Discussion paper: Increasing coastal councils capacity to manage the natural resource base

22 August 2005

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Chapter 1: Introduction and background

Contents of this page

1.0 The purpose of this paper

The purpose of this paper is to bring together a range of environmental issues facing local governments managing Australia's coastal zone. The issues covered in this paper have been highlighted as a priority by councils who have participated in recent work undertaken by ALGA, such as through the survey of coastal councils. The discussion paper focuses on high growth regions, but this is not to say that our pristine and sparsely populated coastal regions do not require attention as well - they do.

The paper aims to highlight some options available to improve the management of the coastal zone. There are three purposes to the paper:

  • It is hoped the paper will trigger discussions within councils about what they can do to address their environmental issues. Summary boxes are provided to assist with this process, outlining the issues, the current situation and some actions councils can undertake to achieve desired outcomes.
  • The paper aims to generate conversations between coastal zone managers developing programs and projects, undertaking research or exploring options for helping local government to achieve real environmental outcomes.
  • Feedback and input is sought to inform ALGA's coastal work, including the development of an action plan to progress these issues. Question boxes (in bold) are included to facilitate this process.

The paper asks a number of questions to guide input. Councils and other interested parties around Australia are encouraged to respond. The information contained in written responses will be used to develop action plans to address priority issues particularly at the local and national levels. Regional NRM organisations and state agencies may find the information useful when developing strategies and projects along the coast. It is hoped these action plans will lead to significant on-ground actions aimed at improving the condition of Australia's coastal resources.

Respondents are requested to provide comments to ALGA by 23 September 2005.

Responses can be:

  • emailed to angela.shepherd@alga.asn.au
  • posted to
    • Angela Shepherd
    • Australian Local Government Association
    • 8 Geils Court
    • Deakin ACT 2600
  • faxed in on 02 6122 9401 (Attention: Angela Shepherd)

If you have any questions, please phone Angela on 02 6122 9433.

1.1 Why is coastal zone management an issue?

The pressure on Australia's coastal zone has increased dramatically in recent years due to a combination of rising population and tourism. While this brings obvious benefits to coastal communities, there are significant issues associated with the preservation of the coastal environment and management of the coastal natural resource base, the provision of adequate infrastructure, planning and social issues to consider.

Around 85 per cent of all Australians live within 50kms of the coastline and one quarter of all Australians live within 3kms of the coast. This population is heavily concentrated in particular areas, with vast tracts remaining relatively untouched. In the eastern mainland states, the Great Dividing Range provides a natural barrier to expansion and much of the coastal development occurs in a thin strip.

In addition, many Australian and overseas tourists flock to Australia's coastal towns each year. This places significant pressure on the infrastructure and resources of these towns. Generally, it is up to the local residents to pay for the infrastructure used by tourists.

The rate of expansion of both resident (either permanent or absentee landlords) and tourist numbers has been dramatic. In some cases it is the pace of development which has caused problems, more so than the extent of development. The rate of development has limited the planning and infrastructure activities undertaken by council, resulting in less than ideal developments and significant planning pressures on council.

This paper aims to discuss some of these issues, as they affect local government. The paper has an environment policy focus, however infrastructure, social and planning issues all impact on the environment and must be taken into account. The paper aims to start discussions around possible solutions to the issues facing councils undertaking coastal zone management.

1.2 The ALGA Coastal Zone Management Project

ALGA acknowledges that coastal areas are facing significant pressure from rapid population growth and growing tourist numbers. In response to the mounting pressures being faced by coastal councils, ALGA, with financial assistance from the Australian Government, is undertaking a project looking at council's ability to manage their coastal natural resource base. The project has consisted of a session at the 2004 National General Assembly of Local Government, a survey of coastal councils and a series of case studies and presentations. This work will assist council involvement in the implementation of the Framework for a National Cooperative Approach to Integrated Coastal Zone Management, a document agreed to by the state, Northern Territory and Australian governments. This Framework is explained and discussed in Chapter 2.

1.2.1 Coastal Zone Management Symposium

The ALGA project was launched in November 2004 when the environment symposium at the National General Assembly of Local Government was devoted to coastal zone management. Three councils, Gold Coast City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and Denmark Shire Council all gave presentations on the projects being undertaken by their councils. In addition, the Australian Government highlighted the Framework document and the Chair of the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority discussed the benefits to coastal zone management of councils becoming more involved in the regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) arrangements.

Outlines of these presentations are available online under the integrated coastal zone management section.

1.2.2 Survey of coastal councils

During November and December 2004 coastal councils were asked to complete a survey on their environment activities and the degree of participation in the new regional NRM arrangements. ALGA was hoping to get a representative sample of 30 responses. Demonstrating the priority councils are giving the issue, responses from 82 councils were received by Christmas. A report on the survey was released in February 2005.

This survey generated a great deal of media interest and the findings of the report have been used to inform ALGA and other spheres of government on the issues facing coastal councils.

The survey aimed to collect information on the degree of population and tourism pressure, the environmental priorities facing coastal councils, some of the ways councils have reacted to these pressures and finally to gauge the level of involvement in the regional NRM processes. The key findings of the survey were:

  • 87 per cent of councils have experienced population increases over the last 5 years, and of these, over 60 per cent have experienced annual growth rates of three per cent or more.
  • 67 per cent of councils have experienced increased pressure from tourism over the last five years. The effect was particularly dramatic in Victoria where coastal shires must plan for population increases of two and a half fold during peak tourism periods.
  • Water supply and quality issues are the primary environmental problems facing coastal councils. Improved infrastructure is required.
  • Councils are undertaking a range of coastal zone management activities, but they require more funding to maintain programs.
  • Councils are in urgent need of training for staff working in planning and environmental management areas.
  • Most councils are participating in their regional NRM groups, however most do not believe their regional plan adequately addresses their local coastal zone management issues.
1.2.3 Case studies

A number of case studies have been developed, looking at programs different councils have developed to manage their coastal natural resource base. Councils featured in the case studies include Denmark Shire in Western Australia. This small rural council has a strong history of environmental management and community involvement. As such, they are in a good position to manage current pressures on their coast line. Joondalup City Council, also in WA, has taken an innovative approach to managing their coastal foreshore which has proven successful. Council initiated the formation of a community forum that provides an avenue for community involvement in the management of the foreshore. These measures, combined with a strong educational focus have resulted in successful restoration of the foreshore dunes and management of the unstable limestone cliffs of the area. Other councils to be featured will include Augusta Margaret River in WA, Eurobodalla Shire and Coffs Harbour in NSW.

1.2.4 Online discussion group

ALGA operates an online discussion group to disseminate information on coastal zone management to coastal councils and other interested parties. Subscribers are also encouraged to post questions and links to information.

 
Page last updated: 23 August 2005