CENTRAL REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN 2015-2020 - Marine and coasts
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CENTRAL REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN 2015–2020
Central Coastal Board Authorised and published by the Victorian
PO Box 500, East Melbourne, Government, Department of Environment,
Victoria, Australia Land, Water and Planning, 8 Nicholson Street,
Phone: (03) 9637 9463 East Melbourne, September 2015
Email: admin@ccb.vic.gov.au
© The State of Victoria Department of
Electronic copies of the plan are available Environment, Land, Water and Planning
online at www.ccb.vic.gov.au. Melbourne 2015
If you would like printed copies or have any
questions about the plan, please contact us
using the details above.
Members of the Central Coastal Board at the This work is licensed under a Creative
time of preparing this Regional Coastal Plan Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.
were: You are free to re-use the work under that
Mr Ross Kilborn (Chair) licence, on the condition that you credit the
Dr Rosalind Jessop State of Victoria as author. The licence does
Mr Doug Miller not apply to any images, photographs or
Ms Angela Reidy branding, including the Victorian Coat of
Mr Andrew Rodda Arms and the Victorian Government logo.
Ms Anne-Marie Tenni To view a copy of this licence, visit http://
Mr Jeffrey Weir creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/
deed.en
The Central Coastal Board proudly
acknowledges Victoria’s Aboriginal ISBN 978-1-74146-786-4 (Print)
communities and their rich culture; and pays ISBN 978-1-74146-787-1 (pdf )
its respects to the Traditional Owners in the Disclaimer
Central Coastal Region. The Board also
This publication may be of assistance to you
recognises the intrinsic connection of
but the State of Victoria and its employees
traditional owners to Country and
do not guarantee that the publication is
acknowledges their contribution in the
without flaw of any kind or is wholly
management of land, water and resources
appropriate for your particular purposes and
management.
therefore disclaims all liability for any error,
loss or other consequence which may arise
from you relying on any information in this
publication.
Unless stated, images sourced from the
Department of Environment, Land, Water
and Planning.
Front Cover Top: St Kilda Harbour,
photo: Roberto Seba, Tourism Victoria.
Bottom from left to right: Mangroves at
Western Port. Cunningham Pier Geelong.
Point Lonsdale Pier and Lighthouse. Blue Devil
Fish, photo: Nicola Waldron. The Beach, St Kilda,
Victoria, c1920-1954 Rose Stereograph Co.CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA STA L PLA N
1
CONTENTS
Minister’s Foreword 2 7 Managing Coastal Land and Infrastructure 27 List of Figures
Chair’s Foreword 3 Regional Priority 3 – Integrating Coastal Planning Figure 1: The three levels of
Preparing the Central Regional Coastal Plan 4 and Management 27 planning for coastal management 5
1 Introduction 5 Regional Priority 4 – Sustainable and Equitable Figure 2: Central Coastal Region
Funding Mechanisms for Coastal Infrastructure and region of influence 8
1.1 What is the Regional Coastal Plan? 5 and Management 29
Figure 3: Melbourne’s growth
1.2 How the Regional Coastal Plan will be used 6 Regional Priority 5 – Oversee the Implementation boundary, neighbouring regional
1.3 The role of the Central Coastal Board 7 of the Recreational Boating Facilities Framework growth centres, Registered
for the Central Coastal Region 30 Aboriginal Parties (RAP) and RAP
1.4 What the Regional Coastal Plan covers 7
Regional Priority 6 – Sustainable Visitation and applicants 9
1.5 Working with other organisations 9
Tourism Infrastructure Service Level Hierarchy 32 Figure 4: Bio-physical values of the
2 Valuing and Understanding the Coast 10 Central Coastal Region 11
8 Valuing the Natural Environment and
2.1 Bio-physical values 10 Integrating Marine Planning 33 Figure 5: Economic and social
2.2 Eco-system services 12 Regional Priority 7 – Protecting Significant Coastal values of the Central Coastal
and Marine Ecosystems and Habitats 33 Region 16
2.3 Aboriginal cultural values 12
9 Integration of Key Issues 34 Figure 6: Mind map of how the
2.4 Social and historical values 13 priorities link to have integrated
2.5 Coastal settings of significance 13
Regional Priority 8 – Promoting Leadership, actions in the Central Coastal
Co-ordination and Capacity Building for the Coast 34 Region 21
2.6 Coastal use and development 14
10 Implementing the Regional Coastal Plan 36 Figure 7: Map indicating areas for
3 Coastal Processes and Climate Change 18
10.1 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting 36 hazard assessment and adaptation
3.1 Natural coastal processes 18 planning (based on coastal
10.2 Table of actions 36
3.2 Climate change 19 instability and low lying areas) 26
11 Appendices 38
4 Priority Actions for the Central Coastal Region 21 Figure 8: Indicative map of
Appendix 1 – Public and agency consultation about foreshore, marine park and
4.1 The vision 21 the Regional Coastal Plan 38 sanctuary managers 28
4.2 Regional priorities 21 Appendix 2 – C
oastal management and planning Figure 9: Boating facilities in the
4.3 The Plan at a glance 22 connections in Victoria 41 Central Coastal Region 31
5 Managing for Population Growth 23 Appendix 3 – Aligning Actions in the Central Regional List of Tables
Coastal Plan with Key Issues and Desired
Regional Priority 1 – Population Growth - Balancing Table 1: Central Regional Priorities
Outcomes in the Victorian Coastal
Access and Valuing the Natural Environment 23 for Action 21
Strategy 2014 42
6 Climate Change 24
Appendix 4 – L ist of coastal management plans in the
Regional Priority 2 – Adapting to Climate Change Central Coastal Region 44
and Increased Coastal Hazards 24
Acronyms 46
References and Sources of Information 472 CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA S TA L P L A N
MINISTER’S FOREWORD
The coast is close to the hearts of the This Plan will support government
many Victorians who live near it, or visit agencies, community and industry
it, and enjoy all that it has to offer. groups to work more collaboratively in
Communities along the coastline are managing the coast. It will help coastal
deeply connected to their local managers and communities tackle
landscape and care about the future of challenges on the coast in their region
the coast. more effectively, and with greater
Our coastal environment is complex coordination. It will enable us to be
and constantly changing, and there are more responsive and adaptable as
many pressures that need to be pressures change over time, and our
understood and managed better. As understanding of climate change
Minister and a Local Member of a implications improves.
coastal area, I appreciate how The local knowledge, passion and
important it is to understand, protect enthusiasm of Victoria’s coastal managers
and care for the things we love about and communities is invaluable, and I
the coast. look forward to working together to
Victoria has a strong coastal planning ensure that the diverse natural, social,
and management framework, based on cultural and economic values of the
the Victorian Coastal Strategy (2014). coast that we enjoy today remain for
The Central Coastal Board has developed future generations.
this Regional Coastal Plan to build on
that framework and outline how the The Hon Lisa Neville MP
Strategy should be put into practice. Minister for Environment, Climate
Change and WaterCENTRAL REGIONAL
COA STA L PLA N
3
CHAIR’S FOREWORD
The Central Coastal Board’s vision is: The Regional Coastal Plan is based The Central Coastal Board will use the
Treasuring the Central Coastal Region upon the hierarchy of principles in the Regional Coastal Plan to inform, engage
– a healthy and sustainable coast for Strategy – protecting the natural and encourage the involvement of all
current and future generations. environment, providing direction and persons and organisations involved in
The Central Coastal Region, from delivering sustainable use to meet the coastal planning and management to:
Breamlea to Inverloch, covers nearly needs and aspirations of present and – reflect the regional priorities in their
1,000 kilometres of coastline. It includes future generations through integrated decisions;
the metropolis of Melbourne, the City coastal zone management. Consistent
with the Strategy, the Plan gives – work together when they need to;
of Greater Geelong, the peri-urban
communities of the region, the two preference to improving, and increasing – identify and resolve systemic gaps
large bays of Port Phillip and Western the utilisation of, existing developed and emerging issues; and
Port and the region’s open coastline sites over new development.
– together deliver the Board’s vision
and islands. The Central Coastal Board has identified for the region.
The region encompasses both public eight regional priorities for the Central
In parallel with the implementation of
and private land and includes the Coastal Region:
this Plan, the Victorian Coastal Strategy
foreshores, estuarine and marine 1. Population growth – balancing Implementation Coordinating
environments and the hinterland and access and valuing the natural Committee will be addressing some of
catchments that influence and impact it. environment; the major issues identified for the coast.
The region’s coast is enjoyed by millions 2. Adapting to climate change and In addition, the Minister will be reviewing
of residents and visitors, and this will increased coastal hazards; the Coastal Management Act 1995 and
increase as metropolitan Melbourne’s developing a new Marine and Coastal Act.
3. Integrating coastal planning and The knowledge gained in preparing and
current population of 4.5 million grows management;
to 8 million by 2051. There is a need to implementing this Plan will contribute
strike the balance between maintaining 4. Sustainable and equitable funding to the Implementation Coordinating
functioning ecosystems and the social mechanisms for coastal Committee and to the community
and economic benefits of future use infrastructure and management; consultation for the new Act.
and development. The coast, it’s marine 5. Implementing the Recreational The Board sincerely thanks the many
and shore habitats, and our use and Boating Facilities Framework; organisations and people who have
enjoyment of these areas will be contributed to this Plan, and who on a
6. Sustainable visitation and tourism
affected by climate change, including a daily basis contribute to ensuring the
infrastructure service through the
recognised increase in the mean sea vision of the Victorian Coastal Strategy
development of a multi-level
level of 0.8m by 2100. It is already a 2014: A healthy coast, appreciated
hierarchy;
highly modified coast. by all, now and in the future.
7. Protecting significant coastal and
This Plan provides a regional focus for
marine ecosystems and habitats;
all agencies and organisations with a
and Ross Kilborn
responsibility for coastal management
8. Promoting leadership, co-ordination Chair, Central Coastal Board
to interpret and implement the
Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 in the and capacity building.
region. In particular, it will guide the
development of coastal management
plans for the length of the coast.4 CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA S TA L P L A N
PREPARING THE CENTRAL REGIONAL COASTAL PLAN
The process of preparing the Central The draft Regional Coastal Plan was
Regional Coastal Plan comprised three released in February 2015. The Central
phases: Coastal Board held twelve formal
1. preliminary planning, information meetings in Frankston, Geelong,
gathering and identification of Inverloch and Port Melbourne in
regional priorities; February and March 2015 to provide
further opportunities for consultation
2. development of a draft Plan for with stakeholders and the public. Many
public consultation; and community groups attended, along
3. finalising the plan in response to with representatives from a wide
consultation. cross-section of coastal management
organisations, and mayors, executive
As part of the first phase, an ‘invitation
officers and staff from the thirteen
to be involved’ brochure was sent out
councils in the region (see Appendix 1).
to key stakeholders in March 2014 at
the beginning of the planning process. Sixty-five written submissions were
It identified key questions to help focus received with comments specific to the
feedback and guide submissions. It was region, with another thirteen about
followed by a workshop for local Middle Brighton Beach state-wide issues. The Board reviewed
Photo: Werner Hennecke these submissions and the feedback
councils to further identify
opportunities and gaps to address in from face-to-face meetings to revise
the Plan. Key government agencies and finalise the Plan.
involved in managing the coast were A range of issues were raised during
also consulted. the consultation for the initial planning
and subsequent draft Plan. These
helped refine the Plan and shape its
eight priority actions. Some issues of
local importance were raised, for
example, designating areas for dogs on
beaches. These issues are best dealt
with in local coastal management plans.
Dolphins in Port
Phillip Bay
Photo: Searoad Ferries,
Tourism Victoria
Back Beach rock pools,
Sorrento
Photo: Ewen Bell,
Tourism VictoriaCENTRAL REGIONAL
COA STA L PLA N
5
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 What is the Regional The Plan provides a strong framework
to support local planning and decision
Coastal Plan? making on both public and private Sets statewide direction
Victorian Coastal Developed by the
The Regional Coastal Plan for the land. It aims to help people value and Strategy
Victorian Coastal for coastal planners
Council and managers
Central Coastal Region is a Coastal understand the coast. The Regional
Action Plan endorsed under part 3 of Coastal Plan will also provide the
the Coastal Management Act 1995. Its framework for agencies, community
contents meet the requirements of and industry groups working and
section 23 of that Act. engaging with decision makers on
emerging strategic regional priorities
The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 for the Central Coastal Region. Translates state-wide
Developed by
provides the broad framework for Regional Regional Coastal direction by identifying
managing the coast and for developing As a statutory document, the Regional Coastal Plans Boards regional values, priorities
Coastal Plan has important links with and management gaps
regional coastal plans and more local
and specific coastal management plans other statutory instruments. As outlined
in the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014, Keel boats on Port Phillip
(Figure 1). This Plan provides a regional Photo: Teri Dodds
framework for planning and decision- the broader land use planning system is
making on both public and freehold important for the implementation of
land at the local level. It also provides a the Strategy, regional coastal plans and The Plan’s primary audiences are local Developed by coastal
coastal management plans (see government, committees of Coastal Sets local direction and
focus for all agencies with responsibility public land managers
Appendix 2). The relationship between management, government agencies Management (eg. local municipalities develops sub-regional or issues
for coastal management to act based operational plans
these policies and plans is through: Plans & committees of
together to plan and manage the coast and peak bodies with a coastal focus. It management)
by: – the State Planning Policy Framework has also been written to provide
which requires coastal planning to landowners, volunteer groups and
– interpreting and implementing the
be consistent with the Strategy and coastal communities with an
Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 and
relevant coastal action plans understanding of the framework for Figure 1: The three levels of planning for coastal management
its hierarchy of principles at a
(including this Regional Coastal managing and protecting coastal
regional scale;
Plan); and values in the region, and how they can
– facilitating integration across contribute to this outcome. The Plan has three parts:
jurisdictions to increase efficiency – sections of local planning schemes
The principle of ‘Integrated Coastal – Chapters 2 and 3 provide an
and effectiveness; through Municipal Strategic
Zone Management’ (ICZM) underpins overview of the values of the Central
Statements and Local Planning
– identifying regional coastal values the Central Regional Coastal Plan. ICZM Coastal Region and how they are
Policy Frameworks.
and strategic objectives (regional is about working across a geographic changing;
priorities) to be accounted for; and area (land to sea), across different land – Chapters 4 to 9 set out the eight
– identifying solutions that address tenures (public and private), and across regional priorities that are a focus for
systemic gaps in coastal organisations and jurisdictions action; and
management. (national, state, regional and local).
– Chapter 10 explains how the plan
ICZM is achieved through both formal
will be implemented, including the
and informal collaboration and
process of monitoring, evaluating
coordination between the various
and reporting.
groups using and managing the coast.6 CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA S TA L P L A N
1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 H
ow the Regional Sea All Dolphin Swims,
Queenscliff
Hierarchy of Principles
Coastal Plan will Photo: Mark Chew,
Tourism Victoria The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014
be used supports the hierarchy of principles
In line with the Victorian Coastal introduced in previous Strategies
This Plan has been designed to set
Strategy 2014 hierarchy of principles, and also recognises that the
realistic expectations about what can
the Regional Coastal Plan documents foundation of coastal planning and
be delivered, and by when. The Board
and describes key regional issues and management is a healthy coastal
anticipates that most of the key actions
strategic priorities. It links actions, those and marine environment. These
can be delivered within existing
accountable, the outcomes to be principles give effect to the directions
budgets of management agencies.
achieved, and measures and reports on in the Coastal Management Act
However, additional funding will be
performance annually. The review 1995 and are included in the State
needed to carry out some further
period for the Plan is 2020. Planning Policy Framework and in
planning and management steps, such
planning schemes throughout
This Plan takes a long-term and regional as detailed coastal hazard studies and
Victoria.
perspective. adaptation plans. Over the next five
years the Plan provides the framework The principles are:
The Regional Coastal Plan will build the
for Commonwealth, state, regional, – Ensure the protection of
evidence base to guide future planning
The Plan will also guide development local agencies and the private sector to significant environmental and
and establish the foundations for the
and implementation of coastal work together on attracting funding to cultural values;
ongoing process of progressively
management plans. Where existing carry out this additional work. This is a
improving management decisions. This – Undertake integrated planning
coastal action plans are still relevant, state-wide issue raised in the Victorian
will bring benefits in the future, and provide clear direction for
local managers may continue to use Coastal Strategy 2014.
including better targeted investment, the future; and
improved coordination of management these plans. It is expected that over
time these coastal action plans would – Ensure the sustainable use of
activities and promotion of best practice.
transition into coastal management The Central Coastal Board will natural coastal resources.
The actions in the Plan have been
developed to allow flexibility to adapt plans where needed. participate in a review of funding Only when the above principles
to new information and achieve the During consultation for this Plan, many arrangements by the Victorian have been considered and
best outcomes for the coast. The Board organisations and individuals expressed Coastal Council and the addressed:
will undertake a mid-term review of the concern that funding is a limiting factor Department of Environment, Land,
– Ensure development on the
Plan’s implementation in 2018. for managing the coast. The Regional Water and Planning, as outlined in
coast is located within existing
Coastal Plan provides governments and the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014.
Importantly, the Board will use the Plan Sorrento Foreshore modified and resilient
to work with other managers and coastal managers with priorities for Photo: Ewen Bell, environments where the demand
Tourism Victoria
stakeholders to increase understanding strategic investment. Sustainable and for development is evident and
of the coast, protect coastal values and equitable funding mechanisms are any impacts can be managed
further improve management essential to enable coastal managers to are important. However, land managers sustainably.
arrangements. meet their responsibilities and to better have different abilities to utilise The actions in this Regional Coastal
understand, protect and manage opportunities, with some having Plan support these principles and
coastal values and assets. limited or no options to generate funds work to make sure that decision
Current revenue streams, such as locally. There are also inconsistencies in making on the coast is guided by,
income from parking, camping areas how the “user pays” principle is applied and consistent with the Victorian
and caravan parks on Crown land, and in the region. Coastal Strategy 2014.
leasing Crown land for other activities,1 INTRODUCTION CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA STA L PLA N
7
1.3 T
he role of the 1.4 What the Regional – catchments - rivers and drainage
systems that affect the coastal zone,
Central Coastal Coastal Plan covers including estuaries and wetlands;
Board The Central Coastal Region comprises and
the areas of 13 local councils that form – atmosphere - near, around and over
The Central Coastal Board is a statutory
the administrative and physical interface the coast as defined above.
planning and advisory body of
of the catchment flows and influences
community members with extensive Some key spatial characteristics of the
on Port Phillip, Western Port and the
experience and expertise in coastal region are:
region’s open coast.
matters. Appointed by the Minister for
– 993 kilometres1 of coastline
Environment, Climate Change and Importantly, in the Central Coastal
(inclusive of islands such as Phillip
Water, it provides strategic guidance for Region it is both the region’s hinterland
Island and French Island);
managing the region’s coast. The Board (for example the greater metropolitan
has specific functions, which are to: Melbourne and peri-urban area) and – 3600 square kilometres of marine
the large embayments of Port Phillip waters and embayment (notably
– develop coastal action plans
and Western Port that drive and Port Phillip and Western Port);
(including this overarching Regional
influence the use and management of – 20,246 square kilometres of catchment
Coastal Plan) and guidelines for
the region’s coastline, estuarine and (Port Phillip and Western Port,
coastal planning and management Photo: Ross Kilborn
marine areas (see Figure 2). Corangamite and West Gippsland
for the region;
Significant agricultural areas in the catchment management authorities);
– provide leadership in implementing
More broadly, the Board seeks to be an region’s catchments, particularly around – 4.5 million resident population in
the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014,
advocate for coastal issues. Where Werribee and Western Port, add to the the Central Coastal Region and its
coastal action plans and coastal
needed, it aims to raise difficult issues diverse and complex land uses and hinterland;
guidelines in the Central Coastal
and questions to help resolve how best pressures.
Region; – in excess of 40 organisations
to manage and protect the region’s
The term ‘coast’ encompasses both managing the coast; and
– monitor, evaluate and report on the coastal areas into the future. A key part
public and private land, and means:
Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 and of this is shaping future expectations – 13 local councils that form the
Regional Coastal Plan in the region; about: – the marine environment - nearshore region’s coastline (see Figure 3).
marine environment, the seabed,
– facilitate the involvement of – how the coast, and the demands on
and waters out to the State limit of
individuals and organisations to it, will change over time;
three nautical miles;
participate in the planning and
– how to respond to those changes;
management of the coast in the – foreshores - or coastal Crown land
and Port Phillip Bay from
region; and Arthur’s seat up to 200 m from the high water
– how to plan for and use the coast to Photo: Salahuddin mark;
– provide advice to the Minister for
protect its values. Ahmad
Environment, Water and Climate – coastal hinterland - land directly
The length of coastline was calculated
1
Change and the Victorian Coastal influenced by the sea or directly using the official coastline for Victoria
Council on coastal issues and influencing the coastline and marine (FR_FRAMEWORK_AREA_LINE, ANZLIC ID:
development in the region. areas, and with critical impacts on ANZVI0803002894) which represents the
the foreshore and nearshore state boundary zero metre contour
coastline. It does include small islands
environment;
such as Mud Island. It does not include
rivers and estuaries such as the Yarra and
Maribyrnong Rivers.
For further information please go to
http://www.data.vic.gov.au8 CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA S TA L P L A N
1 INTRODUCTION
The region’s coast can be broadly
characterised as:
– urban coast - intensively used public
and freehold land, planned and
managed for a wide range of use
and development, including
residential use, commercial activities,
recreation, marinas and commercial
ports;
– open coast - visitor and tourism
destinations supported by services
and infrastructure;
– natural coast - low impact use and
development planned and
managed to support and protect
environmental values; and
– coastal waters and embayments
- receptor of catchment inputs,
boating, and water-based tourism
and commercial shipping that is
regulated and managed to protect
the health and safe use of marine
environments and marine protected
areas.
These areas include coastal
communities with defined town
boundaries.
Figure 2 Central Coastal Region and region of influence1 INTRODUCTION CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA STA L PLA N
9
MELBOURNE
1.5 Working with other
organisations
This Plan identifies lead and partner Urban growth boundary
organisations for each action. The Board
will work with these organisations to
develop an implementation plan within
six months of the Regional Coastal Plan
being endorsed by the Minister. This will
provide further detail about the process,
the specific roles and responsibilities of
each organisation, and the timing for
each action in this Plan.
Managing the Central Coastal Region is
complex. Many organisations are
involved including 43 managers along
the coastline (see Figure 8 on page 28).
These organisations have their own
planning processes that contribute to
protecting coastal values. The Central
Coastal Board will support and work
with these organisations to coordinate
planning activities and integrate
management wherever possible. There
may also be opportunities to work with
industry groups and the private sector
to improve management of the coast.
The Central Coastal Board will support
actions in the regional catchment
strategies and waterway strategies that
aim to improve the condition of coastal
values, particularly to maintain or
improve water quality in estuaries,
embayments and coastal waters.
Figure 3 Melbourne’s growth boundary, neighbouring regional growth centres, Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAP) and RAP applicants (Sources: Regional Growth Plans; Aboriginal Affairs Victoria)10 CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA S TA L P L A N
2 VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST
2.1 Bio-physical values At an international level the region parks and reserves (for example, Phillip
contains three Ramsar listed wetlands: Island Nature Parks, North Western Port
The Central Coastal Region provides a Nature Conservation Reserve, Jawbone
– Western Port (59,297 hectares which
broad range of values to people. In Flora and Fauna Reserve, The Spit
also includes the UNESCO Western
many ways, the inherent natural Wildlife Reserve, Point Cook Coastal
Port Biosphere Reserve);
features underpin many uses of coastal Park and Lake Connewarre Wildlife
areas. This use brings pressures that can – Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands (261 Reserve) contribute to the protection of
reduce the natural values and amenity, hectares); and significant bio-physical values. The
for example through loss of marine and – Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) region also has extensive lengths of
terrestrial vegetation and habitat. and Bellarine Peninsula (22,645 accessible foreshore and recreational
2.1.1 Coasts hectares) (see Figure 4). beaches.
The region’s coastline has diverse Collectively, the Ramsar sites provide Most of the region’s vegetation is highly
bio-physical characteristics that provide critical habitat for tens of thousands of modified. For example, the original
benefits in the form of: migratory waders and water birds, and vegetation of the threatened coastal
winter habitat for the critically Moonah woodland now only occurs in
– recreational use; endangered orange-bellied parrot. scattered remnants. This highlights the
– shoreline stabilisation; importance of protecting existing
The region includes Point Nepean,
Red knot on Mud Island remnant stands of native vegetation
– buffering for and adapting to coastal French Island and Mornington
Photo: Annette Hatten wherever possible.
hazards and climate change; Peninsula national parks. Other regional
Estuaries form an important part of the
– habitat protection and biodiversity;
bio-physical character of the coastline.
and
Some of the key ones in the region are:
– landscape character and amenity. Anderson Inlet, Balcombe Creek,
Limeburners Bay and Barwon River
estuaries. Estuaries are highly variable
environments that from time to time
undergo salinity changes due to the
mixing of sea water with fresh water
catchment flows. Important rivers in
the region include the Barwon,
Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra and Bass
Little penguins on rivers.
Phillip Island
The Victorian Waterway Management
Strategy 2013 provides the framework
for government, in partnership with the
Above: Red octopus in community, to manage rivers, estuaries
rock pools, Point
Lonsdale and wetlands to support environmental,
social, cultural and economic values for
all to enjoy.2 VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA STA L PLA N
11
2.1.2 Marine
The Central Coastal Region’s marine
Kororoit
area covers approximately 3600 square Jawbone Flora and ve r
Ri
Fauna Reserve Yarra
kilometres and includes the major Upper Stony
Creek
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Creek Reservoir
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embayments of Port Phillip and Melbourne
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Lower Stony Loll
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marine waters to three nautical miles.
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sanctuaries, nine marine special I
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MARINE SANCTUARY RICKETTS POINT
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San Remo Reservoir
PORT PHILLIP HEADS MARINE NATIONAL PARK
The Central Victorian Bioregion from LEGEND
A. POINT NEPEAN D. POPES EYE MUSHROOM REEF
Cape Otway to west of Wilsons B. POINT LONSDALE E. PORTSEA HOLE MARINE SANCTUARY t River
Parks and Reserves C. SWAN BAY F. MUD ISLAND PHILLIP ISLAND Powlet
Promontory includes the region’s open
NATURE PARK
coast. Areas of high conservation value Marine Protected Areas KILCUNDA-HAMERS HAVEN Wonthaggi
COASTAL RESERVE
include: Coastal Wetlands
Inverloch
– the marine community in the deep UNESCO Biosphere Reserve CAPE PATTERSON COASTAL RESERVE
canyon at the entrance to Port BUNURONG MARINE PARK
Ramsar sites
Phillip; BUNURONG
BUNURONG MARINE NATIONAL PARK COASTAL RESERVE
BASS STRAIT
– bull kelp at Barwon Bluff; and
– a large fur seal colony at Seal Rocks,
Phillip Island. Figure 4 Bio-physical values of the Central Coastal Region12 CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA S TA L P L A N
2 VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST
The region also includes significant 2.2 Eco-system services 2.3 Aboriginal cultural
artificial habitats: The Central Coastal Board
The natural coastal systems in the values supports incorporating cultural
– S outh Channel Fort (white-faced
Central Coastal Region are of intrinsic
storm petrels); Aboriginal people have ongoing and heritage and traditional knowledge
value and provide a range of beneficial
strong connections with the coast and into all coastal planning and
– C
hinaman’s Hat (Australian fur ecosystem services. Healthy coastal and
view the coastal lands as inseparable management.
seals); marine ecosystems play important roles
from the coastal waters: their stories of
– St Kilda breakwater (Little penguins); in providing services that help sustain
place, and the tens of thousands of
both the ecological values of the
– P
opes Eye, mentioned previously, years of physical evidence of their
ecosystems themselves and a variety of
important for nesting gannets; and presence across the region remind us
other values and uses for people. For
of these connections. Shell middens,
– m
any shipwrecks, particularly example, mangroves protect against
camping places and scar trees dating
between Port Phillip Heads and wave erosion, and sea grass beds act as
back some 12,000 years are just a few
Torquay. nurseries for important fish species.
physical examples of the long term
Other benefits include:
The proximity of so many marine connection of Aboriginal people to
protected areas to a major population – storm protection, erosion buffers, coastal areas in the region – a
centre is unique on a global scale and and flood and disease control; connection that continues today.
presents the Central Coastal Region – products from nature such as food The current coastline wasn’t always
with a significant responsibility and set and pharmaceuticals; where it is now, and Traditional Owner
of challenges. Such protected areas are interests and responsibilities extend to
primarily managed for their ecological – habitat, biodiversity, nutrient cycling
and biogeochemical services; and areas now inundated. Land and sea
values, but also afford opportunities to country is a term for the whole
provide social value through recreation – recreational opportunities, and environment, integrating land, intertidal ‘i sea, i care’
(for example dive sites such as Popes education, aesthetics, amenity and areas and sea, and including natural, ambassadors learning
Eye and Portsea Hole in Port Phillip) and spiritual values. heritage, material and spiritual from Traditional
community involvement in their Owners with a
Coastal vegetation and sediments also components. This connection is the smoking ceremony.
management. basis for maintaining cultural traditions Photo: Jeff Weir
provide important ecosystem services
Potential threats to these protected by sequestering significant amounts of and passing on knowledge across
marine areas, and the marine carbon (known as “blue carbon”) in generations.
environment generally, include impacts mangrove forests, seagrass meadows Indigenous people play an active role
from sediment, nutrients, toxicants and and intertidal salt marshes. in managing natural resources
litter from catchments, oil spills, marine particularly relating to ‘sea country’. As
pest incursions, dredging and anticipated custodians and owners (through
impacts from climate change. Victorian legislation such as the
Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and the
Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010),
Aboriginal people have responsibilities
for country in a range of ways,
encompassing natural resources and An Aboriginal shell
cultural heritage. Indigenous groups in midden deposit from
the region include the Wathaurung, Jawbone Flora and
Fauna Reserve,
Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung and Williamstown
Bunurong (see Figure 3 on page 9). Photo: Phillip
Wierzbowski2 VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA STA L PLA N
13
2.4 Social and historical Bathing boxes are colourful icons of
Port Phillip. They occupy a unique role in
values bayside beach life. The lighthouses along
These values include both historical the coastal headlands provide a sense
connections and contemporary of place and have historical significance
customs. (for example Pt. Lonsdale, Queenscliff,
Williamstown, Port Melbourne, Cape
Victoria’s first European settlement Schanck). The urban coast also has many
started at Sullivan Bay near Sorrento in piers, ports, marinas, yachting clubs,
1803 – 30 years before Melbourne was promenades and pathways contributing
founded. The 1852 Quarantine Station to an active coastline and waterways.
at Point Nepean played an important
role in handling immigrants to the new Natural landscapes within the region
settlement of Melbourne. Fifty heritage include the mangrove forests of Western
buildings remain from this era. A fort at Port, the Port Phillip Heads coast with
views of Bass Strait and The Rip, and the Cape Woolamai
The Heads and the artificial island of Photo: Phillip Wierzbowski
South Channel Fort were built in the impressive coastal scenery of Cape
1880s as important parts of Victoria’s Woolamai and The Nobbies. Many
defences. Cape Schanck locations around the bays provide a Other features in the region include:
The Central Coastal Region is important
Lighthouse
Photo: Salahuddin 2.5 Coastal settings of sense of isolation and ‘semi-wilderness’
– the Altona Meadows active sand
despite the metropolis (for example
to past and newly arrived migrants. Ahmad
significance Seaford or Somers) and are part of the spits – one of the major coastal sand
These communities contribute a rich cherished fabric of the region. bodies of Port Phillip;
fabric of cultures to the region. They are Coastal settings include the landscape
types of the coastline, the underwater The Central Coastal Region has many – the Altona East sand bars – a
also a potential untapped source of sequence of about 20 intertidal and
enthusiasm in managing and features of the marine environment sites of geomorphic and geological
and the vistas obtained both from land importance. The Beaumaris Cliffs fossil submarine bars extending unbroken
protecting coastal values. For example, for up to 600 m parallel to the
initiatives such as the Bilingual Coast and water. site is of international significance. Its
sedimentary rocks contain fossils of coastline; and
Guides program support these For much of the Central Coastal Region
communities to develop a greater the coastal landscape is framed by built marine megafauna dating back to six – the areas around Lyall Inlet, Quail
understanding of the coast and a sense form. The views of Port Phillip and million years (Wakelin Associates 2009). Island and Watson Inlet with diverse
of custodianship. Melbourne’s skyline from points on land The site contains the most diverse intertidal geomorphology.
(for example Williamstown, Pt Cook, range of marine mammal fossils, and is The waters of the region provide a wide
Coastal areas give sense of place and the most important site of its type, in
identity for residents and visitors. This Portarlington and Arthurs Seat) are a range of habitats and include a number
feature. Likewise there are picturesque Australia. of popular dive sites. Intertidal rocky
generates a strong connection to the
coast for many people, which is views of Corio Bay and Geelong from reefs occur along much of the coastline
reflected in the numerous community Limeburners Point and of Phillip Island facing Bass Strait. Areas such as
groups and individuals active in and Western Port from San Remo. Bunurong Marine Park and Marine
Brighton Bathing Boxes
managing coastal areas. Photo: Department of National Park, Ricketts Point Marine
Environment, Land, Sanctuary and Mushroom Reef Marine
In many places, the coastal landscape is Water and Planning Sanctuary provide easy access to the
a primary area for recreation and social marine environment.
involvement, and this contributes to
the health and well-being of the
community.14 CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA S TA L P L A N
2 VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST
2.6 C
oastal use and 2.6.1 A place to live
development In the Central Coastal Region, the
opportunity to reside on, or
High population and intensive use is a emotionally connect to, the coast is
distinguishing feature of the Central embraced by many. The most recent
Coastal Region, and much of the Victorian Coastal Council’s Community
coastline around metropolitan areas is Attitudes and Behaviour Survey for the
highly modified. There are also many coast (Ipsos-Eureka SRI 2012) estimated
values and uses in close proximity to each that a quarter of people living within
other, and this can create conflict. five kilometres of the coast visit it daily
The challenge is to manage the pressures and almost ninety percent at least once
from a demanding population now, and a month. This study also identified that
in the future. The region is heavily the most enjoyable aspect of a coastal
urbanised and is predicted to grow to a visit is the clean and unspoilt
catchment population of almost eight environment, the scenery and the time
million by 2051 (Victoria in Future 2014). spent with family and friends and just
Metropolitan Melbourne is a growing ‘being there’.
Queenscliff Harbour
tourism destination both internationally The study also found that one of the
and nationally. Peak populations, biggest concerns of survey participants
particularly on the Bellarine and The region has high economic, social about the coast was rubbish and litter.
Mornington peninsulas, Phillip Island and commercial values with high usage Recent work by CSIRO in its 2014
and Bass Coast can triple in size during and ageing infrastructure. report, Understanding the Effects of
holiday periods due to second home Consequently it is a high cost coastline Marine Debris on Wildlife, showed that
ownership and holidaymakers in caravan to manage and maintain. The much of the plastics and debris found
parks and accommodation houses. predominant forms of coastal use and in our marine environments is
Strategic planning for the growth of the development include residential, visitor, concentrated near cities. Litter
region is set out in several documents tourism and recreation infrastructure management will continue to be a
- Plan Melbourne (Metropolitan Planning and commercial uses. challenge for the Central Coastal Region.
Strategy 2014), G21 Regional Growth Recurrent maintenance and replacement The extensive urban coastline provides
Plan (Geelong Regional Alliance 2013) costs for boat ramps, jetties, walking for relatively intensive residential uses in
and the Gippsland Regional Growth Plan and bicycle paths, sea walls, beach both established coastal communities
Ocean Grove
released in 2014. These have an important renourishment and dredging are critical Photo: Catharina Greve (for example Williamstown) and new
role in ensuring sustainable communities to maintaining economic, social and coastal developments (for example
and delineating settlement boundaries community value of coastal Wyndham Harbour or Martha Cove).
and green breaks between settlements. infrastructure. Many locations along the region’s
The plans also identify current and urban coast are, and will continue to,
future population patterns. experience higher density residential
development in the form of townhouses
and apartments as a result of urban
consolidation and redevelopment (for
example Geelong, Hampton/
Sandringham, Chelsea, Frankston and
Docklands).2 VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA STA L PLA N
15
Throughout the region there are many Government’s Target One Million plan
peri-urban towns where a key will improve fishing opportunities and Case Study – Managing the
community value is the ‘coastal lifestyle’. increase recreational fishing in Victoria coast to support
Towns such as Barwon Heads, Ocean to 1 million people over four years. environmental and
Grove, Portarlington, Flinders, Somers, There are some 211 boating facilities,
recreational needs
Corinella, Cowes, Inverloch and others including boat ramps, yacht and
are characterised by defined settlement motorboat clubs and marinas. An One of Victoria’s major natural wildlife
boundaries with breaks of open or estimated 98 percent of boats are attractions, Phillip Island’s Penguin
natural coast between the towns. Such trailerable and this places considerable Parade, is exemplar of managing
coastal towns are experiencing growth pressure on boat ramps, particularly at the coast for sustainable tourism
in permanent residents due both to the peak periods. The Central Coastal Board development. Annual visitation to
lifestyle they offer and relative proximity has prepared a Recreational Boating the Penguin Parade has been in
to major employment opportunities. Facilities Framework (2014) as an excess of 500,000 visitors per year
inventory of the region’s boating for the last 20 years. Admission to
For many residents of metropolitan the Penguin Parade is controlled by
Melbourne, for example, growth corridors facilities and a planning framework to
help manage expectations and classify ticket sales through Phillip Island
to the east and west of the region, the Nature Parks, with a maximum
coast is never far away. The proximity of facilities based on the level of service
they provide (see Regional Priority 5). capacity of 3,700 people per night.
two different bay experiences – the nature The Silver Spirit docked at
of Western Port and the activity of Port Cunningham Pier in Geelong Swimming is popular at beaches in Port Phillip Island Nature Parks is a
Phillip – and the rugged stretches of the Photo: Barton van Laar, Phillip, Western Port and surf beaches on not-for-profit, self-funded
Tourism Victoria organisation operating on Crown
open coast, means the 993 kilometres the open coast patrolled by surf life
of the Central Coastal Region is inherent saving clubs. Several popular dive sites land under its own Board of
in how current and future residents of focus on the wide range of marine Management. It is also overseen by
the region value the coast. habitats (for example Popes Eye and the state government as a committee
Portsea Hole in Port Phillip, and Flinders of management appointed under
2.6.2 Recreation and tourism Pier and Crawfish Rock in Western Port). section 14 of the Crown Land
The coast is a major contributor to Open coast diving destinations include (Reserves) Act 1978. Funds generated
Melbourne’s liveability today (Figure 5). several wreck sites. Surfing is popular on from ecotourism activities are
Many value a day at the beach, coastal the Bass Coast and the outer coasts of invested into conservation, research
walks, cycle paths and the views from Phillip Island, Mornington and Bellarine and education programs. The Phillip
roads along the foreshore. Smaller Peninsulas. Other activities include Island Nature Parks has undertaken
coastal settlements provide strong links wind-surfing, kite-surfing and jet-skiing. significant management actions to
Enjoying the beach
to neighbourhood, family and place. improve the penguins’ habitat,
at Rosebud Key tourist attractions such as the Phillip
Holiday-makers have for generations Photo: Catharina Greve including the presence of rangers,
Island Nature Park, the coastal and the acquisition and rehabilitation
travelled to the same destinations, from maritime areas of the Mornington and
hotels to family camping areas. Popular of freehold land within the penguin
Ocean Grove, Portarlington and on the Bellarine peninsula and St Kilda are major colony on Summerland Peninsula,
summer destination coastal caravan/ Leatherjacket in drawcards for tourists, and the resulting
camping sites include Rosebud/Rye Bass Coast, as well as seasonally popular and fox and weed control.
strapweed service industries are of great economic
foreshore, Portarlington, Kilcunda and sites on the Mornington Peninsula and Photo: Museum
importance to both the state and Phillip Island Nature Parks was
Inverloch. in many other coastal towns. Victoria
regional economies (for example $140 awarded the 2015 Australian Coastal
The region has more than half of the Recreational fishing and boating is a million per annum from Phillip Island Award in the category of ‘Planning
State’s caravan and camping sites on major attraction of the coast. Port Phillip Nature Parks). See Figure 5 for some of and Management’ for the restoration
coastal Crown land, with major year round and Western Port bays offer diverse the region’s recreation and tourism of the Summerland Peninsula.
facilities located at Barwon Heads/ boating opportunities. The Victorian facilities.16 CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA S TA L P L A N
2 VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST
Figure 5 Economic and social values of the Central Coastal Region2 VALUING AND UNDERSTANDING THE COAST CENTRAL REGIONAL
COA STA L PLA N
17
2.6.3 Commercial enterprise Commercial and local port authorities
Commercial fishers in the region are the waterway managers for Case studies – Natural
operate under the authority of a Fishery designated areas under the Marine coastal values in an urban
Access Licence. The total number of Safety Act 2010. Parks Victoria is the setting
these licences is capped. Current designated waterway manager for Port
Phillip and Western Port and Yarra, Jawbone Flora and Fauna
government policy is for commercial Reserve and Marine Sanctuary is
netting in Port Phillip and Corio Bay to Maribyrnong and Patterson rivers. The
Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 and a little promontory, west of the
be phased out. beach at Williamstown. For over 80
elements of the State Planning Policy
The Fisheries Act (Victoria) 1995 also Framework (including Clause 18.03 that years access was restricted to the
provides for the management, lists port land use and development area and it was used as a rifle
development and promotion of a strategies) currently guide land-use range.
viable aquaculture industry. The main planning within designated ports. The Today it is managed by Parks
species harvested in the bays are blue amenity values offered by ports are also Victoria and has been transformed
mussels. recognised within regional growth plans. into a haven for coastal and marine
The region contains the State’s largest Industrial use of coastal areas, for life right next to Melbourne. This
commercial ports – the Port of example by oil refineries, steel and has largely been achieved by the
Melbourne, Geelong Port and the Port Cruise ships Melbourne aluminium works and saltworks, is work of volunteers, the Jawbone
of Hastings. The Port of Melbourne is Photo: Roberto Seba,
reducing. There is significant potential Marine Sanctuary Care Group, with
Tourism Victoria the help of the local community
the largest container port in Australia to rehabilitate and redevelop some
and Melbourne is a major freight industrial sites adjacent to the coast. and visitors who care for the area.
logistics hub in the country. These ports This will be facilitated with adequate Warringine Coastal Reserve,
contribute significantly to the Victorian planning of the industrial and land use south of Hastings, is a tribute to
economy both in terms of revenue and changes. decades of community and
jobs and there is a continuing demand government partnerships to
for capacity. The hospitality industry places a high
value on a waterfront setting for its restore the coastal landscape from
The marked increase in population and visual amenity and a sense of well- cattle farm to a coastal asset and
trade in the next 30 years will increase being it engenders. Commercial use of accessible window to Western
freight and shipping, and may lead to the coast needs to be carefully planned Port’s Ramsar values. Today,
future expansion of port facilities. to protect natural values and balance walking tracks and boardwalks
Population growth will also increase the demand for coastal space with provide access to remarkable
use of other marine craft, with the Fishing community values. coastal habitats including
potential need to expand marine Photo: Mark Chew, woodland, saltmarsh and
industries to service recreational Tourism Victoria mangrove communities that
boating demand. Such facilities should support diverse animal and bird
be established inland from the coast in Swanson Dock life including 25 rare species.
marine industry precincts. Photo: Port of Melbourne
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