NSW coastal zone management

DECCW's coastal zone management program aims to reduce the impact of coastal hazards and maintain the ecological health of our estuaries while accommodating population growth. The program has a long history of state and local government working collaboratively on coastal zone management.

Under the Coastal Protection Act, coastal zone management plans can address both coastal areas and estuaries and can:

• identify coastal hazards and develop measures to reduce the risks and impacts of coastal hazards in areas of existing development
• identify issues and plan adaptations to address climate change and sea level rise
• address the health of estuaries
• influence land use planning.

Under the program the NSW Government provides a 50% subsidy to local government for:

• preparation of coastal and estuarine studies
• coastal zone management plans aimed at ensuring balanced long-term management of the coastline and a good understanding of areas at risk
• studies to take account of government agreed sea level rise benchmarks in coastal hazard, estuarine process and estuarine flood risk assessments
• investigation, design and implementation of management measures and works to reduce potential damage from coastal processes in existing developed areas
• construction of works for the conservation and/or improvement of beaches and public reserves
• habitat restoration works and estuarine health assessment.

Technical assistance with the formulation of proposals is available through DECCW.

Find out more:

• Reforms to coastal erosion management in NSW
• King tides - January 2009