Project Update – Stage 2 recap: Values, vision and objectives
Our Approach
We are taking a staged approach to developing our Coastal Adaptation Plan for the northern Bellarine and we're following the Victoria's Resilient Coast –Adapting for 2100+ framework and guidelines. Stage 2 of the framework ensures the Coastal Adaptation Plan is underpinned by place-based values with a shared vision and objectives.
We are working towards developing a shared vision that is informed by Wadawurrung Cultural values, community values, stakeholder values and the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 vision which states:
"Our vision is for a healthy, dynamic and biodiverse marine and coastal environment that is valued in its own right, and that benefits the Victorian community, now and in the future (Marine and Coastal Policy 2020)."
Stage 2 remains ongoing as we continue to embed the values we have heard into the draft Coastal Adaptation Plan.
Cultural Values
The northern Bellarine coast is rich in cultural values. We have been working closely with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to ensure their aspirations, assertions and rights are informing the values, vision and objectives of our coastal adaptation planning process.
Community values
Earlier in the year, we engaged with the northern Bellarine community both in person and online and we heard what our community values most about our coastline. We heard that our community loves our beaches and in particular, the natural beauty and habitat they provide for wildlife. To find out more about What We Heard click here.
Stakeholder values
We are working closely with stakeholders such as City of Greater Geelong, Parks Victoria and the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to ensure our planning processes are aligned, and we continue to develop a shared vision and ultimately a shared responsibility and accountability for the future of our changing coast.
We are taking a partnership approach to plan for and manage coastal hazards along our coastline, now and into the future.
Our approach is following the direction of the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 and Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ framework and guidelines.
The framework recognises that alongside comprehensive and robust technical and strategic work, the planning and management of coastal hazards is a shared responsibility of many rightsholders and stakeholders. This includes Traditional Owners, land managers, state agencies, local government, land and asset owners, and the broader community.
Currently we are at Stages 2, 3 and 4 of the planning process and will be working to progress through the subsequent stages, up to Stage 5.
The Victorian marine and coastal environment supports a diversity of values and uses. Our Coastal Adaptation Plan (CAP) will consider the protection of these values and uses under different sea level rise and storm tide scenarios.
This includes:
- All 17 km of coastal Crown land under the management of Bellarine Bayside.
- Harvey Park in St Leonards: coastal Crown land managed by the City of Greater Geelong.
- Recognition of cultural values to support Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation assertions for Country.
- The shared community aspirations for Victoria’s marine and coastal environment, as articulated in the Victorian Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 vision.
- Community aspirations around use and values along our coast.
The scope of the CAP does not include:
- Coastal hazard impacts on private land or private infrastructure.
We are developing the CAP in partnership with key stakeholders and agencies, including:
- Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
- The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
- The City of Greater Geelong.
- Parks Victoria.
Coastlines are continually changing due to natural coastal processes such as tides, winds and waves. These natural events create coastal hazards, such as erosion and flooding or inundation of low-lying areas.
Under a changing climate, more frequent storm events, high tides, sea level rise and changes to wind patterns are predicted to increase the impact and severity of coastal processes along our coastline. These changes are expected to impact coastal values and how we use the coast.
A proactive and strategic approach to adapt to coastal hazards is required to ensure the values of the region are retained. Everyone has a role to play in adapting to change and building resilience to coastal hazards
The draft Coastal Adaptation Plan seeks to make us more aware and prepared for coastal hazards, to protect our precious coastline now, and in the future.
FAQs
The Coastal Adaptation Plan is supported by the Victorian Government through Victoria’s Resilient Coast Grants program.