Australian Intergovernmental Relations and Coastal Zone Policy

Haward, Marcus; Bergin, Anthony; ,

Australian Intergovernmental Relations and Coastal Zone Policy

by Marcus Haward, Univ of Tasmania, Tasmania,
Anthony Bergin, Univ of Tasmania, Tasmania,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '91

Abstract:

Australia has the longest ice-free coastline in the world. The coast, of approximately 37,000 km, transcends a number of biogeographic regions and contains a diversity of marine habitats, in addition to being the focus of increased development. The increase in tourism and related activities in the coastal zone has focused attention on the issue of jurisdiction over coastal zone policy. While the majority of the Australian coastal zone is under State jurisdiction a major influence on Australian coastal zone policy is the political, legislative and adminstrative overlaps between the national (Commonwealth) and State governments. In 1980, the Commonwealth parilament released a report from a House of Representatives Standing Committee, entitled Australian Coastal Zone Management, which identified a lack of coordination between Commonwealth, State and local government in coastal zone policy as a major limitation in Australian coastal zone management. The limitations of existing management were a major outcome of a national conference on coastal zone management in 1986. Increased public and government concern over environmental degradation and the impact of continued development in the coastal zone has led to the emergence of Australian coastal zone management as a major issue.

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