Foreword

Victorian's love their coast. We visit the coast every year, holiday at a favourite beach and in increasing numbers we are choosing to live near the coast. The very essence of who we are as Victorians is connected to the coastline. We value most the experience of a clean, healthy environment and a place where we can unwind and relax.

Many individuals and organisations have a role in caring for our coast and so no single department or agency manages the Victorian coast entirely. Therefore every action on the coast and in the marine environment must occur within a partnership approach. In fact, effective coastal planning and management is all about people working with people. Our quality of life depends on the health of our environments and this depends on effective collaboration.

In Victoria we are privileged that, in addition to the many passionate professionals who spend their working life managing the coast, hours upon hours of volunteer time contributes to both significant environmental outcomes and to building a sense of community. This important work is all about connecting people with place.

The Victorian Government and the Victorian Coastal Council in partnership with the Regional Coastal Boards, have provided for the strategic planning and management of the Victorian coast since 1995. This approach has provided a sustainable and resilient management arrangement and an effective platform for long-term statewide policy development and regional implementation.

The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008, the third iteration of the Victorian Coastal Strategy, sets a long term vision for the coast and provides policies and actions to guide decisions about its management over the next five years. This Strategy responds to three key issues identified facing our coast:

• Climate change which will result in impacts on the coast, including rising sea levels;
• Rapid population growth in coastal areas; and,
• The health of our unique and valued marine environment.

We know Victorians love their coast and want it to be protected. The Victorian Coastal Strategy, 2008 is built on extensive community consultation and its implementation will involve governments, business and the many organisations, and community groups with a passionate interest in our coast.

We all have a stake in managing and protecting our coast. This Strategy sets the direction and provides the framework to ensure a positive future.