The Northern Rivers CMA Coastal programme 

The Coastal Management program is one of five natural resource themes contained in the Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan. The theme focuses on a single, aspirational, Resource Condition Target (RCT):

"By 2016 there is an improvement in the condition of Coastal Zone natural resources"

The intent of the Coastal Management Program is to deliver on this target by improving the condition of coastal zone natural resources. The program focuses on the land-sea interface, incorporating 3 main landscapes: the coastal fringe, including beaches, coastal dunes, and headlands; estuaries, including coastal creeks, lakes and lagoons; and islands, including the Lord Howe Island Group and other islands within NSW State Waters.

The program supports the preparation of natural resource management plans, and implementation of on-ground works priorities within these plans, that contribute to this intent.

Programme delivery

The Coastal Management Program is primarily delivered through investment in projects in partnership with coastal land managers, whom we engage as contractors, but also through advice provided by our staff, and support for both land managers and volunteers working to improve coastal zone natural resources.

Clients, stakeholders and engagement approach

Primary clients of the Coastal Management Program are the managers of the coastal zone.

The major terrestrial land managers include Local Councils (as trustees of the significant Crown Land reserves along the coastline), DECC Parks and Wildlife Group (as managers of the national parks estate), the NSW Department of Lands (as managers of the remaining Crown Land), and the Lord Howe Island Board.   Aboriginal organisations managing land, and Crown Land Reserve Board Trusts, together with NSW DPI, NSW Maritime and the Marine Parks Authority (who each have management responsibilities in estuaries) are other important clients.

Provision of financial incentives through Coastal Program investment projects is an important means of engaging coastal resource managers. We also provide technical advice, within our capabilities, to these stakeholders through on-site visits, meetings, workshops and conferences, as well as by using electronic media.