The Andrews Labor Government is acting to protect Victoria’s marine and coastal environments.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio invited Victorians to have their say on a new draft Marine and Coastal Policy.

The Policy is a key action under the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and will guide decision makers in the planning, management and sustainable use of our coastal and marine environments.

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

The draft Policy sets out how to manage our marine and coastal environment in a sustainable way to help tackle the challenges of climate change and population growth.

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

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.

Public information sessions will be held during July and August, with online consultation open until 15 August 2019.

For more information, engagement session details and to have your say on the draft Policy visit engage.vic.gov.au/draft-marine-and-coastal-policy.

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

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

“This engagement process will tap into the rich local knowledge that coastal communities have on these important environments.”

“This is about providing a simpler, more integrated approach to planning and managing the marine and coastal environment – to address the key challenges for the next 20 years and beyond.”