COASTAL AND MARINE AREAS

PRIORITY WC1

Vulnerable coastlines

Cradle Coast’s shoreline varies greatly, with highly exposed rocky shores in the south-west and west, and extensive sandy beaches and dunes north of Cape Sorell. The naturally moving dune systems on the west coast, rich in Aboriginal heritage sites, are of international significance, while the sheltered coastline of the far north-west includes broad intertidal flats and saltmarshes critical for resident and migratory birds and sea-life. Eastwards from Circular Head, intensive development along the shoreline has significantly modified the landforms.

The region’s coastline, and its associated communities and industries, is vulnerable to significant hazard from storms, inundation, erosion and artificial alteration of habitat and landform – particularly in low lying and soft shorelines. This situation is likely to increase under all climate change scenarios. High-risk areas are sandy coastlines, wetlands, tidal sand and mud flats, saltmarshes and estuaries.

Future areas for urban, rural, marine and recreational development must be identified and located away from sites of natural and cultural significance and areas at high risk of coastal inundation. Activity in the coastal zone must allow for natural variability and migration of coastal processes. Future use may require retraction of existing settlement locations and relocation of key infrastructure as more detailed risk assessments on coastal erosion and inundation are conducted.

outcome

By 2030, 50% of identified stakeholders are engaged with management actions to protect and enhance the natural values of Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay

threats

Local threats that can be addressed by NRM actions:

  • Land use pressures including development and intensification of industries
  • Land management practice in the catchment leading to chemical, nutrient and sediment runoff into the wetland
  • Weeds and pests
  • Aquaculture and fisheries management impacts

Actions

WW2.a

Review and update management planning for Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay wetland including stakeholder identification and engagement.

Lead targeted activities in marine, coastal foreshore and wetland areas to mitigate threats associated with agricultural land management including runoff from farms, aquaculture, fisheries, renewable energy projects, coastal development and recreation.

Build on current community and industry education to increase awareness of the area’s natural and cultural values, the ecological character of Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay and associated threats.

implementation

Investment Opportunity

  • Australian Government
  • Tasmanian Government
  • Regional or Local
  • Private or philanthropic

  • Information gathering activities including stakeholder analysis.
  • Policy and planning activities such as selecting appropriate strategies and locations for investment. Participate in land use planning in the wetland’s catchments.
  • On-ground work including supporting management practice change and threat mitigation actions on private land.
  • Behaviour-change and capacity-building activities – education, awareness and skill-building focused on biodiversity values and wetland ecological character for recreational fishers and farmers.

Circular Head Council; Government agencies (e.g., NRET, FPA and PWS); community groups (e.g., Circular Head Landcare, OzFish, volunteer migratory bird surveyors); industry groups (e.g. Dairy Tas, beef groups); Birdlife Tasmania and Birdlife Australia.

Citizen science monitoring involving community and Landcare volunteers; field days, workshops and educational activities; extension, capacity building and land management agreement opportunities for landholders; surveys and community consultation regarding wetland values and management options