Coastal environments

Overview

Most Victorians have visited the coast in the past year. Walking/hiking remains the most common activity on the coast. Interactions with the coast are overwhelmingly positive – a coast or marine environment free of rubbish is the main contributor to Victorians’ enjoyment of these environments. Victorians place a high value on local coast and marine environments and natural features are the most highly valued aspects of the Victorian coast.

Victoria’s marine and coastal environments (which include our coastline, bays, and coastal lakes) are home to more than 12,000 plant and animal species, many not found anywhere else in the world. But these environments are facing many threats, including population growth and urbanisation, commercial and recreational fishing, invasive species and droughts and floods.

The Corangamite coastal environment is naturally dynamic and is constantly changing and evolving. It changes through the influence of wind, tides, waves and weather systems. Within reason, we must plan for and adapt to natural changes. This diversity and change reflect the dynamic, complex and interconnected nature of coastal and marine habitats.

While there are management practices in place, the coasts and estuaries of the region face significant challenges associated with the threats posed by climate change as well as population, land use and developmental pressures on the natural values of these assets. 

The Marine and Coastal Act 2018 along with the Marine and Coastal Policy provide the overarching statutory and policy frameworks for the management of the region’s marine and coastal environments. The Marine and Coastal Strategy currently being developed will identify key actions and responsibilities for the delivery of the Marine and Coastal Policy.

The twelve apostles
Ocean Grove beach