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Victoria’s coast contributes to the state through port and trade activity, and tourism and related services. There are around 70 million recreational visits across some 2000km of coastline each year.

A number of government and non-government stakeholders manage coastal assets, pressures and issues. The planning system helps guide sustainable development within coastal settlements and manage development within non-urban areas.

We support development of detailed coastal hazard mapping and risk assessments in preparation for storm surges and sea level rise. We also support coastal adaptation planning by working with stakeholders to deliver coastal hazard information, through planning schemes and related coastal management processes.

Planning guidance

Ministerial direction 13 and Planning Practice Note 53 help with planning and guide responsible authorities.

Read the guide for how Catchment Management Authorities and Melbourne Water provide advice to responsible authorities on development proposals.

Coastal strategy

The Victorian Coastal Strategy 2014 is established under the Coastal Management Act 1995 and is the government’s policy for Victoria’s coastal, estuarine and marine environments. It provides a long-term vision for the planning, management and sustainable use of our coast, and the policies and actions Victorians will need to implement over the next five years to help achieve that vision.

The Strategy is referenced in the State Planning Policy Framework of all Victorian planning schemes and informs the development and implementation of other locally and regionally specific strategies and plans, including:

  • Regional coastal plans
  • Coastal management plans.

Other coastal planning resources

Coasts and Marine – led by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Coasts and Marine Management aim to reduce the impact of coastal hazards and better manage the Government's duty of care and liability for coastal Crown land.

Page last updated: 05/09/23