BMT to Prepare Comprehensive Coastal Management Program in NSW

BMT has been chosen to assist Kiama Council and the NSW Government to prepare the first full Coastal Management Program (CMP) under the NSW State Government’s new Coastal Management Framework*.

The project will develop a long-term strategy for co-ordinated management of the Kiama coastal zone. The CMP will specifically provide the Council with the plan to meet local needs over the 10-year implementation period, while also being a vehicle to drive longer term adaptation and planning for key pressures on the coast. The CMP will cover stages 1-4 of the Framework and will deliver the first CMP of its kind under the new State Government requirements. 

BMT has been active in coastal management throughout NSW, and indeed both eastern and western seaboards of Australia, for more than 20 years. BMT is a recognised industry leader in risk-based planning for natural hazard management, climate change adaptation and community engagement. We are able to integrate science, engineering, planning and economics with local knowledge and institutional requirements to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based adaptation strategies and targeted action plans.

Dr Philip Haines, Managing Director of BMT Environment, Eastern Australia said:

“This project allows BMT to set the benchmark for new risk-based coastal management and planning in NSW. By collaborating on this project with CSIRO and the University of Wollongong, we will be able to provide Kiama Council and the NSW Government with a cutting-edge CMP that is well-founded in scientific rigour, and is also practical and supported given the community input and engagement that will be undertaken.”

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* The NSW Coastal Management Framework was finalised by the NSW Government mid 2018 providing an opportunity to improve the way the NSW coast is managed. It comprises the:

Coastal Management Act 2016 (CM Act)

The Act establishes the framework and overarching objects for coastal management in NSW and defines the coastal zone, comprising 4 coastal management areas:

• Coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests area
• Coastal vulnerability area
• Coastal environment area
• Coastal use area

State Environmental Planning Policy (Coastal Management) 2018 (CM SEPP)

The CM SEPP identifies and maps the coastal zone according to definitions in the CM Act. It identifies development controls for consent authorities to apply to each coastal management area to achieve the objectives of the CM Act and establishes the approval pathway for coastal protection works.

NSW Coastal Management Manual (the manual)

Coastal management manual provides mandatory requirements and guidance for the preparation, development, adoption, implementation, amendment and review of coastal management programs.

NSW Coastal Council

The NSW Coastal Council is appointed by the NSW Government to provide independent advice to the Minister on coastal issues.

Coastal and Estuary Grants Program

Coastal and Estuary Grants Program provides funding assistance to help councils to prepare and implement CMPs is available through the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.

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Image source : Our future on the coast - NSW Coastal Management Manual Part A: Introduction and mandatory requirements for a coastal management program
Acknowledgement (Photo: J Lugg/OEH)

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BMT Contacts:

Geoff Withycombe
Senior Principal – Environment
Project Director
Geoff.withycombe@bmtglobal.com

Verity Rollason
Principal Coastal Scientist
Project Manager
Verity.Rollason@bmtglobal.com