Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) has commenced community engagement and consultation activities as part of the next stage of its Coastal Management Program (CMP), following completion of detailed technical studies examining local coastal processes, hazards and values to understand how the coast functions and exposure to future risk.
The Coastal Management Program - Coastal Hazard Assessment Results and Proposed Community Engagement Plan was noted by Council at the May Ordinary Meeting, allowing the next phase of community engagement and consultation of the CMP to proceed.
The CMP is a NSW Government-guided process that helps councils and other public authorities better understand coastal risks and plan for the long-term management of coastlines and estuaries. Having management actions formally identified within a CMP positions Council to access State funding opportunities, supporting the delivery of priority projects while reducing long-term costs for the community.
Council has previously completed Stage 1 of the CMP, which focused on identifying key coastal management issues, values and priorities across the local government area.
Stage 2 has now been completed and involved detailed scientific and technical investigations into local coastal processes, environmental health, recreational use and hazards including erosion, shoreline recession, tidal inundation and coastal inundation.
Importantly, the completion of Stage 2 and the associated Coastal Vulnerability Area mapping do not introduce any immediate changes to planning controls or commit Council to any specific management actions.
PMHC Coast and Estuary Coordinator Ben Foster said the studies formed an important evidence base to guide future planning and community discussion.
"This work is about understanding our coastline better and ensuring Council plans responsibly for the future using the best available science and technical information," Mr Foster said.
"We know coastal processes and hazards are complex topics and will change with time, which is why Council is committed to a transparent and community-focused engagement process as we move into the next stages of the CMP."
Stages 3 and 4 of the CMP will focus on working with the community, stakeholders and government agencies to explore potential management options, assess risks and opportunities, and prepare a draft long-term Coastal Management Program for future public exhibition and further feedback.
From today, Thursday 11 June to 15 July, a dedicated Have Your Say webpage will also provide access to technical reports, factsheets, educational resources and materials to help support community understanding throughout the engagement process.
Council will also host a series of public drop-in sessions across Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton and Bonny Hills from late June through early July, where community members will be able to view mapping, ask questions and speak directly with subject matter experts.
"This will also include options for residents to share what they value most about the region's coastline, beaches, waterways and estuaries," Mr Foster said.
"Our coastline and waterways are a huge part of what makes our region special, and we want to hear directly from the community about the coastal locations they love and how they use them."
"Understanding the community's connection to our coastline, the activities people enjoy and where the community believes improvements or future planning should be focused is an important aspect of the CMP process."
Keep an eye out on Council's Have Your Say page to see how you can provide input into the future of our coastline. Visit Coastal Management Program Stages 3 & 4 | Port Macquarie Hastings Council Have Your Say.
