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Gippsland Estuaries Coastal Action Plan

Gippsland estuaries are under the spotlight with the release of the draft Gippsland Estuaries Coastal Action Plan for public review and comment.

By DSE - 27th March 2006 - Back to News

The Coastal Action Plan (CAP) has been developed by the Gippsland Coastal Board and defines a strategic framework for planning and management of estuaries across Gippsland to ensure their sustainable management and use into the future.

Note that the Gippsland Lakes are not included in this Coastal Action Plan as there are already a number of plans in place for the Lakes system.

The framework covers issues associated with protection of natural estuarine values, conservation of indigenous cultural and heritage values, improving water quality, management of estuarine entrances, guiding development and land use, and sustainable management of estuary uses and activities.

Estuaries are a crucial part of many river systems, as well as providing environmental, economic and social benefits to local communities and the broader State of Victoria.

In the estuarine environment, nutrient-rich fresh water mixes with highly oxygenated waters from the ocean making them some of the most biologically productive regions of the marine and coastal environment.

Social values include boating, fishing, picnicking, walking and nature observation, while tourism, commercial fishing and coastal development generate significant economic value to the region.

Mr Duncan Malcolm, Chair of the Gippsland Coastal Board said that the Coastal Action Plan will provide the single overarching framework for planning and management of Gippsland’s estuaries.

"This Plan highlights priorities for investment in estuarine areas over the coming 5 years " Mr Malcolm said. "While all estuaries will be managed in line with the framework, the priorities identify the start point for investment in a long list of estuarine planning and management issues."

The framework has been developed from data collected at a range of community and stakeholder meetings, questionnaires and an audit of Gippsland estuaries.

"The value of this review period is for us to ensure through your feedback that the plan has identified the main strategic policy, planning and management issues associated with estuaries across Gippsland, outlining a clear way forward to ensure the sustainable use of estuaries into the future," Mr Malcolm said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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