Queenslanders are invited to have their say on proposed changes to the state's Coastal Management Plan.
The Queensland Government's Coastal Management Plan sets out how the coastal areas of the state should be managed and is primarily used by local governments, State land managers and port authorities to guide management decisions on the coast.
The Coastal Plan was first developed in 2012 before a significant amendment in 2014. The updated draft plan includes content that aligns with existing coastal management principles and removes content that is now addressed through other statutory mechanisms.
Key changes include:
- Updating the term 'climate variability' to 'climate change', specifically in relation to the risk of permanent inundation of land from sea level rise
- The introduction of the concept of blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves and saltmarsh, to highlight the importance of nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as the protection of habitat and biodiversity
- Updated references to current legislation and policies to remove duplication, specifically in relation to water quality and Indigenous cultural heritage policy which are managed through other policies and legislation
- Highlighting the need to relocate or discontinue development on State land that is within identified coastal hazard areas
Queensland's coastline is a significant natural resource and provides valuable services that support the state's economic and social well-being, but the demand for use of coastal land by communities can result in our coastal environments becoming degraded.
Climate change impacts, including sea level rise and increasing intensity of storms and cyclones, also pose threats to low-lying coastal areas of our state.
It is vital we implement strong coastal planning and management mechanisms to protect and conserve our important, ecological and natural values.
Members of the public can complete a survey online at In the Loop.
Consultation closes at 5pm, Wednesday 27 November 2024.
