Coastal Statement Without Implementation Plan is Not Enough

Tasmanian conservation groups have warned that the community cannot have confidence that the proposed Tasmanian Coastal Policy Statement will improve management of Tasmania’s coastal areas without more information about how goals and priorities will be implemented.

The Tasmanian Coastal Alliance (TasCA) welcomed the release of the draft Coastal Policy Statement in July 2013, the first step in the government’s plan to develop a Coastal Management Framework. However, coastal expert, Mr Chris Rees, remains concerned that progress cannot be assessed until an Implementation Plan is released:

“Implementation failures have dogged the existing State Coastal Policy since it came into effect nearly 17 years ago. The draft Statement is a useful first step in the long-overdue revision of approaches to coastal management in Tasmania. A detailed Implementation Plan, including a transparent mechanism to coordinate the many players and their responsibilities, is critical to improve on-ground outcomes for our coasts.”

“With more coastline than Victoria and New South Wales combined, Tasmania deserves a contemporary, scientifically rigorous framework to protect and manage our iconic coastal areas. TasCA commends many aspects of the draft Statement, including the commitment to a precautionary, evidence-based decision making process, recognition of retreat options and prohibition of damaging canal estates. However, the real test will be how those goals are enforced,” said the Tasmanian Branch President of Australian Coastal Society, Dr Eric Woehler.

“Balancing competing interests in coastal areas raises very complex issues”, agreed EDO Tasmania Principal Lawyer, Jess Feehely. “We urgently need a Framework that delivers certainty for the community, local government and developers around issues such as liability for addressing coastal erosion, consolidating coastal development in appropriate locations and improving resilience to sea level rise.”

“Tasmania’s coasts are beautiful, diverse and overflowing with natural and cultural values. Without a clear Implementation Plan, the Statement will not protect these places or provide the clarity needed for business and government to make sound, consistent decisions. With a state election looming, an implementation plan must be developed by November 2013, including the opportunity to have input, if the proposed Coastal Framework is to have any hope of creating a vibrant, resilient economy and lifestyle for our coastal communities,” concluded Environment Tasmania Marine Coordinator Rebecca Hubbard and Chris Rees.

Chris Rees,
Dr Eric Woehler, Australian Coastal Society
Jessica Feehely, Environmental Defenders Office
Rebecca Hubbard, Environment Tasmania

The Tasmanian Coastal Alliance is an alliance of NGOs and professionals with extensive expertise in coastal matters.
Chris Rees, Dr Eric Woehler, Jessica Feehely, Rebecca Hubbard