Why we need a Foreshore Management Plan

WHY WE NEED A FORESHORE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR Marks Point and Belmont South

The Marks Point and Belmont South Foreshore Management Plan (FMP) provides practical information to help local residents and Council plan and implement foreshore management works, protecting the area now and into the future. The Plan aims to simplify, and where possible streamline, the planning, design and approval process.

The purpose of the FMP is to provide design guidelines to address the current issues with the foreshore while ensuring, where feasible, that works are consistent with the eventual requirements of the foreshore revetment required in the Marks Point Belmont South Local Adaptation Plan (LAP). The FMP includes solutions to key issues identified by Council and the community such as foreshore erosion and tidal inundation, public amenity and foreshore access.

This Plan was co-designed by a joint Community and Council Working Group consisting of local resident volunteers and Council staff. The Working Group ensured that important community values, such as water recreation access, aesthetics and foreshore walking access, were account for when preparing the FMP.

The joint Community and Council Working Group created a vision for the FMP that includes seven key principles:

Safe walking access as wide as possible

along the public foreshore in locations currently used by the public

Adaptive design

in response to triggers outlined in the Marks Point Belmont South LAP (facilitates future adaptation)

Protect the public

foreshore and properties from erosion

Protection from inundation

associated with projected sea level rise and wave-overtopping

Aesthetically pleasing Ease of maintenance

including management of accumulated seagrass wrack

Clear guidance

to assist Council and the community when planning foreshore stabilisation projects