We’re developing a new strategic plan to increase the resilience of our coastal areas and we’re inviting our community to have their say. Since October last year, we have received more than 150 contributions via our online survey from community members and spoken to many face-to-face at our township pop-ups throughout summer.
The Our Coast Our Future Coastal Strategy will include important long-term plans to manage current and future coastal hazard risks and drive efficient and sustainable outcomes in the face of climate change. The development and delivery of this coastal strategy will combine latest science, technical assessments and community aspirations.
Mornington Peninsula’s identity is strongly linked to the natural environment, especially its coastal and marine areas. Stretching almost 200 km, our diverse and unique coastlines are dynamic and always changing. Distinct landforms and ecosystems define the different coastal regions: from sandy beaches and dune systems, rocky shores and cliffs, wetlands and waterways through to mangroves, saltmarshes and mudflats.
Coastal erosion and storm tide inundation (flooding) are natural processes that shape the coast over time. When they impact places we value, and the ways we use and enjoy the coast, we refer to these processes as coastal hazards. Changing climate and rising sea levels means we’re expecting more impacts from coastal hazards. Through understanding more about these processes and their potential impacts, we can work to identify different ways to manage these locations through adaptation.
Hearing from our community
Our community have a role to play in increasing our resilience. To help shape the Our Coast Our Future Coastal Strategy, we want to hear from you. Let us know what is important and meaningful about the coast to you, your experiences of living near or visiting these coasts and your ideas for adapting for the future. Share your ideas and pictures!
Community consultation closes Sunday 4 February.
Go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/ourcoast
