NSW Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, has announced major changes to NSW coastal protection laws. Our assessment is that there are positive aspects to the reforms, which involve:
* Replacing the current Coastal Protection Act with a new Coastal Management Act
* Replacing the current NSW Coastal Policy with a new Coastal Manual
* Replacing existing State Environment Planning Policies (SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetlands, SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforests and SEPP 71 – Coastal Management) with a new Coastal SEPP.
The changes appear to have a strong emphasis on ecologically sustainable development, community engagement and environment protection, and have generally been welcomed by NCC. http://www.nature.org.au/news/2015/11/coastal-reform-package-is-a-step-in-the-right-direction/
However, like all major reform processes further consideration will need to be given to the details of the new legislation. The draft Bill, draft Manual and supporting materials are on exhibition until 29 February 2016. Those who seek to weaken protection for the coastal zone will be pushing back against these reforms so it’s important that our organisations engage in the consultation process.
More information is available at https://engage.environment.nsw.gov.au/our-future-on-the-coast-reform-of-the-coastal-management-framework-in-nsw
Community information session – Ballina: 6 pm-8 pm, Wednesday 25 November 2015 (Ballina Surf Club). Register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ballina-coastal-reforms-information-session-community-tickets-19416297669 An information session for coastal practitioners are being held at the same location earlier in the day.
NCC will be developing a submission guide to help Members prepare submissions prior to the closing date in February. The submission guide will be available shortly. If you would like to assist NCC in responding to the coastal reforms by providing feedback on the proposed changes, please contact Cerin Loane, Policy and Research Coordinator, on (02) 9516 1488 or cloane@nature.org.au
20 November 2015