The future of Hobsons Bay's iconic coastline and marine areas is in safe hands with the release of a draft report that will guide the management of these beloved spaces over the next 10 years.
At its Council meeting on Tuesday 9 March, Council released the draft Hobsons Bay Coastal and Marine Management Plan (CMMP) for public exhibition from Monday 15 March to Sunday 11 April.
The draft plan, developed in accordance with the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and Council's Climate Change Action Plan, will provide strategic direction to protect Hobsons Bay's coastline from erosion, storm surge and population growth, while enhancing it as a local asset.
Management of coastal areas includes everything from mangroves, coastal swamps, saltmarsh, seagrass meadows, parklands, wetlands, waterways, beaches, flora, fauna and cultural sites.
Developed in consultation with the community and numerous stakeholder groups and agencies over the past two years, the draft CMMP and its vision are based on more than 10,000 separate items of feedback.
The actions delivered from the draft CMMP are grouped under the key objectives of the plan which include: acknowledge Traditional Owners' rights, aspirations and knowledge; protect and enhance the marine and coastal environment; respect natural processes; strengthen resilience to climate change; encourage sustainable use and development; and promote ownership and collaboration.
Projects outlined within the draft CMMP are divided into short term, medium term, long term and ongoing and include: risk assessments of current coastal infrastructure to determine their fit for purpose rating and if they are able to cope with changes in sea level; ensure ageing infrastructure is effectively maintained, upgraded or replaced; the implementation of nature-based solutions to marine management; link in with Council's Urban Forrest Strategy to plant trees for shade and protection along the coastline; develop a marine and coastal citizen science monitoring program; and install interpretative signage.
The management of the foreshore is a shared responsibility between Council and other agencies including the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and the Port of Melbourne, in consultation with the Traditional Owners.
To have your say on the draft CMMP vision and priorities:
Head to a community drop-in session
- Thursday 25 March, 4pm to 6pm, at 100 Steps of Federation (Truganina Park), Altona Meadows (Wetlands Ward)
- Sunday 28 March, 9am to 11am, at Weaver Reserve, Altona (Cherry Ward)
- Sunday 28 March, 12pm to 2pm, Hatt Reserve, Williamstown (Strand Ward)
Complete a short survey
- Visit Participate Hobsons Bay participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/cmmp
Scan a QR code along the coastline
- Scan the QR code on signage positioned along the coastline to take part in the online survey.
