The planning and management of the coast of the state of Victoria, Australia

Discusses progressive evolution in coastal policy which is soon to culminate in a revised method for planning and managing the Victorian coast. The Victorian government has used its three major policy documents; an economic strategy, a conservation strategy and a social justice strategy to provide a very firm policy framework in the form of a thirty page descriptive document entitled: 'A Coastal Policy for Victoria'. When the legislation which is presently before parliament is passed a well organized structure will be in place. This structure is explained and discussed with special reference to Victoria's Committee of Management system which sees one fifth of the coastline managed at a decentralized level, often by members of the local community. The author concludes that the basis is now present for a very effective local management system in Victoria but argues that a couple of additions to the system are still required for it to be fully operative. (from author's abstract)