3.0.1 Introduction The Siting and Design guidelines are split into three basic categories in response to the nature of the issues. These are derived from the General Principles for Coastal and Marine Management and Design , which have been established by the Victorian Coastal Council as a basis for coastal management and decision-making. The three categories are: Functional Guidelines: a structure should be sited and designed to fulfil its purpose with sustainable use of resources. Cultural/Aesthetic Guidelines: a structure should be sited and designed to culturally respect its setting and visually complement the surrounding coastal landscape. Ecological Guidelines: a structure should not cause undesirable changes to terrestrial and marine ecosystems in the locality.

3.1 Functional Guidelines 3.1.1 Introduction 3.1.2 Appropriateness of Development 3.1.3 Grouping of Structures 3.1.4 Coastal Settlements 3.1.5 Urban Infill 3.1.6 Setback from Shoreline 3.1.7 Utility Services 3.1.8 Vehicular Traffic Implications 3.1.9 Pedestrian Accessibility and Open Space Links 3.1.10 Materials 3.1.11 Maintenance - Design Implications 3.1.12 Structural Design 3.1.13 Energy Considerations 3.1.14 Drains, Bridges, Boardwalks and Similar Structures 3.1.15 Marine Structures, Aquaculture, Breakwaters/Harbours, Buoys/Pens and Beach Protection Structures, including Groynes 3.1.16 Pipeline and Cable Shore Crossing 3.2 Cultural and Aesthetic Guidelines 3.3 Ecological Guidelines

The guidelines are intended to cover all development taking place in the coastal viewshed, both on private land and public Crown land. Some forms of land use covered in the guidelines will be exclusively on private land, some only on Crown land and some possibly on both. Regardless of title, developments located in the coastal viewshed should have regard to these guidelines. page top 3.1 Functional Guidelines GOAL That structures are sited and designed to fulfil their purpose with sustainable use of resources. 3.1.1 Introduction The Functional Guidelines deal with all utilitarian aspects of a development and seek to ensure the efficient use of the limited resources of the coast. They provide direction on planning issues (traffic implications and appropriateness of the development to the site and area), issues affected by the siting of structures (pedestrian accessibility to the shoreline and the design of outdoor spaces) and the detailed design of structures to suit the particular environmental conditions of the coast (choice of material, structural design, energy considerations and the provision of utility services). Of prime concern in the siting and design of structures on the coast is the general instability of these areas. Sandy shorelines often fluctuate and threaten to undermine any structures located on beaches, and many coastal areas are subject to long term erosion and recession of the shoreline. Permanent structures should generally not be erected close to shorelines where they will be threatened by marine erosion. page top 3.1.2 Appropriateness of Development The coastline is a precious and finite environment and its limited land resources need to be used sparingly and wisely. The heavy demands made on the coast and, in particular, the exceptional value of this resource for public recreation requires that uses of the land and water be preferentially allocated to those requiring a coastal site. These include primarily water based recreation activities and industries such as fishing and port activities, as well as uses associated with conservation and habitat. Only those structures associated with these activities, or directly related to marine works such as erosion protection and navigation, or which contribute significantly to public enjoyment and appreciation of the coast, should be located on the coast. Examples of developments for which a coastal siting is appropriate are: Boat launching facilities. Boat moorings, marinas and jetties. Water-play structures. Toilets and kiosks associated with water based recreation activities. Surf Lifesaving Clubs in appropriate locations. Restaurants, in certain urban areas. Examples of structures which at present are common but for which a coastal siting is not essential are: Non water based sporting facilities (eg. bowling greens, football grounds, etc.). Residential development in non-urban coastal environments. Camping facilities. Community halls. Non-maritime industrial plant and storage. Airports. It should be noted that there are a range of support uses that are appropriate in many cases. These are generally to underpin the primary uses described above: Cafes and restaurants in many locations. Toilet and changing facilities. Car parking. Infrastructure sites and corridors. Children's play facilities. Bar-B-Q and picnic areas. Some retail facilities (convenience stores); marine fuelling facilities; specialist stores. The use of temporary structures for short-term activities will be encouraged where appropriate. Temporary structures may be removed from the foreshore when not in use, thus allowing other activities to take place and the removal of structures which are often unsightly when not in use. Such structures include boat storage, caravan parks and temporary car parks to cater for increased demand in summer peaks. Care should be taken to avoid serious permanent environmental effects such as habitat loss, soil compaction and erosion, reduction in water quality, etc. page top 3.1.3 Grouping of Structures Where possible, development and structures should be concentrated at particular locations. A multiple-use approach should be adopted, to help avoid overshadowing or blocking of views. For example, using a drain structure as a base for a jetty. Where possible, avoid overshadowing of the coastline during high use periods from September to April. This is particularly relevant in the towns or urban developments along the coast. The concentration of facilities are to meet the requirements of a number of guidelines, including: > Minimising impact on vehicular traffic in adjacent areas. > Controlling access to the shoreline. > Reducing wind, salt and sand impact on structures. > Reducing the impact of structures on landscape character. > Maximising foreshore areas freely accessible to public recreation. > Improving appearance of signs and utilities. > Minimising disturbance to natural vegetation. The Victorian Coastal Strategy and Coastal Action Plans will assist in identifying areas along the coast where development should be concentrated. page top 3.1.4 Coastal Settlements A coastal settlement should have visually hard edges to give the settlement a sense of entry and exit. Urban design and townscape planning can be a useful tool to establish a sense of entry and exit from coastal townships. Coastal settlements should use physical links such as pathways and signage, and visual links such as coastal views and landscape design to promote connectivity between the water, foreshore and the hinterland.