (1998). Lorne Coastal Action Plan. 27 pp.

Western Coastal Board (2000). South West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan. Victoria. 64 pp.

Western Coastal Board (2000). Draft South West Regional Coastal Action Plan. Victoria. 47 pp.

Victorian Coastal Council (1998). Guidelines for the preparation of Coastal Action Plans by Regional Coastal Boards. 7 pp.

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Appendix 2

STAKEHOLDERS FOR CENTRAL WEST VICTORIA COASTAL & MARINE PLANNING PROGRAM

Membership

Project Management

Steering Committee

Reference Group

MOU

BQ * * *

CGG * * *

SCS * * *

COS * * *

DSE * * *

PV * * *

WCB * * *

EA * *

VR * *

CMA * *

GOT * *

WAC *

GEC *

EPA *

BW *

AAV *

CCB *

TV *

SRV *

TPR *

BC *

GT *

BQ Borough of Queensliffe

CGG City of Greater Geelong

SCS Surf Coast Shire

CAS Colac Otway Shire

DSE Dept of Sustainability & Environment

PV Parks Victoria

WCB Western Coastal Board

EA Environment Australia

VR Vic Roads

CMA Corangamite Catchment Mgmt Authority

GOT Geelong Otway Tourism

WAC Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op

GEC Geelong Environment Council

EPA Environment Protection Authority

BW Barwon Water

AAV Aboriginal Affairs Victoria

CCB Central Coastal Board

TV Tourism Victoria

SRV Sport and Recreation Victoria

TPR Torquay Public Reserves

BC Barwon Coast Committee of Management

GT Gordon TAFE

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Steering Committee Cr Julie Hansen (Chair) Surf Coast Shire Jeanette Spittle (Conservation Officer) Surf Coast Shire Sally Hooper (Strategic Planner) Surf Coast Shire Wendy Briggs (Environment Officer) Colac Otway Shire Alex Shackleton (Coastal and Wetlands Officer) City of Greater Geelong Natalie Walker (Town Planner) Borough of Queenscliffe Lynn Murrell (Chairman) Western Coastal Board Fiona Chandler (Executive Officer) Western Coastal Board Grant Hull (Senior Planning Officer) DSE - Crown Land Management Sally Burgess (Coasts and Clean Seas Officer) DSE Helen Mulligan (Senior Strategic Planner) DSE Coastal Branch Charlie Pascoe (Environmental Program Manager) Parks Victoria Alison McFarlane (Strategic Planner) Dept. of Sustainability & Environment Ben Addison (CMPP Project Manager) National Oceans Office Previous Members Nick Wimbush Central Coastal Board Raewyn Hansen, Jamie Lamour-Reid & John Wilkin Surf Coast Shire Bruce Humphries & Gareth Smith City of Greater Geelong Rob Davis & Robert Hutchison Colac Otway Shire Rachael Robertson; Peter Mackay & Rod Newnham Parks Victoria Chris Marshall, Gil Marshall & Shaun Thomas DSE David Patmore Environment Australia

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Signatories to MOU Chief Executive Officer Surf Coast Shire Chief Executive Officer City of Greater Geelong Chief Executive Officer Colac Otway Shire Chief Executive Officer Borough of Queenscliffe Chairman Western Coastal Board Regional Manager Dept Natural Resources

and Environment Regional Manager Parks Victoria Executive Officer Geelong Otway Tourism Executive Officer Corangamite Catchment

Management Authority Regional Manager Dept of Sustainability &

Environment Regional Manager Vic Roads

Reference Group Cr Julie Hansen, Peter Dorling, Jeanette Spittle, John Wilkin, Raewyn Hansen

Surf Coast Shire

Robert Hutchison, Glenn Patterson, Wendy Briqgs

Colac Otway Shire

Bruce Humphries City of Greater Geelong Natalie Walker Borough of Queenscliffe Lynn Murrell Western Coastal Board Nick Wimbush Central Coastal Board David Patmore Environment Australia Wayne Kayler- Thompson Tourism Victoria Warren Chapman Barwon Coast Committee

of Management Roger Grant & Stuart Toplis

Geelong Otway Tourism

Kim McGough, Geoff Forbes. Rod Duncan & Alison McFarlane

Department of Sustainability & Environment

Joan Lindros Geelong Environment Council

Joe Adamski Barwon Water Reg Abrahams Wathaurong Aboriginal

Co-Op Tom Richards Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Catharine Schippers EPA Dianne Tilley Gordon TAFE Jeremy Clarke Framlingham Aboriginal

Trust Rod Goring Manaqer Torquay Public Reserves Don Forsyth Corangamite Catchment

Management Authority Geoff Brooks DSE Port Phillip Region Rod Newnham Parks Victoria Ian Karutz Vic Roads Lenny Jenner Sport and Recreation

Victoria Chris Marshall Anglesea COM Apollo

Bay and Kennett River COM

Michael Cahill Industry Development Sport and Recreation Victoria

Lionel Harradine Framlingham Aboriginal Trust

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Strategic Planning Working Group Cr Julie Hansen, Sally Hooper, Jeanette Spittle

Surf Coast Shire

Bruce Humphries, Ian McCartney & Alex Shackleton

City of Greater Geelong

Robert Hutchison & Wendy Briggs

Colac Otway Shire

Kate Maltby Parks VIC Grant Hull, Chris Harty DSE Lynn Murrell Western Coastal Board Nick Wimbush Central Coastal Board Robin Crocker Robin Crocker & Assoc

Consultants Gippsland Coastal Board

Reg Abrahams Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd

Jeremy Clarke Framlingham Aboriginal Trust

Tom Richards Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Warren Chapman Barwon Coast Committee

of Management Stuart Toplis Geelong Otway Tourism Hans Fankhanel Community

Representative (Otway Planning Association Inc)

Joan Lindros Community Representative (Gee long Environment Council)

Alain Purnell Community Representative (Surf Coast Shire Environment Advisory Committee)

Waterways Working Group Joe Adamski & Paul Northey

Barwon Water

Alex Shackleton City of Greater Geelong Don Forsyth & Tony Overman

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

Catharine Schippers & Rowan McKenzie

Environment Protection Authority

Kate Maltby Parks VIC Shaun Cumming South West Water Assoc. Professor John Sherwood

School of Ecology & Environment, Deakin University

Leanne Gunthorpe Marine and Freshwater Research Institute

Chris Marshall NRE & Foreshore Committees of Management

Warren Chapman Barwon Coast Committee of Management

Rod Goring Torquay Public Reserves Reg Abrahams Wathaurong Aboriginal

Co-operative Ltd Jeremy Clarke Framlingham Aboriginal

Trust Chris Harty DSE (SW Victoria Coastal

& Marine Planning Program)

Robin Crocker Robin Crocker & Assoc Consultants Gippsland Coastal Board

Stuart Toplis Geelong Otway Tourism Tom Richards Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Dianne Tilley Gordon TAFE Tracey Walker DSE Jo Donovan Southern Rural Water Bruce Costin Community

Representative (Aire River Drainage Advisory Committee)

Colin Mcintyre Community Representative Geelong Environment Council, National Trust Landscape Committee, Save Ocean Grove Environment

John Foss Community Representative (Surfrider Foundation, Surf Coast Branch)

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Appendix 3 HIERARCHY OF PRINCIPLES FOR COASTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT The following four (4) principles to guide strategic direction and decision making for coastal and marine areas have been extracted from the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002. Decisions are made daily to manage the environmental, social and economic forces Impacting on the coastal environment. The following is a hierarchy of principles to guide the decision making process. Decision makers priorities will be to:

• firstly, provide for the protection of significant environmental features; • secondly, ensure the sustainable use of natural coastal resources; • thirdly, undertake integrated planning and provide direction for the future; and • finally, when the above principles have been met, facilitate suitable development on the coast within existing

modified and res ilient environments where the demand for services is evident and requires management. Protection of significant environmental features is about the conservation of biological diversity, physical diversity and ecological integrity or the preservation and maintenance of essential ecological processes and life support systems. Aboriginal and other sites of cultural, historic or scientific value will also be protected.

• The coastal features of ecological, geological, geomorphological, cultural, landscape, scientific and historical significance will be protected.

• Parts of the coast will remain largely inaccessible to protect and retain areas with a sense of remoteness and exploration.

• Aboriginal communities will be involved in the protection and management of Aboriginal sites and the use and development of their history and culture.

• Active involvement by the broader community in the conservation and rehabilitation of Victoria's natural and cultural coastal environment will be encouraged and assisted.

• A representative system of marine national parks and sanctuaries will be established in Victoria's waters. Sustainable use of natural coastal resources is about ensuring inter-generational equity, that is, meeting the needs of people today without compromising the needs of future generations.

• Future generations will be considered equally with current users. • Coastal and marine environments are recognised as long term public assets which should not be compromised

by inappropriate short term decisions or developments. • Natural dynamic processes and systems which shape the coastline must be respected and adverse activities

avoided or minimised. • The use and management of the coast will be designed to work with nature rather than against nature to

minimise impacts which occur downstream or off-site, reducing long term community costs. • Public understanding and appreciation of coastal values will be fostered and facilitated over time. • The conservation and where possible, the use of historic features will be encouraged and facilitated over time. • Indigenous peoples' rights, history and culture will be respected. • Market rent and appropriate rates and taxes are levied for all commercial use of coastal Crown land to

discourage the use of coastal Crown land as a cheap alternative to private land. • Revenue generated from coastal Crown land will be directed to coastal management, protection and the

development or maintenance of appropriate infrastructure. • User and polluter pays principles will be pursued to recover the cost of long term coastal use or damaging

processes.

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Direction for the future is about providing integrated coastal zone planning and management which has regard to the economic, social and environmental implications of decisions and takes a long rather than short term view when making those decisions.

• Coastal planning and management will: - be vertically and horizontally integrated across government's jurisdictional boundaries; - set clear objectives; - be strongly lead by a coastal agency (the Victorian Coastal Council); - rely on ESD principles; - employ research and education programs; - have real involvement from the community; and - be adequately resourced.

• There will be a net gain in the quality and quantity of public land estate along the coast. • Community use of foreshore land, buildings and other assets will be managed to return the greatest public

benefit while protecting heritage values where they may exist. • Public access to coastal crown land will be maintained except where the interests of security, safety or

protection of coastal resources predominate. • Local management, community involvement and voluntary participation will be increased and encouraged as

essential elements of coastal and marine management, conservation and decision making. • Accountability for outcomes will be identified. • Resources will be targeted to minimise duplication and waste. • Plans consistent with the Victorian Coastal Strategy will be developed at the local and regional level to provide

detail and give attention to regional or local issues. Suitable development on the coast are those coastal dependent activities and structures which provide an economic, social and/or environmental benefit, enhancing the community's value of the coast. Suitable coastal development can be from small-scale infrastructure, such as boardwalks and picnic tables, through to larger scale developments, such as major visitor centres, maritime related industry and recreation and water access infrastructure. There are relatively pristine areas and important vistas along the coast where no development will be appropriate.

• Appropriate coastal development is development that: - enhances protection and rehabilitation of the environment and biodiversity; - results in increased public benefit having regard to the social, economic and environmental implications; - is sensitively sited and designed, having regard to the Siting and Design Guidelines for Structures on the

Victorian Coast and Landscape Setting Types for the Victorian Coast May 1998; - minimises public risk; - is set back from the coast as far as practicable in line with vulnerability assessments; - facilitate multiple-use of sites and existing infrastructure, without resulting in over- use; - facilitates improvements of sites or existing developments that have poor environmental or social

performance; and - is consistent with the requirements of coastal planning strategies and plans, and relevant planning

schemes. • Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should

not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation (the precautionary principle - National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development 1992).