This Strategy will be successfully implemented with the coordination and committment of lead agents, partners and stakeholders, all of whom have responsibilities and interests in the coast.
Many of the actions identified are part of existing programs being undertaken by various agencies, others are new initiatives. The role of this document is to provide coordination and integration, facilitating a common understanding between all stakeholders so that the vision for the future of the coast becomes a reality.
The role of the
lead agent, partner and stakeholder
A lead agent has been identified as being primarily accountable for ensuring
that individual actions are implemented. The lead agent will need to engage
and form partnerships with other agencies or groups, particularly where
there are existing statutory responsibilities. Partners are identified
for each objective and the associated actions.
Appendix B provides an outline of the relationship between relevant State Government agencies and their reporting arrangements.
Lead agents, partners and stakeholders include:
- The community
is a principal stakeholder in the coast. Few of the outcomes and actions
identified in this Strategy are achievable without their support. Community
ownership is encouraged through involvement in decision making processes
and participation in programs such
as Coast Action / Coastcare. - State Government Departments and Agencies will continue to develop and set statewide policy and strategic directions for natural resource management and planning decisions. State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs) prepared under the Environment Protection Act 1970 will provide the leadership, legal and statuatory basis for improvements to water quality in the marine environment.
- Victorian Coastal
Council and Regional Coastal Boards have a responsibility
to facilitate coordination of the implementation of this Strategy and
to work with Lead Agents responsible for each action to assess progress
towards their implementation. The Council will ensure that this Strategy
remains relevant and responsive to regional issues in a statewide context.
The Regional Coastal Boards will continue to provide advice on coastal
development and management issues in each region to Council.
A key mechanism for implementing this Strategy and coordinating planning along the coast is the development of coastal action plans under the Coastal Management Act 1995. The Boards will have primary responsibility for ensuring their implementation. - Delegated managers (Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Parks Victoria and Committees of Management) have provided a valued and important role in managing coastal reserves for many decades. Their continued role in providing a link to the community and opportunities for individuals to be involved in coastal management and planning is vital to achieving the vision for the coast.
- Local government will play a major role in implementing this Strategy primarily through applying the planning principles outlined in this Strategy to coastal planning decisions, including the development of their Municipal Strategic Statements and in the administration of their Planning Schemes. Local government also acts as the Committee of Management for many coastal reserves and provides infrastructure to enhance conservation, recreation, business and tourism objectives along the coast.
- Commonwealth Government will continue to coordinate and develop national policy and funding under the various programs in partnership with the States and Territories. Other roles include ensuring that Australia meets its obligations under international agreements.
- Statutory authorities and key advisory bodies, such as Catchment Management Authorities and Water Authorities, will be responsible for coordinating many of the actions in this Strategy relating to catchment and waterway management and recreational boating. Advisory bodies will also coordinate their respective stakeholders and provide input on coastal and marine issues on behalf of these stakeholders.
Funding
Much of this Strategy is about providing clear direction for the coast
and improving existing systems and processes for which resources are already
allocated. The result is better targeting of resources committed to works
on the coast. One of the keys to successful implementation of this Strategy
is the commitment of all stakeholders and the effective and efficient
use of available funds. Funding for various aspects of this Strategy will
continue to be established through annual budget processes.
There is additional scope for private sector, State, Commonwealth and local government investment, particularly in infrastructure development on the coast.
Several directions in this Strategy, in line with competition policy guidelines, suggest that the use of Crown land on the coast for commercial activities will be subject to the principles of competitive neutrality. Managers or occupiers of coastal Crown land will not enjoy an undue advantage over businesses operating on private land. Where applicable, additional funds generated from this policy will be directed to coastal reserve management, under the requirements of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.
Coastal managers will be encouraged to investigate cost recovery and user pays options for services and facilities where appropriate and practical. While this does not mean charging for visiting the beach, charges for ancillary services, such as parking, should be investigated. The provision of facilities for everyday beach use is clearly a public benefit.
Implementation
Whilst this Strategy seeks to provide leadership and ensure coordination
of action across the State, implementation will be achieved through the
responsibilities of agencies and groups, guided to a large extent by existing
statuatory mechanisms.
The Victorian Coastal Council will host an annual forum of lead agents and partners to review progress towards implementing the action and principles of this Strategy. The forum will provide opportunity for lead agents and partner agents to outline program and business planning commitments relevant to implementation of this Strategy, as well as particular initiatives that have been implemented, including monitoring of outcomes. The results of the forum will be published.
A coordination group
will be formed to facilitate the preparation of the annual implementation
program and a set of core environmental, social and economic indicators
for the coastal environment.
