The coast and planning in Victoria

Victoria’s coast contributes to the state through port and trade activity, and tourism and related services. There are around 70 million recreational visits across some 2000km of coastline each year.

A number of government and non-government stakeholders manage coastal assets, pressures and issues.  The planning system helps guide sustainable development within coastal settlements and manage development within non-urban areas.

The Victorian government supports the development of detailed coastal hazard mapping and risk assessments in preparation for storm surges and sea level rise.   The department supports coastal adaptation planning by working with stakeholders to implement the best available coastal hazard information, including through planning schemes and related coastal management processes.

The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 is established under the Coastal Management Act 1995 and is the government’s policy for Victoria’s coastal, estuarine and marine environments. It provides a long-term vision for the planning, management and sustainable use of our coast, and the policies and actions Victorians will need to implement over the next five years to help achieve that vision.

The Strategy is referenced in the State Planning Policy Framework of all Victorian planning schemes and informs the development and implementation of other locally and regionally specific strategies and plans, including:

• Regional Coastal Plans:
  • Central
  • Gippsland
  • Western and
• Coastal Management Plans.