Australian Local Government Association

22 August 2005

Chapter 8: Summary

This discussion paper has addressed a number of significant issues facing coastal areas, as identified by coastal councils. Questions have been asked throughout the paper to initiate discussions within councils aimed at generating ideas on how improvements can be made within council decision making and planning. Attacking the problem on an issues basis is an excellent starting point, however a more strategic approach may be possible. An efficient and effective review of council operations may be appropriate at the same time, starting at the corporate level.

The following steps may assist in this process:

• The council corporate plan sets out the priorities and values of the council. Is this plan adequate and does it reflect the priority environment, planning and infrastructure issues being addressed by council?
• Council processes may need reviewing. Does council work within silos? Can existing processes and communication within council be improved? Are there more efficient ways of undertaking council business?
• Are council planning processes up to date and consistent - including strategic plans, issue based plans (such as for water or biodiversity) and adaptation plans? Are these plans consistent, transparent, being implemented and do they assist council to meet their goals?
• Can council plans be integrated or consolidated? Is it possible to simplify the number of plans?

Once the local planning framework has been assessed and processes evaluated, what improvements can be made at a broader scale?

• Can plans be integrated with neighbouring councils or regional NRM plans?
• How can state and commonwealth plans, legislation and programs be integrated into council activities?
• What partnerships can be formed? What funding opportunities are available?

Councils already undertake excellent planning initiatives, but improvements may be possible. This systems approach can be used to improve the local planning framework and to then integrate it with other planning processes.

This discussion paper does not aim to be a planning guide or an experts guide to coastal zone issues. Rather it discusses the priority issues councils have identified and aims to generate information and ideas that can be used to develop practical solutions.