Management of the New South Wales coastal zone is guided by the New South Wales Coastal Management Framework which aims to better equip coastal communities to respond to existing and future coastal management challenges and opportunities. The framework comprises:
- Coastal Management Act 2016
- State Environmental Planning Policy (Coastal Management) 2018
- New South Wales Coastal Management Manual
- Coastal Management Programmes
- New South Wales Coastal Council
- Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.
The New South Wales Coastal Zone comprises four distinct areas:
- wetlands and littoral rainforests area
- vulnerability area
- environment area
- use area.
Local councils are required to prepare coastal management programs setting long-term strategies for the coordinated management of land within the coastal zone. Existing Coastal Zone Management Plans are required to transition to the new format by 2021.
The Central Coast coastline stretches from Frazer Beach in the north to Patonga in the south. Currently, Council directly implements six coastal and estuary management plans:
- Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan (2006)
- Wyong Coastal Zone Management Plan (2011)
- Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan (2017)
- Brisbane Water Coastal Zone Management Plan (2012)
- Gosford Lagoons Coastal Zone Management Plan (2015)
- Pearl Beach Lagoon Coastal Zone Management Plan (2014)
Additionally, Central Coast Council supports the implementation of the Lake Macquarie Estuary Management Plan (1997) and the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan (2009).
Community input and feedback has been welcome throughout the development stage of each plan and has been vital to its success and will remain important throughout the implementation phase of these plans.
What’s involved?
The Coastline Management Study and Hazard Assessment form the basis of the Coastal Zone Management Plan. Specialist coastal process and geotechnical studies define the “Coastal Hazard Planning Zone” for 2050 and 2100 year planning periods. New maps of coastal hazards and hazard zones for Central Coast’s coastline take into account the New South Wales Government’s sea level rise policy in response to climate change.
Analysis of information about the full range of coastline management issues, natural and cultural features, environmental impacts and impacts on community safety has been considered.
How you can participate
Community consultation is crucial to long term coastal management planning. We will be seeking your experience, observations and feedback during the formal public exhibition phase of developing the Planes. Photos, stories and other information about the coast have helped build a picture of what’s important, and your comments have helped determine the types of management approaches that are acceptable. To keep up to date and be advised of when the Plans will go on exhibition sign up at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com
Learn more about the Coastal Zone Management in the former Wyong or former Gosford Local Government Areas:
Related Links
New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage
- Coastal Management
- Coastal Management Manual
- AdaptNew South Wales (Climate Change)
- Sea Level Rise
- Emergency coastal protection works
- New South Wales Coastal Council
- Coastal management toolkit