The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victoria’s precious marine and coastal environments are properly managed and protected for the future with the launch of its new Marine and Coastal Policy.

The new Marine and Coastal Policy provides a modern and balanced framework to ensure these areas continue to be enjoyed for generations to come through better planning and management.

With a changing climate, flooding and erosion will intensify and the sea temperature will increase – the Marine and Coastal Policy sets out how we will protect our coastal and marine environments from these challenges .

The Policy guides the planning and management of marine and coastal environments so that ecosystems, communities, industries and built assets are as resilient as they can be in the face of future challenges such as natural hazards, climate change and population growth.

Importantly, the Policy provides strategic guidance for decision makers such as local councils and land managers to ensure the continued health and maintenance of marine and coastal areas as desirable places to visit, live and work.

Developed in consultation with the community and stakeholders the Policy includes Victoria’s first Marine Spatial Planning Framework, helping support current and future uses of the marine environment while maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

The Labor Government has also increased recognition of Traditional Owners’ ongoing connection to Country and their rights and aspirations in managing and using the marine and coastal environments.

Victoria has more than 2,500 kilometres of coastline and about 10,000 square kilometres of marine waters that provide enormous environmental, social, cultural and economic value.

The Government is preparing the Victorian coast for the climate change challenges ahead through research, policy change and on-ground action – investing more than $60 million into marine and coastal projects since 2014.

To learn more about the Marine and Coastal Policy visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is a great outcome for the environment and builds on our work already underway to protect marine wildlife and promote conservation.”

“We’re taking action on climate change and ensuring the continued health and maintenance of our marine and coastal areas.”

 “We’re protecting our marine and coastal environment for the communities that rely on them every day and the millions of people who visit them every year.”