Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2018

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Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

1

Executive summary .......................................................................................................... 2

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Role of the Western Coastal Board ......................................................................................................... 5

1.2 Functions under the Coastal Management Act 1995 ............................................................................. 5

1.3 The region .................................................................................................................................................. 6

1.4 Coastal issues ............................................................................................................................................ 7

2. Key WCB achievements ............................................................................................... 7

2.1 Awareness of strategic coastal planning ................................................................................................ 7

2.2 Regional strategic planning and coordination ....................................................................................... 8

2.3 Community involvement ........................................................................................................................... 9

2.4 Coastal Action Plans ............................................................................................................................... 11

2.4.1 Western Regional Coastal Plan 2015-2020 ...................................................................................... 12

2.4.2 Western Victoria Boating Coastal Action Plan 2010 ...................................................................... 12

2.5 Other key activities .................................................................................................................................. 13

3. Publications ................................................................................................................ 14

4. Future delivery of WCB responsibilities ................................................................... 15

Appendix: Board members 1996 – 2018 ....................................................................... 16

Contents

2 Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

The role and functions of the Western Coastal Board

The Western Coastal Board (WCB) was established under the Coastal Management Act 1995 and ceased

on 30 June 2018 under the new Marine and Coastal Act. The Board’s role was to champion the ecologically

sustainable development of western Victoria’s marine and coastal areas.

The Board’s specific functions within the western coastal region were to: develop coastal action plans;

provide advice to the Minister, the Victorian Coastal Council (VCC) and government on coastal development

and other matters; prepare and publish guidelines for coastal planning and management; facilitate the

implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCS), coastal action plans and coastal guidelines; and

liaise with, and encourage the cooperation of, government departments, councils, public authorities, industry,

community groups and those involved in the planning and management of the region in developing and

implementing strategic solutions to matters affecting the conservation and use of the region’s coasts.

The western coastal region and its issues

The western coastal region extends from the South Australian border to near Breamlea and includes the

municipalities of Glenelg, Moyne, Warrnambool, Corangamite, Colac Otway and Surf Coast. Key regional

issues include the dynamic nature of the coastal environment and changes to the region’s resident and

visitor populations.

Key achievements of the Western Coastal Board

Awareness of strategic coastal planning: The Board played an important role in raising awareness of the

importance of strategic coastal planning. Coordinating regional input into the VCS and preparing Coastal

Actions Plans raised an understanding in the regional community of the need for a long-term vision for the

coast and marine environment. The Board provided a key role in being an advocate for the coast, and

through its independence from local and state agencies, often provided valuable independent advice on

contentious coastal planning and management issues.

Regional strategic planning and coordination: The Board worked closely with the VCC and the other

Boards, supporting the development and implementation of the VCS and ensuring there were current coastal

management plans in place throughout the region. It contributed to the development of the new Marine and

Coastal Act, and participated in many strategic and planning initiatives to promote the implementation of the

VCS. Through project work, the Board was also able to develop strong networks of key stakeholders.

Community involvement: The Board recognised the need for active participation by the community in

strategic coastal planning, so that the long-term objectives and actions met the needs of those people who

live and work in the region. It hosted extensive public meetings, workshops and supported periods for public

comment on draft Board documents, and sought community representation on steering committees for the

development of plans and studies.

Coastal Action Plans (CAPs): The Board developed and delivered six local CAPs, two regional CAPs, two

estuary CAPs and the Western Victoria Boating CAP with its regional partners. The CAPs have been the

primary tool for the planning and management of significant coastal, estuarine and marine areas or issues.

The Board also developed the Western Regional Coastal Plan 2015-2020, which aims to implement the

VCS 2014 in the western coastal region, and the Western Victoria Boating CAP 2010, which provides the

strategic framework to guide the provision of improved and more sustainable boating facilities across the

western coastal region.

Other key activities: The Board undertook a wide range of projects to progress coastal planning and

management in the region, including the award-winning Value and Equity Adaptation Framework for Climate

Adaptation: Coastal Caravan and Camping Parks Case Study in 2014.

Executive summary

Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

3

WCB highlights, year by year

CAP = Coastal Action Plan

Year Highlights

2017-18 Contributed to the development of the Belfast Coastal Reserve Draft Coastal Management Plan. Hosted a facilitated workshop in Camperdown that brought together agencies responsible for delivering actions in the Western Regional Coastal Plan. Progressed Visitor Experience Framework project based on recommendations made by the project Steering Group.

2016-17 Assisted with the Marine and Coastal Act (MACA) practitioner and public workshops and submitted to the MACA Consultation Paper. Hosted Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP’s) Coastal protection assets program regional information sessions. Scoped development of a visitation levels of service framework. Developed an implementation plan for the Western Regional Coastal Plan, using feedback provided by partner agencies in a facilitated workshop. Engaged with Traditional Owners including tour of Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area and presentation by Brett Clarke (Eastern Maar) at joint Victorian Coastal Council/WCB event in Lorne.

2015-16 Development of the Board’s three-year business plan. Focus on implementing actions from the Western Regional Coastal Plan. Feedback on development of Shipwreck Coast Master Plan and DELWP’s Guidelines for the Development of Coastal Management Plans. Moyne and Surf Coast Shire site visits.

2014-15 Draft Western Regional Coastal Plan released for public comment. Contribution to Victorian Floodplain Master Strategy, Shipwreck Coast Master Plan, Great Ocean Road Tourism Master Plan, Port Fairy Project, Warrnambool Safer Harbour Study, Colac Otway Shire planning applications. Assisted Corangamite Catchment Management Authority dispense nearly $43,000 in Coastcare grants to community groups for coastal works.

2013-14 Focus on the Western Regional Coastal Plan with community workshops. Review of the draft Victorian Coastal Strategy. Awarded an Australian Coastal Award in the ‘Research’ category for Value and Equity for Climate Adaptation: Coastal Caravan and Camping Parks Case Study. Helped fund the Climate Resilient Communities Project.

2012-13 Review of the Western Victoria Boating Coastal Action Plan (Boating CAP). Outcomes of the Value and Equity Framework for Climate Adaptation: Coastal Caravan and Camping Parks Case Study realised.

2011-12 Release of report on the statutory review of Coastal Action Plans (CAPs). Significant progress in developing the Value and Equity Framework for Climate Adaptation: Coastal Caravan and Camping Parks Case Study Project. Participation in participated in a range of strategic and statutory planning matters to advocate for the implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy and CAPs

2010-11 Western Victoria Boating CAP endorsed by the Minister and Implementation Committee and Reference Group established to facilitate its implementation. Draft CAP Review Report and recommendations presented to the Victorian Coastal Council. 2010 Western Coastal and Marine Forum attracted over 120 participants. Secured project funding for the Value and Equity Framework for Climate Adaptation: Caravan and Camping Parks Case Study project from regional partners and the Australian Government.

2009-10 Endorsement of final draft Western Victoria Boating CAP. Consultation with key lead agents and community members across the region on the implications of the Draft CAP Review Report recommendations. Coastal Priorities: NRM and Coastal Planning project completed and final report distributed to stakeholders.

2008-09 Progressed the Western Victoria Boating CAP and review of all other CAPs. Made major headway with Coastal Priorities Project with workshops and working groups.

2007-08 Conducted the regional consultation and input relating to the ‘new’ Victorian Coastal Strategy. Commenced the Coastal Priorities Project and the Western Victoria Boating CAP. Commenced methodology to conduct the statutory 5-year review of CAPs in the region. Held

4 Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

a Western Coastal Forum and a Western Coastal Sessions – Moyne event.

2006-07 Joint Working Party established with Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. Extensive input to the review of the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2002. CAP implementation progressed substantially and planning commenced for CAP reviews and second-generation CAPs. Provided input to planning initiatives and development proposals, most notably Great Ocean Green C29 Amendment at Apollo Bay and proposal for a 35-lot subdivision on primary dunes at Port Fairy.

2005-06 Launch of West Victorian Coastal and Marine Information Reference web portal and the Central West Estuaries CAP. Co-hosted South West Regional Planners Forum with the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Implementation and review of CAPs.

2004-05 Increased engagement with the local councils and catchment management authorities. Established a program of review and implementation of CAPs. Comprehensive involvement in planning through hearings, reviews, amendments, studies, strategies, and a variety of other partnership projects. Worked closely with the Victorian Coastal Council on the ‘coastal spaces’ project.

2003-04 Board moved from phase of CAP development to one of CAP implementation and monitoring. Commenced the significant Ecological Risk Assessment Project which filled the void of knowledge about our coastal waters and the threats and risks facing their ecology.

2002-03 Coastal Congress at Deakin University in Warrnambool. Brought together the Estuaries Classification Project. Involvement related to catchment management, Marine Parks, local government planning, windfarm guidelines, regional sustainability, Coastcare and coastal awards, gas development, tourism and the arts and the Great Ocean Road Strategy. Finalising of Glenelg Shire CAP and launch of the Draft Bell’s Beach to Red Rock CAP. Audit of the Board’s previous CAPs.

2001-02 Assisted the Victorian Coastal Council with a revised Victorian Coastal Strategy. Supported the Victorian Government’s moves to establish a representative system of Marine Parks. Took part in the Portland Wind Energy Project EES Directions Steering Committee. Leadership in the South West and Central West Victoria Regional and Estuaries CAPs and the various local CAPs. Active in the South West Sustainable Partnership and with Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins CMAs, especially in the development of their Regional Catchment Strategies.

2000-01 Progressed the Coast and Marine Planning Programs. Completed the South West Estuaries, Moyne and Apollo Bay to Marengo CAPs. Commenced the Glenelg Shire CAP.

1999-00 Lead role in identification of regional coastal priorities for the development of CAPs, the coordination of planning activities relevant to the coast and in increasing awareness and understanding of regional coastal issues. Progressed implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy. Meetings conducted at a variety of locations within the region, helping significantly in the development of effective networks and regional coordination arrangements.

1998-99

1997-98

1996-97 Board appointed by the Minister for Conservation and Land Management on 11 June 1996. There was no strategic framework for long term decision making on the coast - the Victorian Coastal Strategy was still being drafted.

Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

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1. Introduction

1.1 Role of the Western Coastal Board

The Western Coastal Board (WCB) was one of three regional coastal boards established in 1996 under the

Coastal Management Act 1995 to facilitate regional coastal planning by developing and implementing

regional coastal plans, publishing coastal planning and management guidelines and facilitating local

involvement in planning processes.

The Board’s role was to provide advice to the Minister on matters relating to strategic coastal planning in the

western coastal region, support Victorian coastal management objectives and outcomes, provide leadership

in the community and provide informed advice on the western coastal region.

Its role in strategic coastal planning at a regional scale crossed many agency jurisdictions, geographic areas

and a broad range of issues. It provided an important advocacy role on critical issues for the coast.

1.2 Functions under the Coastal Management Act 1995

The WCB was formally appointed under the Coastal Management Act 1995 on 11 June 1996, with

consecutive boards appointed. The final WCB was appointed for the period of 22 September 2015 to 30

June 2018.

The WCB consisted of up to 12 members who were appointed for a period of three years, for their

experience and knowledge of conservation, tourism, business, recreation, commerce, issues relating to

indigenous peoples, community affairs, town planning, local government and coastal engineering.

Functions conferred to the Board under the Coastal Management Act 1995 included:

i. to develop Coastal Action Plans for land within the region

ii. to provide advice to the Minister on coastal development in the region and any other matters

referred to it by the Minister

iii. to provide advice to the Victorian Coastal Council on coastal development in the region and any

other matters referred to it by Council

iv. with the approval of Council, to prepare and publish guidelines for coastal planning and

management in the region

v. to facilitate the implementation in the region of the Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCS), Coastal

Action Plans and approved coastal guidelines for the region

vi. to facilitate local public awareness of, and consultation and involvement in, the development and

implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, Coastal Action Plans and approved coastal

guidelines for the region

vii. to liaise with, and encourage the cooperation of, Government Departments, municipal councils,

public authorities, industry, community groups and persons and bodies involved in the planning and

management of the region in developing and implementing strategic solutions to matters

affecting the conservation and use of the region’s coast and

viii. to carry out any other functions conferred on it by or under this Act or any other Act.

6 Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

1.3 The region

Victoria’s western coastal region extends for 476 kilometres from Breamlea to the South Australian border

and includes the municipalities of Surf Coast, Colac Otway, Corangamite, Moyne, Glenelg, and the City of

Warrnambool.

The west coast features iconic attractions such as the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles and Bells

Beach. Major coastal centres include Portland, Warrnambool and Torquay, and smaller villages and

settlements include Port Fairy, Apollo Bay, Lorne and Port Campbell.

The increasing popularity of the Victorian coast has seen significant increases in both residential and holiday

populations of towns, with many people becoming aware of the special values of the western coastal region.

Figure 1: Western coastal region

Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

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1.4 Coastal issues

The overall challenge facing the coastal and marine environment in western Victoria remains the same,

balancing the protection of natural resources with human use of those resources. Particular challenges for

the western coastal region lie in the following areas:

• Managing strong growth in tourism, particularly on the Great Ocean Road. With 5 million visits annually,

the increased demand for tourism opportunities and consequent infrastructure near the coast have the

potential to impact on the natural values that attract visitors to the region.

• Increased threats of coastal hazards, including sea level rise and storm surges, due to the effects of

climate change on the geological landforms and scenic coastline values.

• Loss of vegetation and habitats from increased growth of settlements and loss of coastal character from

large developments.

• Damage to cultural heritage values and coastal vegetation in parks and reserves from surfing events, high

volumes of visitors, increasing and varied uses, unregulated parking and freedom campers.

2. Key WCB achievements

2.1 Awareness of strategic coastal planning

A key achievement of the WCB since 1996 has been to raise awareness of the importance of strategic

coastal planning. Through the process of coordinating regional input into the Victorian Coastal Strategy

(VCS) and preparing Coastal Action Plans (CAPs), the understanding of the need for a long-term vision for

the coast and marine environment is now generally well accepted by the regional community.

The WCB provided a key role in being an advocate for the coast, independent of local and state agencies

and thus has been able to provide a leadership role in conflict resolution. The WCB was often approached

for independent advice on contentious coastal planning and management issues. The WCB supported the

Victorian Government’s moves to establish a representative system of Marine Parks.

The WCB worked with agencies and stakeholders to contribute support for a range of projects that raised

awareness of strategic coastal planning and benefited the management of the coastal and marine

environment. The WCB regularly invited stakeholders to its board meetings. For example, as part of a

meeting in Port Fairy the Board went on a site visit to Moyne Shire Council, and heard how they are

responding to the impacts of climate change. At a meeting in Torquay, the Mayor of the Surf Coast Shire

Council presented to the Board on local visitation pressures, population growth and the management of

major events such as the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.

Another significant achievement over the term of the WCB was the development of networks of key

stakeholders through project work. The need for local and state agencies to take a larger regional view, and

look outside narrow geographic or administrative boundaries is nowhere more apparent than in the coastal

and marine environment. By working on a regional basis, the WCB helped forge links which enabled

stakeholders to share resources and experience resulting in better long term coastal decision making.

The WCB actively participated in a wide range of initiatives in the state and region such as:

• Membership of regional groups such as the G21 Environment Pillar and Great South Coast Natural Assets

Pillar.

• Visits to municipalities, which include field trips, meetings with Councillors and senior staff, and public

meetings.

• Building relationships with stakeholders and reporting to promote understanding of coastal issues and

Board activities.

• Attendance at a range of events, conferences and forums to share information and stay abreast of

emerging issues.

8 Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

• Engaging in a wide range of regional project and planning initiatives to provide advice and support.

• Support for funding applications to recognise and support a wide range of projects with regional

implications.

Other examples of the WCB links and networks that raised awareness of strategic coastal planning include:

• Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy Project Partners Group

• Port Fairy Working Group

• Apollo Bay Harbour Community Reference Group

• Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Regional Implementation Committee

• Glenelg Hopkins Coastal and Marine Working Group.

2.2 Regional strategic planning and coordination

The WCB worked closely with the Victorian Coastal Council (VCC) and other regional coastal boards and

attended regular meetings with the Chairs and Executive Officers of the other regional coastal boards and

the VCC. The WCB submitted annual reports to the VCC advising on implementation of the Victorian Coastal

Strategy, CAPs, Guidelines and other WCB initiatives. Business Plans were submitted every three years.

The WCB also provided input to a range of VCC activities and material.

Implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCS)

The WCB supported the VCC and the regional coastal boards in the development and review of the VCS

both as a draft document and released policy over the years by its representation on the VCS

Implementation Committee, participating in mid-term review of the VCS and hosting consultation sessions

with the community.

A key action for the WCB was to ensure there were current coastal management plans (CMPs) in place

throughout the region. The Board actively promoted the benefits of CMPs and the use of the Department of

Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP’s) Draft Guidelines for the Preparation of Coastal

Management Plans, for example, in encouraging community contribution to the development of the Belfast

Coastal Reserve Management Plan. In addition, the WCB participated in a range of strategic and statutory

planning matters to advocate for the implementation of the VCS and CAPs.

Sustainable Visitation and Tourism Framework

The coastal visitation framework aims to plan for visitor experience at a regional scale by provide a diversity

of sustainable recreational experiences while addressing risk and balancing this with the aim of valuing and

protecting coastal and marine environments.

A report was prepared by GeoDimensions to provide greater clarity on the scope of this project. It

recommended the need to rank and map priorities for conservation, risk and recreation supply and demand.

The project methodology will be similar with the Parks Victoria’s Visitor Experience Framework. It will also

provide landscape scale mapping to compare with the mapping from the Iconic Beaches Monitoring Program

and identify priorities for investment on the coast. The WCB has worked with the other two regional coastal

boards to progress the Visitor Experience Framework project based on recommendations made by the

project Steering Group.

Development of the Marine and Coastal Act

The WCB contributed to the development of the new Marine and Coastal Act through its representation on

the Stakeholder Reference Group. The WCB also assisted with the Marine and Coastal Act (MACA)

practitioner and public workshops and made a submission to the MACA Consultation Paper.

Strategic Planning Advice

The Board participated in many strategic and planning initiatives to promote the implementation of the

Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCS). Land use planning has a significant influence on the achievement of the

Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

9

VCS, and the Board’s participation in the planning process is determined by consistency of proposals and

planning schemes with the VCS, Coastal Action Plans and the State Planning Policy Framework. Examples

include:

• Submissions and panel presentation for the Great Ocean Green proposal at Apollo Bay, 2006

• Submissions and panel presentation for a 22-lot subdivision on primary dunes at Port Fairy, 2007

• Submissions and panel presentation for an 18-lot subdivision in a flood-prone area at Narrawong, 2010.

The Board also has contributed to many policies and guidelines which ensure a consistent approach to

coastal matters within the western region, including providing comment on key strategic documents

including:

• The Shipwreck Coast Master Plan

• Draft DELWP Coastal Management Plan Guidelines

• Belfast Coastal Reserve Draft Management Plan

• Victorian Floodplain Master Strategy

• Great Ocean Road Tourism Master Plan

• Port Fairy Project

• Warrnambool Safer Harbour Study

• Safe and Accessible Victorian Waterways Discussion Paper 2016

• The Victorian Floodplain Master Strategy

• Proposed National Heritage Listing, Great Ocean Road and scenic environs submission

• Corangamite Shire Tourism Opportunities Study

• Ports and Environs Discussion Paper submission

• DSE Marine Power Discussion Paper

• Coastal Climate Change Advisory Committee – attended Directions Hearing and provided a joint

submission to the Main Report with VCC and RCBs

• Draft Glenelg Environment Strategy

• Torquay Jan Juc 2040.

2.3 Community involvement

Active participation by the community in strategic coastal planning is essential to ensure that long term

objectives and actions meet the needs of those people who live and work in the region.

The WCB always recognised this need and involved the community in decision making. Examples of this

include extensive public meetings, workshops and periods for public comment on draft Board documents.

More importantly the Board has always sought community representation on Steering Committees so that

community representatives are involved in developing plans and studies.

There was a strong partnership between the Victorian Coastal Council and the regional coastal boards in

hosting consultation sessions around the Victorian Coastal Strategy both as draft documents and released

policy. In October 2016, the WCB assisted with the Marine and Coastal Act (MACA) practitioner and public

workshops held in Portland, Warrnambool and Torquay.

Drafts of all Coastal Action Plans (CAPs) were presented to the wider public and submissions invited.

Feedback from stakeholders and members of the public was well received and CAPs and the policy revised

to address emerging issues.

The WCB actively supported the incorporation of cultural heritage and traditional owner input into coastal and

catchment planning tools and management agreements. With a view to improving cooperation with

10 Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

indigenous groups, the Board and members of the Board’s Aboriginal Advisory Group undertook cultural

training in November 2014. Bryon Powell from the Wadawurrung Aboriginal Corporation gave a presentation

followed by a tour of significant cultural sites.

In 2016-17 the WCB worked with DELWP’s Aboriginal Inclusion Coordinator (Barwon South West region) to

ensure Aboriginal groups in the region were correctly represented in the WCB Communications Plan.

Aboriginal Corporations were invited to participate in the WRCP implementation plan workshop.

Furthermore, the Board was lucky enough to have Gunditjmara elder Aunty Eileen Alberts take them on a

tour of the Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area as part of its March meeting held in Port Fairy, and to have

Eastern Maar citizen Brett Clarke perform a Welcome to Country and give an overview of local Aboriginal

cultural heritage at its May meeting held in Lorne.

The WCB also hosted DELWP’s Coastal protection assets program information sessions held in in

Warrnambool and Torquay in 2016 which was attended by many of the Board’s key stakeholders as well as

members of the public.

Networking and good communication with local government representatives, stakeholders and interest

groups is important to the WCB. The WCB provided up to date information on activities through:

• ‘WCB News’, a quarterly newsletter that went out to almost 500 stakeholders and individuals.

• WCB website, which provided a ready source of information on the Board, its activities and publications as

well as links to key partner agencies.

• WCB Twitter account.

Western coastal sessions

The WCB held six regional public information and discussion sessions that were hosted by the Board and

local councils to look at contemporary coastal issues in western Victoria. The sessions were held as part of

the Board’s program of regional visits to municipalities and generally follow field trips and meetings with local

government. They provided an important opportunity for local communities to understand the role of the

WCB and receive presentations on various issues, and for the Board to hear from local communities about

priority issues to address.

• Moyne, April 2012

• Colac Otway, August 2011

• Corangamite, March 2009

• Surf Coast, September 2008

• Moyne, July 2007

• Surf Coast, May 2006

The WCB also hosted workshops and forums to facilitate community and stakeholder involvement including:

• 2010 Western Coastal and Marine Forum - Held on 8-9 July in Warrnambool. The Forum focused on

current key issues for the west coast and addressed important opportunities and challenges for coastal

communities. With over 110 people participating, it proved to be a popular and informative regional event.

• 2007 Western Coastal Forum - Built on the success of the 2006 West Coast Foreshore Manager’s Forum

held, providing a great opportunity for foreshore managers and others to exchange information, discuss

ideas and hear about the latest challenges and initiatives in coastal management. Held on 6-7 December

in Port Campbell.

• 2006 West Coast Foreshore Managers Forum - Held in Apollo Bay on 12-13 October to build on the 2005

event and provide further opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• 2005 South West Committee of Management Forum – Held in Apollo Bay from 24-25 February 2005. The

aim was to provide opportunities for sharing of information, knowledge, skills and expertise and to discuss

matters of common interest.

Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

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• 2003 Coastal Congress – Held at Deakin University in Warrnambool, the Congress was highly successful

and developed action plans and projects for holistic catchment management, sustainable coastal

development and coastal governance.

2.4 Coastal Action Plans

The development and delivery of Coastal Action Plans (CAPs) was a key role for the WCB. CAPs are the

primary tool for the planning and management of significant coastal, estuarine and marine areas or issues.

Their strengths lie in the fact that they can (and must) cross administrative boundaries as well as the

private/public land interface. CAPs are a unique planning mechanism for the delivery of Victorian Coastal

Strategy 2014 (VCS) and are enabled by the Coastal Management Act 1995

The WCB’s CAPs were undertaken on a cooperative basis with the local land managers and local

government and focussed on Activity Nodes. CAPs were the greatest priority, particularly in areas like Lorne

where significant land use conflict exists.

CAPs identify long term strategic directions and objectives for use and development in the region and key

actions to achieve preferred outcomes. Land managers must take all reasonable steps to give effect to a

CAP. In considering an application for Coastal Management Act consent, the Minister must take any CAP

applying to the land into account.

Twelve Coastal Action Plans were developed in western Victoria since 1997, including six Local CAPs, three

Regional CAPs, two Estuary CAPs and a Boating CAP.

The WCB facilitated the coordination of its CAPs through implementation committees with representation of

key stakeholders.

Table 1: Coastal Action Plans (CAPs) in the western coastal region

Coastal Action Plans CAP status

Western Regional Coastal Plan 2015-2020 Released 2015, mid-term review due 2018

Western Victoria Boating CAP (2010) Interim review 2013. Full statutory review underway in 2018

Central West Victoria Estuaries CAP (2005)

Statutory five-year review of all CAPs undertaken in June 2012

South West Victoria Estuaries

Glenelg Shire CAP (2004)

Skenes Creek to Marengo CAP (2002)

Moyne Shire CAP (2001)

Warrnambool CAP (1999)

Anglesea CAP (1999)

Lorne CAP (1998)

12 Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

2.4.1 Western Regional Coastal Plan 2015-2020

The Board’s Western Regional Coastal Plan was endorsed by the Minister and gazetted in September 2015.

The Plan, which is consistent with the regional plans for Gippsland and central coasts, aims to implement the

Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 in the western region.

It provides guidance to local coastal managers in preparing their own local Coastal Management Plans. The

Plan applies to the western coastal region from Breamlea to the South Australian border, including the

municipalities from Surf Coast Shire in the east through to Glenelg Shire in the west.

The Plan:

• Recognises key regional environmental, social and economic values and the role of communities in caring

for the coast

• Identifies and articulates key regional issues including the dynamic nature of the coastal environment and

changes to the region’s resident and visitor populations

• Establishes strategic directions and actions to address key challenges including visitation pressures,

foreshore management and coastal flooding and erosion

• Works with and builds on existing regional and local plans and strategies to promote an integrated

approach to regional issues and

• Includes regional implementation arrangements including a monitoring, evaluation and reporting

framework.

2.4.2 Western Victoria Boating Coastal Action Plan 2010

The Western Victoria Boating Coastal Action Plan (Boating CAP) was gazetted in November 2010. It

provides the strategic framework to guide the provision of improved and more sustainable boating facilities

across the western coastal region.

Importantly, the Boating CAP completes the framework of Boating CAPs across Victoria's three coastal

regions and ensures that the State's west coast now has a coordinated strategic plan with which to approach

the provision, maintenance and management of recreational boating infrastructure.

The Boating CAP confirms and updates the recreational boating facility hierarchy for the western coastal

region as required by the VCS 2008, and extends the planning horizon to 2035. The new boating facilities

hierarchy provides five possible classifications based on the designated level of service considered

appropriate at the broad range of existing boating facilities in Western Victoria. The Boating CAP defines the

status of each boating facility in western coastal region.

The Boating CAP specifies priority actions that are critical for effective and timely implementation and

allocates responsibilities for implementation of each action to one or more agencies and organisations. In

addition, the Boating CAP provides a series of pathways to support the strategic framework and provide the

detailed environmental, social and economic assessments required to achieve the recommended level of

service for each facility.

The WCB established an Implementation Committee and Reference Group to facilitate the implementation of

the Boating Cap. A mid-term review of the Western Victoria Boating CAP was undertaken in 2012-13. The

review identified priority implementation actions that should be considered as a focus to provide significant

benefit to the boating community of Western Victoria.

Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

13

2.5 Other key activities

The Western Coastal Board also undertook a wide range of projects since its establishment to progress

coastal planning and management in the region.

Research

Value and Equity Adaptation Framework for Climate Adaptation: Coastal Caravan and Camping Parks case

study – This study investigated the social and economic values associated with coastal caravan and

camping parks and developed a decision support framework to assist in bringing that new information into

existing decision making for climate adaptation. The WCB was awarded an Australian Coastal Award in the

‘Research’ category for this project in 2014.

Strategic planning

Priorities for Regional Collaboration: Coastal Planning and Natural Resource Management - In 2007, the

Board undertook this project to develop and pilot a process for collaboration and priority setting between

various state, regional and local organisations.

Coastal Planning Scheme Reviews - As part of the process to develop the first regional Coastal Action Plans

(CAPs), the Board and partners reviewed the planning schemes in the south-west and central west of the

region to identify areas to improve the effectiveness and consistency of planning controls for coastal areas

and settlements.

Draft Access Guidelines for the West Coast - The Board developed a draft set of Guidelines to assist land

managers in the challenging task of providing appropriate access to the coast and coastal waters while

protecting the environmental and cultural values along Victoria’s west coast that are important to both local

communities and visitors. Draft Coastal Access Guidelines were placed on public exhibition in late 2006 and

were produced following consultation with a variety of public land managers and other key stakeholders. Its

development was overseen by a Steering Committee comprising representatives of Parks Victoria,

Department of Sustainability and Environment, Glenelg Shire Council and the Western Coastal Board.

Roles and Responsibilities in Coastal Planning for the West Coast of Victoria - A major barrier to effective

coastal management is a lack of understanding of the roles and responsibilities of key organisations. This

project reviewed and assessed the roles and responsibilities of the key coastal stakeholders in the region.

The report comprised two parts with an overview and detailed tables of roles and responsibilities, including

the lead and support stakeholders for key coastal and marine issues, and the legislative requirements. It

made recommendations to address gaps identified in this framework.

Natural Resources

Estuary Entrance Management Support System 2007 (EEMSS) - A decision support tool that guides estuary

managers when making the decision whether or not to artificially open an estuary. The EEMSS was

developed by the WCB and partners to ensure a consistent process is followed for estuary openings and

provide a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact to the various social, cultural, economic and

environmental assets associated with both opening and not opening the estuary mouth.

Western Victorian Estuaries Classification and Management Guidelines – This project was undertaken to link

the broader framework of the estuary Coastal Action Plans (CAPs) and individual management plans for

estuaries. It identified 46 estuaries extending from the Glenelg River on the South Australian border to the

Barwon River, west of Point Lonsdale.

Ecological Risk Assessment - In 2004 the Board and partners undertook an ecological risk assessment for

the marine environment between Breamlea and the South Australian border. The assessment covered the

catchment regions of Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins, and the risk assessment component was

undertaken in partnership with Parks Victoria and University of Melbourne. The project was run in parallel

with Parks Victoria’s Marine Protected Area risk assessment study.

Corangamite Dune Protection and Restoration Project 2006-08 – This project was established to restore and

protect ecologically important coastal dune habitat in the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Colac Otway

sections of the Corangamite catchment region. It was undertaken over 2006-08 as a partnership between

14 Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

the WCB, Coast Action/Coastcare and the Corangamite CMA. It received funding under the Natural Heritage

Trust for 2006-07 ($138,920) and 2007-08 ($129,720). Projects demonstrated in-kind contributions from both

land managers and community volunteers.

3. Publications

Western Coastal Board publications ISBN / Web location

Western Regional Coastal Plan 2015-2020 ISBN 978-1-74146-782-6 (Print)

ISBN 978-1-74146-783-3 (PDF)

Western Victoria Boating CAP (2010) ISBN 978-1-74242-912-0 (print)

ISBN 978-1-74242-913-7 (online)

Central West Victoria Estuaries CAP (2005) No ISBN

South West Victoria Estuaries No ISBN

Glenelg Shire CAP (2004) No ISBN

Skenes Creek to Marengo CAP (2002) No ISBN

Moyne Shire CAP (2001) No ISBN

Warrnambool CAP (1999) No ISBN

Anglesea CAP (1999) No ISBN

Lorne CAP (1998) No ISBN

Annual Reports 1996-2018 No ISBN

Business Plans 1996-2018 No ISBN

Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

15

4. Future delivery of WCB responsibilities

Regional planning and advice

The relevant functions of the regional coastal boards would be performed by a combination of strengthened

coastal catchment management authorities (regional planning and facilitation), a new Marine and Coastal

Council (advice) and through Regional and Strategic Partnerships (RASPs) (regional planning).

The Marine and Coastal Council appointed by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change will also

influence regional priorities for coastal planning and management, in accordance with the priorities set by the

VCS 2014 and the requirements of the proposed Marine and Coastal Act 2017.

Preparation, review and implementation of Coastal Action Plans

The new Marine and Coastal Act 2017 (the Act) provides for the saving of regional coastal plans, Coastal

Action Plans including Boating Coastal Action Plans and frameworks. DELWP will oversee the continued

implementation of the plans. The plans will remain valid for ten years after the passing of the Act unless and

until a Regional and Strategic Partnership (RASP) plan or output were to overlap it in content. In that case

the newer RASP plan or output would apply.

Rather than providing for Coastal Action Plans, the Act will enable agencies to come together to solve

shared problems by forming Regional and Strategic Partnerships (RASPs), led by one of the partner

agencies with the skills and resources required to address the issue and the capacity to bring the community

along. RASPs will deal with regional planning or issue-based planning that crosses jurisdictional boundaries

(for example, coastal hazard assessments, adaptation plans, visitation demand management strategies,

environmental management plans).

Visitor Experience Framework

Building on the work of the regional coastal boards in the remainder of their terms, DELWP will continue to

develop a Visitor Experience Framework on the coast.

16 Western Coastal Board past, present and future

1995 - 2018

Appendix: Board members 1996 – 2018

2015-18 2012-15 2009-12 2006-09 2003-06 2000-03 1997-00 1996-99

Cr Jill Parker (Chairperson)

Mr Mark Edmonds

Ms Kim Irons

Mr Oliver Moles

Mr Raymond Page

Ms Alex Rankin

Ms Carole Reid

Mr Glenn Wallace

Cr Jill Parker (Chairperson)

Mr Mark Edmonds

Mr Matthew Gorman

Mr Oliver Moles

Mr Raymond Page

Ms Carole Reid

Mr John Sherwood

Mr Glenn Wallace

Ms Lynette Skilbeck (Chairperson)1

Ms Susan Mudford (Acting Chairperson)

Ms Alexina Chalmers

Ms Julie Hansen

Ms Denise Lovett

Mr Andrew Mason

Mr Alain Purnell

Dr Helen Scarborough

Prof John Sherwood

Mr Craig Whiteford

Mr John Young

Mr Lynn Murrell (Chairperson)

Dr Helen Arundel

Mr Neil Longmore

Ms Susan Mudford

Ms Rachel Faggetter

Mr Alain Purnell

Ms Julie Hansen

Ms Lynette Skilbeck

Mr Joseph Taylor

Ms Alexina Chalmers OAM

Mr Rodney Newnham

Mr Grant Hull

Mr Lynn Murrell (Chairperson)

Ms Helen Arundel

Dr Lawrence Baker

Cr Craig Delahoy2

Ms Rachel Faggetter

Mr Neil Longmore

Mr Roger Macaulay

Mr Kim McGough

Ms Vivian McWaters

Ms Susan Mudford

Ms Margaret O’Toole

Ms Rachael Roberts

Mr Lynn Murrell (Chairperson)

Ms Rachel Faggetter

Mr Rob Freemantle

Mr John Kennett

Ms Joan Lindros

Mr Henry Love

Mr Peter MacKay3

Ms Rachel Robertson4

Mr Kim McGough

Ms Gillian Miles

Ms Margaret O’Toole

Ms Vivian McWaters

Mr Lynn Murrell (Chairperson)

Mr John Kennett

Dr Bob Loch

Mr Kim McGough

Mrs Margaret McKenzie

Mr John Murphy

Ms Diana Patterson

Mrs Eda Ritchie

Mr Peter Ronald

Mr Brendan Roughead

Mr John Wilson

Ms Eda Ritchie (Chairperson)

Mr Peter Anderson

Mr Bob Loch

Mr Paul Mainey

Mr Kim McGough

Ms Margaret McKenzie

Mr John Murphy

Mr Peter Ronald

Ms Pam Talimanidis

1 Lynette Skilbeck resigned as Chairperson in July 2010 due to health reasons however remained as a Board member

2 Craig Delahoy resigned September 2004 for an interstate work opportunity

3 Peter MacKay left the Board in March 2001 4 Rachel Robertson joined the Board in June 2001