At the 21 October East Gippsland Shire Council Meeting, a key step in guiding the sustainable management of Council-managed coastal reserves across the region was endorsed through the Coastal and Marine Management Plan (CMMP).

The CMMP has been developed in line with the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and Marine and Coastal Policy 2020, and reflects the unique environmental, cultural and community values of East Gippsland’s coastline – from wild beaches and tranquil estuaries to the iconic Gippsland Lakes.

Mayor Cr John White said the plan provides a clear and coordinated direction for managing East Gippsland’s diverse coastal environments.

“Our coastline is one of East Gippsland’s most treasured assets – environmentally, culturally, and socially. This plan ensures we are working in partnership with Traditional Owners, agencies, and our communities to protect and enhance these areas for future generations,” John said.

Following endorsement, the CMMP will now be submitted to the Minister for Environment for approval.

Development of the plan began in 2023 and has been shaped by extensive community and stakeholder engagement. Council heard from hundreds of residents, Traditional Owners, and partner organisations about what they love about coastal and marine environments, what could be improved, and their priorities for the future.

Community input was gathered through:

• Pop-up sessions in coastal towns including Bairnsdale, Bemm River, Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers, Mallacoota, Marlo, Metung, and Paynesville.
• Online activities inviting people to share their favourite coastal memories and ideas via an interactive map and survey.

A draft plan released for public comment in June 2024, supported by webinars and written submissions.

This feedback, combined with input from a Project Reference Group including the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), Gippsland Ports, Parks Victoria, the Department of Transport and Planning, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA) and East Gippsland Water, informed the final CMMP.

About the Plan

The CMMP provides a coordinated framework to balance the environmental, cultural, economic, and social values of East Gippsland’s coastal and marine areas – especially in the face of climate change and growing communities.

Which includes:  ‍

• A shire-wide vision shaped by community and stakeholder aspirations.
• An overview of coastal values, challenges, and opportunities.
• Objectives aligned with State legislation.
• Priority actions for the next 5 to 10 years, both shire-wide and specific to 10 coastal communities.
• A pathway to implement and monitor progress.

Cr White said the plan will help align future projects, partnerships, and investment along the coast.

“The CMMP builds on years of planning and local knowledge, ensuring consistency across our coastal areas and a strong foundation for collaborative management into the future,” John said.

For more information and to read the plan, visit yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/coastal-and-marine-management-plan

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