Trial Bay Visitor Precincts Coast and Foreshore Protection Strategy

Often described as the jewel in the crown of the Macleay Valley Coast, Trial Bay is widely acknowledged as one of the premier coastal visitor destinations in New South Wales.

It is equally important to the local community, who use Trial Bay's beach, foreshore and surrounding natural environment for a range of recreational activities.

About the strategy

Longshore coastal processes, combined with major storms and climate change, are eroding sections of Trial Bay's beach and foreshore, requiring their periodic closure due to public safety concerns and the need for coastal recovery activities.

The Trial Bay Visitor Precincts Coast and Foreshore Protection Strategy provides a framework to address these and other impacts. The strategy is a living document, highlighting the need for adaptive coastal management facilitated through ongoing learning, open and transparent stakeholder communication and evidence-based decisions. Through this approach it contributes to:

• increased recognition of Trial Bay as a visitor destination of regional, state and national significance
• better alignment of National Parks and Wildlife Service, other NSW Government agencies and Kempsey Shire Council coastal management and planning activities
• ongoing protection of Trial Bay's natural and cultural values, as identified and confirmed by stakeholders
• evidence-based, proportionate actions to address local coastal hazards and risks.

The strategy identifies a number of management objectives:

• Public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of nature and cultural heritage and their conservation are fostered.
• Habitat, ecosystems and services and biological diversity are conserved.
• Safe and easy access for a wide range of recreational activities is maintained and enhanced.
• Public day use areas, including beaches, foreshores and surrounds, are managed.
• Public safety risks to local recreation users and visitors are minimised.
• The state heritage values of the precincts are maintained and protected.
• The economic viability of the precincts is maintained for National Parks and Wildlife Service and local community.
• Aboriginal people's spiritual and customary use of the precincts is acknowledged and their ongoing access facilitated.
• Natural coastal processes and values, including natural landscape amenity, are preserved.