Community input needed for coastal plan

THE BOROUGH of Queenscliffe is inviting residents and visitors to have their say on the use of coastal foreshore areas and how they should be managed.

The council is seeking public submissions about the future use of Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff’s coastline, which will inform the council’s Coastal and Marine Management Plan (CMMP) designed to protect and preserve its unique environmental features.

The CMMP will be specific to the coastlines of Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff, and create a plan for their upkeep and care so they are safeguarded for future generations.

Queenscliffe mayor Ross Ebbels said quality community feedback was vital to the success of the plan.

“I know how much of a privilege it is to have such world-class coastlines on our doorstep – from the simple pleasures of walking your dog on the beach, to surfing at Back Beach.”

According to an issues paper released by the borough in June last year, coastal Crown land accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the municipality’s total land area.

The coastline also has strong ties to Indigenous history, early post-contact settlement and military and maritime development.

The issues paper states finding a balance between these important historic signposts and necessary future development is complex.

“I also know how much our community values these landscapes, which is why I’m calling on anyone who utilises our coasts to provide input into our Coastal and Marine Management Plan.” Cr Ebbels said.

The introduction of the CMMP is in line with the requirements of the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and will provide a roadmap for how the council will use, manage and protect its coastal landscapes.

This will help ensure individual developments or changes on the coast are considered strategically and in line with community priorities.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will support the borough to create the CMMP, and a spokesperson said any plans must be able to be implemented within the existing budget while still recognising the needs and wants of the community.

To mark the beginning of the process, the borough will host a Zoom webinar on Thursday, January 14 at 6pm so residents and ratepayers can ask questions of the planning team.

To complete an online survey, as well as read more information about the CMMP and an issues paper, head to queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/coasts.
Consultation closes at midnight on January 31.