Triggers for Late Twentieth Century Reform of Australian Coastal Management

• Published in: Australian geographical studies Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 275 - 290
• Main Authors: Thom, B. G., Harvey, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK and Boston, USA Blackwell Publishers Ltd 01.11.2000
• Subjects: Australia; Coasts; Community involvement; Decision making; Environmental Policy; Intergovernmental relations; Natural Environment; Public Policy; Resource Management; Sustainable development; Twentieth Century; Australia
• ISSN: 0004-9190; 1467-8470
• DOI: 10.1111/1467-8470.00116

This paper identifies four triggers that underpinned the late 20th century reform of coastal management in Australia. These have operated across federal, state and local levels of government. The triggers are global environmental change, sustainable development, integrated resource management, and community awareness of management issues and participation in decision making. This reform has been driven by international and national forces. A number of inquiries into coastal management in Australia culminated in the production of a national coastal policy in 1995. This has led to fundamental changes in coastal management and to the recognition of the inevitability of changes in coastal systems. Federal policies and programs are being translated into action at the state and local government levels through a variety of funding mechanisms and programs. These involve capacity building, a memorandum of understanding between all levels of government, an enhanced role for state advisory or co‐ordinating bodies, and an increased role for public participation.