Council Adopts Coastal Management Program for Certification
Published on 22 August 2024
The Bellingen Shire Council has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to coastal preservation with the adoption of the Bellingen Shire Coastal Management Program (CMP) at the August Ordinary Meeting of Council. This critical document will now be sent for certification by the Honourable Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Heritage.
The CMP sets forth a comprehensive, long-term strategy for coordinated land management across Bellingen Shire's coastal zones. This includes approximately 10 kilometres of open coastline, the Bellinger and Kalang River systems up to their tidal limits, and several intermittently closed and open lakes or lagoons (ICOLLS). Developed over several years, the program has now advanced to the final stage of ratification.
This program contains a range of actions to be undertaken within the Bellingen Shire, which focuses on environmental improvement, assessment and coastal management, developed in relation to the key issues identified for the region. The development of the program establishes specific roles and responsibilities for relevant Ministers, Council, public authorities, and indigenous organisations, as well as providing opportunities for communities to participate when preparing and implementing the program.
“This Coastal Management Program is a critical step in safeguarding the future of our beautiful coastal areas,” said Mark Griffioen, General Manager of Bellingen Shire Council. “It reflects our commitment to protecting our natural assets and it is great that we are now in a position now to send this program to the Minister for approval.”
The CMP was placed on public exhibition from April 24 to May 26, 2024, during which eight submissions were received. These submissions have been carefully considered, and the final CMP has been prepared accordingly. The CMP has also been reviewed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW), ensuring compliance with statutory requirements under the Coast and Marine Act.
“We have made sure that the CMP is not only thorough but also responsive to the feedback we received from the community and key stakeholders,” he added “This rigorous process has ensured that the plan is robust and aligned with both local priorities and state requirements.”
Council’s adoption of the CMP and the subsequent certification by the Minister will qualify Council tO pursue grant funding opportunities to support the delivery of actions within the CMP.