Page calls for Coastal Policy update
Member for Ballina Don Page has called on the NSW Labor Government to explain why it hasn’t pressed ahead with amendments to the NSW Coastal Policy, given it was 10 years ago since it was last updated.
“There have been a number of initiatives since 1997 that affect the policy, and a revision is well overdue,” Mr Page said.
Mr Page said the following initiatives had rendered the existing coastal policy almost obsolete:
The development of the regional strategies for the Far North Coast, The Hunter and South Coast
Establishment of Catchment Management Authorities
The creation of the Native Vegetation Act 2003
The creation of several marine parks
The establishment of the Natural Resources Commission
The establishment of bio-banking (including in coastal areas).
“In addition, the latest forecast on climate change suggests that a review of the policy is required,” he said.Mr Page said that the Coastal Policy had a significant impact on communities on the NSW Coastline and had been neglected for too long by the NSW State Government.
In addition to the NSW Coastal Policy, the NSW Government have failed to update the Coastal Zone Management Manual, which was gazetted in 1991. “Sixteen years is just far too long to leave such a vital reference for environmental management unamended,” Mr Page said.
Mr Page said that local councils are still using this seriously outdated manual and an update is urgently required.
