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4.2 Principles for coastal zone management
4.2 Principles for the Coastal Management Program
The following principles have been identified to assist in the formulation and evaluation of options and guide implementation.
Contribution to global sustainability
Council’s Sustainability Policy commits us to making an equitable contribution to all aspects of sustainability (economic, environmental, social and sustainable governance) for the organisation and the city. It also commits us to demonstrate leadership by undertaking decision-making through the integrated framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Evidence based approach
Making informed decisions based on the best available evidence.
Focus on the causes
Determine the root cause of issues and make strategic decisions that address this cause rather than reactively addressing symptoms.
Build upon success of catchment management and soft engineering
For the past two decades, Council’s approach to managing the estuary has been based on applying catchment management principles and soft engineering techniques. This approach has proven to be beneficial and is to be continually applied across the coastal zone.
Integrate coastal hazards and ecological health across the coastal zone
Where possible, management strategies should work to mitigate the impacts of coastal hazards and improve ecological health in an integrated manner.
Build on the success of local adaptation planning using a locally based, community co-design approach
Council’s approach to climate change adaptation planning, based on embracing locally based community co-design principles, is well recognised as being highly successful, and should be applied to all aspects of coastal management, where feasible. Build upon the success of community and volunteer engagement
Council has been successful in engaging and mobilising our community through programs such as Landcare and the Sustainable Neighbourhoods program. The benefits of community and volunteer engagement will be continually applied to coastal zone management.
Enhance Aboriginal involvement in coastal zone management
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community should be actively involved in decision making and management of the coastal zone.
Apply an adaptive approach
The dynamic nature and uncertainty involved in coastal environments and processes should be recognised, and adaptive strategies including monitoring, triggers and no-regrets actions developed to manage this uncertainty.
Consideration and incorporation of climate change and circular economy principles flow into decision making processes.
Recognise multiple benefits
The multiple benefits provided by coastal areas, including provision of essential ecosystem services, recreation, cultural, health, wellbeing and economic benefits, should be recognised when making decisions concerning management of the coastal zone.
Utilise the best available tools
Making use of the best available tools including technology, innovation, land acquisition, planning controls and economic analysis to manage the coastal zone, whilst recognising proven traditional approaches.
