Earlier this year, we asked you what the future looks like for the Flinders, Mount Eliza and Portsea coastlines.
We received responses from over 570 community members and key stakeholders!
Thanks to your feedback, we have developed the draft Coastal and Marine Management Plans (CMMP) for the Flinders, Mount Eliza and Portsea coastlines and now invite you to take a look at them.
Each Plan guides sustainable management of these iconic and valued coastlines for years to come.
Flinders
This peaceful and charming seaside town has a rich Aboriginal and European history with places across the coastal zone and surrounding the iconic Flinders Pier. The waters are recognised as sensitive and significant ecosystems, providing habitat for unique marine life, further increasing its popularity as a place to swim, snorkel, boat and fish.
Flinders foreshore is loved by locals and visitors, however, with ageing infrastructure and facilities, changing conditions and coastal hazards like cliff erosion, there’s an opportunity to improve and activate this foreshore.
Our Flinders CMMP will create an accessible and safe Flinders coastal and marine environment, where diverse ecosystems are protected and enhanced, the region’s heritage is celebrated, and ongoing opportunities for relaxation, learning and enjoyment are provided for all.
Mount Eliza
With evidence of rich Aboriginal history and geological wonders, this is a special place. The coastline is made up of cliffs, headlands and bays intersected by creek systems, providing habitat for animals and plants. From peaceful clifftop walks and scenic beaches to yachting and boating, locals and visitors love spending their days here.
This coast is already facing impacts of climate change, including cliff and beach erosion hazards, and growing populations will further increase the pressures on this coastline.
Our Mount Eliza CMMP will create a healthy, natural and pristine coastline, connecting communities with the environment and history, and is prepared for the future.
Portsea
Iconic Portsea is a popular destination for day-trippers, holiday-makers and homeowners. Its coastal reserves, from Police Point to Hemston Avenue include sandy beaches, low cliffs, rocky shores and the Point Franklin headland. Popular with snorkellers and divers, marine life can also be found in the seagrass, rocky reefs and further offshore.
Portsea’s foreshore has experienced change in recent years, highlighting the dynamic coastal environment presenting a range of management challenges. With ageing infrastructure and facilities, as well as increasing pressures from visitation, usage and development, there is an opportunity to improve and support how we use and enjoy this area.
Our Portsea CMMP will create a healthy and valued Portsea coastal and marine environment, celebrating an iconic past and looks to a resilient future by providing a coastal experience for all.
How to have your say
Community consultation is currently open and closes 5pm 13 January 2022.
To provide your thoughts visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/coastalplans.
Hard copy forms will also be available for printing on request at our Customer Service Centres.
In person sessions
We’ll be out and about during the consultation period and would love to chat.
- Flinders Pier
18 November, 11am – 2pm
- Newton Reserve, Portsea
25 November, 11am – 2pm
- Mount Eliza Farmers Market
27 November, 9am – 1pm
- Mount Eliza Village Green
10 January, 11am – 2pm
- 42 Cook Street, Flinders
11 January, 11am – 2pm
- Newton Reserve, Portsea
12 January, 11am – 2pm
Online sessions
- To discuss Portsea CMMP
9 November, 5pm – 6pm
Join Zoom session (meeting ID: 272 773 4805)
- To discuss Mount Eiza CMMP
10 November, 5pm – 6pm
Join Zoom session (meeting ID: 272 773 4805)
- To discuss Flinders CMMP
15 November, 5pm – 6pm
Join Zoom session (meeting ID: 272 773 4805)
Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
“The coastal and marine areas of Flinders, Mount Eliza and Portsea are a key part of the Peninsula’s past, present and future. Effective and balanced management is essential to ensure future generations can enjoy our unique coastline. These plans will help shape the future of our foreshores.”
“These Masterplans strengthen our long-standing commitment to being leaders in coastal planning and management and will shape the future of our foreshores.”
