Taskforce leads the charge on framework to protect coastal zones

5 March 2010 Taskforce leads the charge on framework to protect coastal zones

The National Sea Change Taskforce has prepared a revised draft of a Coastal Policy Framework in a bid to protect coastal communities into the future.

Queensland's representative on the National Sea Change Taskforce, Councillor Debbie Blumel said the draft framework proposes that the Australian Government play a leadership role in developing a comprehensive national policy for coastal Australia.

"This would give effect to the commitment by the ALP prior to the 2007 election in its Caring for Our Coasts Plan that it will provide national leadership on coastal management," Cr Blumel said.

"The framework proposes that the policy be based on a 'whole of government' approach that engages all three tiers of government through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

"This is consistent with the recommendations of the recent coastal inquiry by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Water, Environment and the Arts.

"And the Taskforce wholeheartedly supports all the recommendations"

The inquiry recommended that the Australian Government, in cooperation with state and local governments, and in consultation with coastal stakeholders, develop an Intergovernmental Agreement on the Coastal Zone to be endorsed by COAG and that the Intergovernmental Agreement by overseen by a Coastal Zone Ministerial Council.

The inquiry further recommended that the Intergovernmental Agreement forms the basis for a National Coastal Zone Policy and Strategy, which would set out the principles, objectives and actions that must be taken to address the challenges of integrated coastal zone management.

Chair of the Sea Change Taskforce, Barry Sammels said that the taskforce will use the draft policy as the basis for an advocacy campaign during the period leading up to the 2010 Federal Election.

"The results of the 2007 Federal election, in which 12 of the 25 seats won by the incoming Rudd Government were electorates in non-metro coastal areas, highlight the critical role these seats play in a Federal election and strongly suggest that a Taskforce advocacy campaign at a Federal level will be taken seriously by parties on both sides of politics," Mr Sammels said.

Other key elements in the draft policy framework include:

* A national urban settlement strategy to ensure that management of population growth and provision of infrastructure is informed by a national perspective.

* A new funding formula to enable coastal LGAs to respond effectively to the social and economic needs of local communities.

* The Australian Government, through the Australian Bureau of Statistics, ensure collection of accurate and consistent data on the impact of non-resident populations in coastal areas.

* A policy initiative to address the needs of ageing populations in coastal communities.

* A consistent national response to the legal risks associated with coastal planning and the impact of climate change and rising sea levels.

* The Federal Government declare 2012 as The Year of the Coast.

* A collaborative national approach to address the shortage of affordable housing in coastal communities with the participation and support of all three spheres of government.

* Review of current governance and institutional arrangements for the coastal zone.

Permanent Link: Taskforce leads the charge on framework to protect coastal zones
Publish Date: 06 Mar 10