NSW Coastal Policy
The 1997 NSW Coastal Policy sets the context in providing for population growth and economic development at the same time protecting the natural, cultural, spiritual and heritage values of the coastal environment. To achieve this, the Policy has a strong integrating philosophy based on the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD).
The Policy addresses a number of key coastal themes including:
- population growth in terms of physical locations and absolute limits
- coastal water quality issues, especially in estuaries
- disturbance of acid sulfate soils
- establishing an adequate, comprehensive and representative system of reserves
- better integration of the range of government agencies and community organisations involved in coastal planning and management
- indigenous and European cultural heritage
- and integration of the principles of ESD into coastal zone management and decision making.
The management of the coastal zone is the responsibility of a range of government agencies, local councils and the community. The Policy provides a framework for the balanced and coordinated management of the coast's unique physical, ecological, cultural and economic attributes.
The Minister for Planning has issued a Direction under section 117 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to all local councils in the coastal zone regarding the NSW Coastal Policy 1997. In preparing a draft local environmental plan (LEP), councils are required to include provisions that give effect to and are consistent with the Coastal Policy, unless the inconsistency is justified by an environmental study or strategy. View Ministerial directions for local plan making;
The Coastal Policy has two broad parts. Part A outlines the principles and themes which guide the Policy, while Part B details the goals, objectives and strategic actions.
Coastal Policy Part A [PDF 533kB]Coastal Policy Part B [PDF 259kB]