Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021-2026 - Marine and coasts
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Coastcare Victoria Strategy
2021-2026
Contents
Acknowledgment of Ministerial foreword 3
Aboriginal Victorians
Coastcare Victoria proudly Introduction 4
acknowledges Victoria’s Aboriginal Development of this Strategy 4
communities and their rich culture
and pays respects to their Elders past What’s new in the 2021-2026 Strategy? 5
and present.
We acknowledge Aboriginal people Victoria’s marine and coastal environment 6
as Australia’s first peoples, and as the
Traditional Owners and custodians
of the land and sea on which we work About Coastcare Victoria 8
and live. Mission 8
We recognise the strength of
Aboriginal people despite the Coastcare Victoria's core principles 8
negative inter-generational impacts
Why is Coastcare Victoria important? 9
of past practices and policies,
some of which continue to be Who is involved? 10
experienced today.
We support the need for reconciliation What does Coastcare Victoria do? 10
and genuine partnerships to address
Where does Coastcare Victoria work? 10
the negative impacts of the past.
We recognise and value the ongoing How does Coastcare Victoria operate? 10
contribution of Aboriginal people and
communities to Victorian life, and how How does Coastcare Victoria engages and enables
this enriches us all. We recognise that Traditional Owners to realise rights, aspirations,
Aboriginal cultures and communities
are diverse, and the value we gain and knowledge 10
in celebrating these cultures and
communities. We acknowledge Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021-2026 vision 12
that the land and sea is of spiritual,
cultural and economic importance to
Aboriginal people. Strategic Pillars 2021-2026 12
We recognise the intrinsic connection Pillar 1. Marine and Coastal Stewardship 12
of Traditional Owners to Sea Country
and acknowledge their role in the
Pillar 2. Thriving Community Groups
management of Victoria’s marine and and Networks 13
coastal environment.
Pillar 3. Victorians Valuing the Coast 13
We embrace the spirit of
reconciliation, working towards the
equality of outcomes and ensuring Strategic Plan 2021-2026 14
an equal voice. We have distinct
legislative obligations to Traditional Program delivery 17
Owner groups that are paramount
in our responsibilities in managing People and roles 17
Victoria’s resources.
How community and Coastcare Victoria work together 19
Use of terms
Throughout this document, Aboriginal
Enabling Strategy delivery 20
is used to refer to both Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people. Appendix 21
Alignment with marine and coastal policies and plans 21
2 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026
Ministerial foreword
Victoria is privileged to be home to some of the Collaboration between the various sectors and tiers
country’s most spectacular coastlines. Our marine of state and local government, agencies, non-
and coastal areas are loved by many for their government organisations and community groups is
environmental and recreational values and play a necessary to support the delivery of on-ground
significant role in tourism and industry. action, education and awareness.
Thousands of Victorian volunteers make significant This collaborative approach plays a significant role
contributions to protect and improve the health and in helping communities take ownership of local
values of the marine and coastal environment. As a issues, allowing relationships between government
state, we are fortunate to have many volunteers, and the community to be strengthened. The
organisations and networks dedicated to looking Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 paves the
after Victoria’s coast for the benefit of local way for a bright and strong future for community
communities and visitors who are drawn to these stewardship along the Victorian coast.
areas.
On behalf of the Victorian Government, I thank the
This Strategy's vision is for "thriving community Coastcare Victoria community for your dedication
groups and networks providing stewardship for a and valued contributions to protect and enhance
healthy, valued marine and coastal environment." Its Victoria’s marine and coastal environment.
three pillars of Marine and Coastal Stewardship,
Thriving Community Groups and Networks, and
Victorians Valuing the Coast outline how the
Coastcare Victoria program and community can
work together to achieve this vision for the benefit of
all Victorians.
The Victorian Government is committed to The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP
supporting community efforts to protect and
improve the health and values of the marine and Minister for Energy,
coastal environment. The Coastcare Victoria Environment and Climate Change
Strategy 2021 – 2026 has strong ties to the Victorians
Volunteering for Nature Environmental Volunteering
Plan, and other community focused initiatives like
Absolutely everyone – state disability plan 2017-2020.
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 3
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Introduction
Coastcare Victoria is a community-based program Development of this Strategy
which supports stewardship of Victoria’s marine and
coastal environment. Coastcare Victoria is run by the The Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021-2026 has been
Department of Environment, Land, Water and developed through a participatory-engagement
Planning (DELWP). process involving a wide range of stakeholders to
ensure that it reflects their needs and priorities. A
The Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021-2026 (the series of facilitated workshops were conducted
Strategy) sets out the focus and strategic direction between April and May 2019 to engage key
for Coastcare Victoria over the next five years. community groups, agencies and individuals from
It guides the investment of resources for the delivery across Victoria. The draft Strategy was open for
of the Coastcare Victoria program and focuses on public comment from November 2019 to
three 'Strategic Pillars': January 2020.
• Marine and Coastal Stewardship This extensive community engagement helped to
define Coastcare Victoria's core principles (page 8)
• Thriving Community Groups and Networks and
and three Strategic Pillars for the next five years
• Victorians Valuing the Coast. (pages 12-13) by exploring and understanding how
Coastcare Victoria can best add value for the
This Strategy replaces the Coastcare Victoria organisations, networks, groups, communities and
Strategy 2011-2015. individuals living, working and interacting with
Victoria’s coastline.
Coastcare Victoria extends its gratitude to all
individuals, groups, networks and organisations who
contributed ideas, local knowledge, enthusiasm and
passion to the creation of this Strategy.
The Victorian Government is committed to
implementing this Strategy to ensure that
communities are equipped to meet the challenge
of caring for Victoria’s marine and
coastal environment.
4 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
What’s new in the 2021-2026 Strategy?
Some of the key messages heard from
stakeholders during the Strategy This Strategy seeks to:
engagement included:
• address new challenges and opportunities that
• Networking and connections between have emerged since the 2011-2015 Strategy such as
groups and organisations with similar accelerating climate change, the impacts of
challenges and opportunities is important. population growth on the coast and changes to
Coastcare Victoria is well placed to the nature of volunteerism
facilitate this. • include the marine environment in line with the
Marine and Coastal Act 2018
• A digital portal to help volunteers to
connect, share and learn would • support pathways for community contribution to
be valuable. the implementation of the Marine and Coastal
Act 2018
• The help Coastcare Victoria provides to
facilitate relationships and collaboration • provide a stronger alignment with state
with land managers, government and environmental and social policies (refer to
other organisations is valuable Appendix)
to community. • integrate both the environmental and social
objectives that underpin the success of
• Volunteer recruitment, succession
Coastcare Victoria
planning, youth engagement and the
changing nature of volunteerism is an • increase the value of Coastcare Victoria to coastal
ongoing challenge which marine and networks, groups, not-for-profit organisations and
coastal volunteers and organisations are local communities
ready to tackle.
• aspire to partner with Traditional Owners to
• Coastcare Victoria stakeholders are participate in and deliver Coastcare Victoria
passionate about the importance of activities
engaging and educating communities • increase support to networks, groups and
and young people in marine and not-for-profit organisations to increase
coastal matters. participation, engagement and action on local
needs and broader, systemic issues impacting the
• Coastcare Victoria stakeholders want the marine and coastal environment
Coastcare Victoria program to recognise,
celebrate and share their stories and • develop a strong framework for how the
successes and promote Coastcare program will be monitored, evaluated, reported on
Victoria and messages to a and improved.
wider audience.
• Diversity of people, ideas, skills and
knowledge leads to success.
• Groups want simplified administrative
requirements with available support.
• Marine and coastal volunteers and
organisations value grants and training
– these multiply the value of in-kind
resources communities provide.
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 5
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Victoria’s marine and coastal environment
Victoria’s marine and coastal environment is a Victoria’s marine and coastal environment is made
special and unique place that provides natural up of biodiverse and dynamic ecosystems which are
values and social, cultural and economic benefits home to a unique mix of more than 12,000 plant and
to communities. animal species, many not found elsewhere in the
world. The marine environment incorporates
Some 96 per cent of the 2,512 kilometres of Victoria’s ecosystems including sandy seafloors, reefs, sponge
coastline and all its marine areas is Crown land and gardens, kelp forests and seagrass. Coastal land
waters. Crown land and waters are managed for the includes important ecosystems such as wetlands,
benefit of the Victorian community, ensuring that heaths, coastal forest and woodlands, temperate
Victorians can enjoy access to and benefits of the rainforest and dune complexes. These ecosystems
marine and coastal environment. have intrinsic value including the diversity of their
genetic information, and the components that make
Victoria’s coastline and associated land and waters
up their structure and function (for example native
are part of the Country of Traditional Owners
flora and fauna).
in Victoria.
The marine and coastal environment also
The coastline can have native title rights and
contributes to the health, wellbeing and prosperity of
interests under the Commonwealth Native Title Act
Victorian communities – see Figure 1.
1993 or Traditional Owner rights and interests under
the Victorian Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. Victoria’s natural environment is under increasing
The entire coastline is subject to the Aboriginal pressure. The Victoria in Future 2019 report shows
Heritage Act 2006 protects all Aboriginal cultural that Victoria’s population will reach 11.2 million by
heritage and provides Registered Aboriginal Parties 2056,1 with considerable growth expected in local
with a range of responsibilities that include the government areas adjacent to the Victorian coast.
evaluation of cultural heritage management plans This population increase will see greater demands
and decisions about cultural heritage permit on marine and coastal resources for recreational
applications. and other uses.
There are a number of Traditional Owner groups Climate change is also projected to increase the
across Victoria’s coastline, including those with risks to Victoria’s marine and coastal environment
formally recognised rights over coastal land and through drivers such as sea-level and temperature
waters under these different regimes. Some of rise, ocean acidification, change in wave direction
Victoria’s coastline is jointly managed by Traditional and increases in swell energy and storm tide events.
Owners and government agencies. These drivers affect coastal erosion, sediment
supply and inundation and are expected to vary
There are six internationally recognised Ramsar
geographically across Victoria’s coastal zone. They
wetlands, 13 Marine National Parks and 11 Marine
can also affect biodiversity through species squeeze
Sanctuaries along Victoria’s coastline.
and extinctions.
Stewardship and protection of Victoria’s marine and
coastal environment is vital, and the critical
contribution of communities cannot be overstated.
1. (2019) Victoria in Future 2019; Population Projections 2016 to
2056. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning:
State Government of Victoria.
6 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Victorian marine and coastal values
Aquatic habitats and wildlife Industrial and commercial use
• fish, sharks and rays • seaweeds • commercial fishing
• marine mammals • seagrass • aquaculture
(dolphins, seals, whales) • wetlands of significance • tourism
• birds (seabirds, for migratory birds • port operations (passenger and freight)
shorebirds, penguins, • sponge ga rdens • commercial seafood
waterfowl, etc.)
• subtidal rocky reefs • hospitality
• invertebrates (corals,
• intertidal rocky shores
jellyfish, squid, sea stars,
worms, urchins, etc.) • sandy beaches Cultural heritage – Aboriginal
• shellfish (oysters, • intertidal mud flats and post-European
mussels, molluscs, • salt ma rshes and • traditional hunting, fishing and
pipis, etc.) mangroves gathering sites and practices
• plankton (zooplankton • unvegetated soft • customs, celebrations, stories, past
and phytoplankton) sediments and present connections to country
• shell middens and sacred sites
Ecosystem functions • historical structures and places
• denitrification • filtration of sediment • shipwrecks and maritime history
• fish nurseries , living from water column
space and refuges • oxygenation Recreation
• carbon capture • assimilation of waste • swimming and surfing
and storage • coastal protection • diving and snorkeling
• boating and sailing
• rockpool rambling
• birdwatching
• scenery and aesthetic enjoyment
• recreational fishing
BROADER BENEFITS
Healthy Thriving Wellbeing Liveable
coastal economy and recreation communities
ecosystems
Figure 1. Summary of values associated with Victoria's marine and coastal environment
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 7
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
About Coastcare Victoria
Mission
Coastcare Victoria's mission is to “support communities to care for marine and coastal environments”.
Coastcare Victoria's work supports the Victorian Government's Marine and Coastal Policy vision for “a healthy,
dynamic, and biodiverse marine and coastal environment that is valued in its own right, and that benefits the
Victorian community, now and in the future”.
Coastcare Victoria's core principles
The following are the core principles by which Coastcare Victoria will work to deliver the Strategy. The principles
will inform Coastcare Victoria's approach and guide decision making.
Coastcare Victoria is their journey to self-determina- Coastcare Victoria is diverse
community-based tion and self-governance – and and inclusive
that right must be respected.
Victoria’s communities are Coastcare Victoria recognises
passionate about engaging with Coastcare Victoria will work to that the marine and coastal
the state’s unique natural assets. identify and remove barriers that environment is to be enjoyed by
Victorians have a strong ethos for keep Traditional Owners in all Victorians, now and in the
volunteering and a willingness to Victoria from exercising their right future. If all Victorians are to truly
work in partnership with each to self-determination. Aboriginal treasure their unique marine and
other and with government. people know what is best for coastal assets, all Victorians must
Coastcare Victoria respects the themselves, their families and have access and opportunities to
autonomy and independence of communities. The program will engage. Coastcare Victoria
marine and coastal volunteers, work to strengthen partnerships commits to social and cultural
organisations, networks and with Traditional Owners, inclusion and diversity and
groups. Coastcare Victoria's department and agency staff providing engagement and
achievements are the and other relevant bodies volunteering opportunities to all
achievements of the community to develop opportunities to Victorians, regardless of their
and will be recognised as such. work collaboratively. backgrounds and abilities.
Coastcare Victoria partners Coastcare Victoria is science- Coastcare Victoria is
with Traditional Owners and based, innovative, and driven collaborative, integrative
the wider Aboriginal by knowledge and learning and convening
community
Coastcare Victoria seeks to Coastcare Victoria provides a
Coastcare Victoria works on facilitate partnerships between connective framework,
Country and acknowledges the community groups, organisations supporting the coastal
long-standing relationships that with scientific agencies, stewardship community to share
Traditional Owners have with the ideas, knowledge and stories,
academia and science-to-action
coast and the wealth of and build innovative and effective
programs to identify and share
knowledge they hold. In doing so, partnerships. This helps build the
citizen science opportunities. capacity needed to mobilise and
Coastcare Victoria commits to
enabling the process of self- respond to emerging issues and
determination and working to improve community resilience in
identify new opportunities for the face of change. Coastcare
partnerships which align with Victoria provides a convening
Traditional Owner aspirations for space for action and supports
Sea Country. Self-determination groups to extend this convening
is all about choice. Traditional role into their communities.
Owners have the right to make Coastcare Victoria commits to
choices that best reflect them on sharing, partnerships and
working together.
8 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Why is Coastcare Coastcare Victoria supports Additionally, the nature and
Coast Action and Coastcare extent of the volunteering sector
Victoria important? groups, Friends groups, volunteer is changing as Victorians become
Victoria has a proud history and committees of management, increasingly time-poor and the
culture of volunteering, with not-for-profit organisations, environmental volunteering sector
communities supporting the citizen science efforts and special ages. Many Victorians are looking
management of coastal reserves interest groups (such as for event-based volunteering
in Victoria for over 100 years. threatened species groups and opportunities which allow them to
From the restoration of coastal beach clean-up groups). make short-term commitments.
ecosystems to the protection of Accordingly, groups must plan
The important work of community strategically to attract a diverse
threatened species, communities
organisations and Coastcare range of volunteers and embrace
have long been implementing
Victoria volunteers contributes to new volunteering formats.
practical responses to the issues
healthy, dynamic and biodiverse
that concern them.
marine and coastal environments Coastcare Victoria has grown and
The Victorian Government which are valued, utilised and matured since its early days.
launched the Coast Action relied upon by Victorians. Today's Coastcare Victoria
program in 1994 and in the same volunteers are involved in diverse
Coastcare Victoria volunteers are activities and technologies and
year the first Coast Action group
often motivated to contribute by are playing a major role in
was founded at Jan Juc. In doing
a special connection to their local engaging and educating the
so, Victoria became the first state
environment, seascape or public about marine and coastal
in Australia to formally support its
community, and by a commitment issues. Coastcare Victoria is
coastal volunteers, recognising
to shared responsibility to working to sustain and expand
that many Victorians were
maintain an inspiring and coastal groups and networks and
already actively involved
liveable environment for enable diversification to attract a
in protecting the coast’s
future generations. new cohort of volunteers.
natural assets.
Additionally, volunteers value the
Now known as Coastcare Victoria,
social connections and
the name has become well known
opportunities to be in nature that
nationally. When the Coastcare
volunteering provides. It has been
Strategy 2011-2015 was launched,
shown volunteers enjoy better
there were approximately
physical and mental health than
150 community-based
those who don’t volunteer.4
organisations involved in coastal
Volunteers also report enjoying
conservation and protection in
the increased environmental
Victoria. Today, the Coastcare
awareness and knowledge gained
Victoria database shows that this
through their participation in
number is approximately 250.
Coastcare Victoria activities.
The annual economic
New challenges have emerged
contribution of Victoria’s 1.5
since Coastcare Victoria's
million volunteers across all
inception, with the marine and
sectors (including environmental)
coastal environment facing an
is projected to reach $42 billion by
increase in pressures from
2021.2 The annual economic
population growth and
contribution by coastal volunteers
urbanisation, recreational use,
is in the tens of millions of dollars
invasive species and
– in 2010, it was assessed to be
climate change.
$15 million. 3
2. (2017) Volunteers in Victoria; Trends, challenges and opportunities. Ministerial Council for
Volunteers: State Government of Victoria.
3. (2011) Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2011-2015. Department of Sustainability and
Environment: State Government of Victoria.
4. Casiday, R., Kinsman, E., Fisher, C., & Bambra, C. (2008). Volunteering and Health: What
Impact Does It Really Have? Volunteering England.
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 9
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Who is involved? What does Coastcare How does Coastcare
Coastcare Victoria is driven by a
Victoria do? Victoria operate?
community of passionate Coastcare Victoria volunteer The DELWP Coastcare Victoria
volunteers, groups and networks groups use their local knowledge team operates as a statewide
with a wealth of expertise, of Victoria’s marine and coastal program with a coordinator and
knowledge and experience in ecology to prioritise, plan and a network of regional Coastcare
protecting and enhancing marine deliver projects and works. Victoria facilitators. The team
and coastal environments. works together to deliver a
They are the powerhouse of They care for marine and coastal cohesive program through
Coastcare Victoria. environments locally and more local actions (see Program
broadly through a huge variety of delivery section).
They are diverse and varied in activities. These include on-
their age, abilities, ethnicities, ground works such as weeding
backgrounds, skills and and revegetation, citizen science How does Coastcare
knowledge. Some people work in activities such as dune monitoring, Victoria engage with and
the sector or volunteer regularly education activities to raise
while others make one-off or enable Traditional Owners
awareness of coastal values and
occasional contributions. Every issues, and engagement activities to realise rights,
person who advocates for or acts to involve the broader community. aspirations and
on behalf of Victoria’s marine and
knowledge
coastal environment plays a The DELWP Coastcare Victoria
valuable role. team supports these activities
through a range of initiatives Coastcare Victoria is committed
Volunteers are also supported by including providing grants, to engaging with Victoria’s
networks of not-for-profit training and forums, assistance Traditional Owners and enabling
organisations, marine and land with administration and project them in realising their rights,
managers, local governments, requirements like occupational aspirations and knowledge,
universities and others. Many health and safety and facilitating through the following actions:
other organisations interact with connections and partnerships
Coastcare Victoria in varying • Enabling and encouraging
amongst coastal networks.
capacities to provide stewardship Traditional Owners to apply for
for marine and coastal The team also works with the grants, including but not limited
environments including community and organisations in to the Coastcare Community
Traditional Owners. the marine and coastal Grants.
management sector to deliver the
• Building the capacity of
annual Summer by the Sea
individuals through Volunteer
program and support various
Capacity Building in subjects
events throughout the year.
such as grant writing, first aid
and strategic planning.
Where does Coastcare
• Empowering Traditional Owners
Victoria work? to share their culture, knowledge
and wisdom through the
Coastcare Victoria activities occur Summer by the Sea program,
across the Victorian coastline through Welcomes to Country
Birdlife volunteers with Bellarine including beaches, estuaries, and through running activities.
Bayside and Coastcare coastal lakes, foreshores and
Victoria staff near-shore marine environments. • Leading by example and
They work on Crown land encouraging volunteers to
managed by DELWP, committees engage with Traditional Owners
of management, Parks Victoria, in their everyday work by
local government and local port ensuring Traditional Owners are
and water authorities. consulted early in the grant
writing and project planning
process.
• Encouraging volunteer groups
to partner with Traditional
Citizen science training Owner natural resource
management crews to conduct
on ground works.
• Building volunteer knowledge
and capacity through training
sessions on cultural heritage.
10 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
CASE STUDY - Winter by the Sea
Using volunteer feedback, the Coastcare Victoria team identified a need to build volunteer knowledge
on protecting Aboriginal Cultural Heritage when working on the coast.
Participants of Winter by the Sea’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management workshop were
privileged to hear a Welcome to Country from both Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage
Aboriginal Corporation and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, both Traditional Owner
representatives of the land on which the workshop was hosted. Stories of working on Country and of
the importance of recognising and respecting cultural heritage were shared by both corporations
with the workshop participants.
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation’s Senior Archaeologist and Heritage Advisor gave
practical examples of what to look for when working on Country to help identify artefacts and more
importantly, what to do if volunteers find something of significance while working on Country.
DELWP staff including the Statewide Heritage Management Coordinator, Aboriginal Landcare
Facilitator and the Manager Aboriginal Partnership and Engagement Support presented on some of
the practical and legal aspects of working on Country and with Traditional Owners. Practical on
ground sessions will be conducted with regional Traditional Owner groups to learn about working on
their local Country into the future.
Visit the Coastcare Victoria website:
marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/coastcare for Coastcare Victoria
program and grants information, an interactive map of
environmental volunteering groups in Victoria, useful links
for volunteers, volunteering opportunities and more.
Follow us on social media:
CoastcareVictoria
@Coastcare_Vic
coastcare_victoria
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 11Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Coastcare Victoria Strategic Pillars
Strategy 2021- 2021-2026
2026 vision
Coastcare Victoria's vision for
this Strategy is for "thriving
community groups and
networks providing
stewardship for a healthy,
valued marine and
coastal environment"
1. Marine and Coastal
Stewardship
This is the core on-ground component of
Coastcare Victoria, where projects unfold.
Community organisations and Coastcare
Victoria volunteers deliver protection and
rehabilitation of marine and coastal
environments and make contributions to
science and research. In this area, the
Coastcare Victoria program will focus on
providing grant funding in alignment with
key state priorities, connect communities
with citizen science opportunities and seek
opportunities to enable Traditional Owner
self-determination. The program will seek to
align community efforts with state and
regional policies and priorities and conduct
monitoring, evaluation and reporting to
demonstrate the value and contribution of
the Coastcare Victoria program.
See page 14 for 5-year goals and actions
relating to Marine and Coastal Stewardship.
12 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
2. Thriving Community Groups
and Networks
The Coastcare Victoria program’s primary
role is to assist and support communities
3. Victorians Valuing the Coast
with the work they do. The program will With specialised local knowledge,
respond to the changing nature of experience and enthusiasm, the Coastcare
volunteerism to support groups now and Victoria community is perfectly placed to
in the future through a team of Coastcare engage, educate and involve the broader
Victoria facilitators. The program will community in the marine and coastal
provide capacity building opportunities, environment. Coastcare Victoria will
spaces to convene, and support to continue to include and inspire people from
strategically plan, expand and diversify all walks of life to value and care for the
volunteer bases. The program will work to coast through community grants projects,
simplify and streamline administration the Summer by the Sea program and other
requirements, support volunteers to work initiatives. The program will continue to
safely and ensure the work of Coastcare acknowledge and respect Traditional
Victoria volunteers is celebrated and their Owners’ longstanding and deep knowledge,
effort recognised. The program will and connection to Country.
enable a broad Traditional Owner self-
determination approach through respecting See page 16 for 5-year goals and actions
Traditional Owner voices and knowledge, relating to Victorians Valuing the Coast.
through planning, management and
decision making.
See page 15 for 5-year goals and actions
relating to Thriving Community Groups
and Networks.
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 13Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Strategic Plan 2021-2026
Strategic Pillar 1 - Marine and Coastal Stewardship
5-year goals Priorities for action
1.1 Clearly demonstrate how Tailor Coastcare Victoria community grants program to clearly
align with and contribute to statewide marine, coastal and
Coastcare Victoria
catchment priorities.
contributes to key state
government marine, coastal Encourage the use of DELWP data capture and decision-making tools
and social priorities and for environmental protection and improvement works, including in
broad, systemic issues such grants acquittals.
as climate change Capture data about how community activities contribute to statewide
mitigation and adaptation, marine, coastal and catchment priorities and broad, systemic issues
and marine debris and such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, marine debris and
plastic pollution. plastic pollution.
Use data from biodiversity decision making tools (for example,
NatureKit and CoastKit) to determine how Coastcare Victoria
contributes to priority actions.
Facilitate collaboration between Coastcare Victoria volunteer groups,
the community and marine and coastal managers.
Enable collaborative management of Country with Traditional
Owners.
1.2 Coastcare Victoria Enable Traditional Owners to realise their goals and aspirations
towards self-determination.
contributes positively to
reconciliation and Ensure community groups are advised on cultural heritage
celebration of Aboriginal management requirements with the support and leadership of
culture in marine and Traditional Owners.
coastal areas.
1.3 Clearly demonstrate how Capture data about how Coastcare Victoria is involved in citizen
science activities.
Coastcare Victoria
contributes to marine and Explore how Coastcare Victoria can better support and contribute to
coastal citizen science. citizen science initiatives.
Promote citizen science opportunities for example the Victorian
Coastal Monitoring Program, LitterWatch Victoria, Great Victorian
Fish Count, Sea Search (aligns with Seagrass Watch), Seal the Loop,
Tangaroa Blue, RedMap, EstuaryWatch and Reef Life Survey.
Develop and communicate key messages about citizen science.
Promote and encourage the use of the latest scientific knowledge
and tools.
Link with DELWP Marine Biodiversity Policy and Programs regarding
relevant projects DELWP’s Marine Knowledge Framework.
14 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Strategic Pillar 2 - Thriving Community Groups and Networks
5-year goals Priorities for action
2.1 Enable a strong Coastcare Include a range of information from state to local level in regular
network updates, including information relevant to the focus areas of
Victoria facilitator network
this Strategy.
which is well-connected
locally and at a state level Focus on connecting Coastcare Victoria volunteer groups with land
and shares information, managers and other groups with similar challenges and opportunities
advice and opportunities and attend community-led meetings and activities to gather and
with community groups share information.
and networks.
2.2 Commit to leadership role Develop a plan for each coastal region to convene marine and coastal
volunteers and groups through regular formal and informal forums and
as a convenor for
events at local levels.
community networking.
Develop a digital portal for marine and coastal volunteers
and organisations.
Undertake a mapping exercise to categorise Coastcare Victoria's
relationship with marine and coastal volunteer groups.
2.3 Identify all volunteer groups Ensure all groups for which Coastcare Victoria is the Responsible
Officer are informed, educated and compliant with occupational
for which Coastcare
health and safety (OHS) requirements.
Victoria is Responsible
Officer and ensure those Liaise with the DELWP Environmental Volunteering team to enable
groups are compliant with consistent OHS support for volunteer between agencies.
OHS requirements. Simplify and clarify volunteer OHS and insurance requirements
and processes.
2.4 Ensure capacity building Identify volunteer training and capacity needs.
programs continue to Initiate partnerships with other relevant agencies to maximise
identify and meet efficiency and effectiveness of the capacity building program.
volunteer requirements.
Implement capacity building actions outlined in the DELWP
Environmental Volunteering Plan (‘Sustain’ focus area).
2.5 Encourage and support Explore strategies for engaging youth in Coastcare Victoria
volunteering opportunities.
volunteer groups to
diversify their membership Support volunteer groups to succession plan and incorporate
base, plan for the future and strategies for recruitment and retention.
be responsive to change.
Explore strategies for engaging multicultural communities in
Coastcare Victoria.
Promote resources and training which enable volunteer groups to be
more diverse and inclusive.
Explore ways to “reimagine volunteering” to make it more accessible and
available for different groups, for example event-based volunteering.
2.6 Encourage and enable Enable and strengthen relationships with Traditional Owners.
relationships between Strengthen relationships with Aboriginal staff and programs in DELWP
Traditional Owners and and other relevant authorities.
Coastcare Victoria
Partner with Traditional Owners to integrate Country knowledge and
stakeholders.
practices into the Coastcare Victoria program.
2.7 Formalise Coastcare Support recognition and reward programs that align with the Strategic
Pillars of the Coastcare Victoria Strategy.
Victoria's recognition
program. Promote, celebrate and share stories of success through the statewide
network and formal communications channels.
Continue to deliver a bi-annual volunteer forum.
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 15Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Strategic Pillar 3 - Victorians Valuing the Coast
5-year goals Priorities for action
3.1 Coastcare Victoria uses Continue to develop and deliver an annual Summer by the Sea
(SBTS) program.
education and engagement
to contribute to positive Conduct periodic reviews and evaluations to assess achievement of
behaviour change among long-term goals relating to positive behaviour change and
coastal users. volunteering recruitment.
Ensure SBTS continuously improves its accessibility and inclusion for
people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities,
different socio-economic backgrounds and people with disabilities.
For example, actively engage relevant groups and organisations to
support their involvement and partner with them to develop activities.
Develop a Coastcare Victoria schools "kit" as a resource to engage
young people in caring for marine and coastal environments.
3.2 Enable Traditional Owner Enable Traditional Owners to determine and realise their ambitions
through actions such as restoring marine and coastal cultural
self-determination and
knowledge and practices.
acknowledge land and
sea interconnection.
16 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Program delivery
People and roles • program monitoring, evaluation, reporting
and improvement
The people involved in Coastcare Victoria are many
and varied, each with a role to play in bringing this • links and strategic alignment to other strategies,
Strategy to life. Key roles will include: programs, agencies and areas of government.
Coastcare Victoria (DELWP) Volunteers
The Coastcare Victoria program is delivered by a Includes Coastcare Victoria and Coast Action
team of Coastcare Victoria facilitators positioned in volunteer groups, ‘Friends of’ groups, volunteer
DELWP’s three coastal regions: Port Phillip (including committees of management and other marine and
Western Port), Barwon South West and Gippsland. coastal volunteers.
The Coastcare Victoria Coordinator is positioned in Roles include:
DELWP’s Statewide Coastal Programs team and is
• undertake on-ground works to protect the
responsible for overseeing the delivery of the
environment and enhance coastal amenity
Coastcare Victoria program. The Coastcare Victoria
program is governed by the DELWP Coastal • deliver education and community awareness
Programs Project Control Board. information and programs
Each facilitator is responsible for supporting and • undertake citizen science activities
working with community groups, organisations and
coastal management partners to achieve regional • liaise with relevant management agencies to
outcomes that contribute to the program’s ensure alignment with management plans and
overall goals. works approval
Roles include: • collaborate with other volunteers and community
organisations locally and statewide
• support marine and coastal volunteers and
community organisations by: • advocate for positive environmental change
– assisting with administration and • produce local media to generate wider community
project requirements engagement, awareness and appreciation.
– providing networking opportunities including
Community organisations
a bi-annual forum
Includes not-for-profit organisations, catchment and
– facilitating relationships and information
community conservation networks and category 1
exchange between Coastcare
committees of management.
Victoria stakeholders
Roles include:
– provision of resources including grants,
information and training • build important cross-sector relationships with
potential collaborators
– supporting reward and recognition programs
• support volunteers with essential resources,
– encouraging and supporting volunteer groups to
knowledge and expertise, funding, skills and
diversify, plan and adapt to changes in
attracting additional support
volunteering, science and research, practices
and physical environments • plan and coordinate volunteer and
community activities
• work to build stronger relationships with
Traditional Owners and to enable self- • work closely with government to understand local
determination regarding Sea Country coastal management issues
• encourage all Victorians to value the marine and • lead or support citizen science opportunities
coastal environment through programs such as
Summer by the Sea • lead or support advocacy efforts
• program governance, planning, coordination • lead or support community projects.
and administration
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 17Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Traditional Owners Government agencies and programs
Roles include: Includes DELWP (as program owner), Parks Victoria,
catchment management authorities (CMAs), local
• advise on how their rights and interests in government, Landcare Victoria
Country are to be incorporated in implementing
the Strategy Roles include:
• partner with the Coastcare Victoria program. • provide financial resources and grants
• evaluate Cultural Heritage Management Plans • provide practical resources including information,
digital tools, training and in-kind support
• assess Cultural Heritage Permit applications
• support monitoring, evaluation and reporting
• make decisions about Cultural Heritage
Agreements • provide strategic alignment with local and
state priorities
• provide advice on applications for Interim or
Ongoing Protection Declarations • ensure alignment with environmental policy
and legislation
• enter into Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Land
Management Agreements with public land • partnering with Coastcare Victoria for example
managers Parks Victoria partnership on the Summer by the
Sea program.
• nominate Aboriginal intangible heritage to the
Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register and
Education and research organisations
managing intangible heritage agreements.
Includes schools, universities and research bodies.
Roles include:
• form partnerships with community
• provide in-kind support
• education and engagement opportunities.
18 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026How community and Coastcare Victoria work together
Strategic Marine and Coastal Thriving Community Victorians Valuing
Pillars: Stewardship Groups and Networks the Coast
Planning for the future Education and community
Achieved by On-ground works awareness about marine and
Being responsive to change coastal values, challenges
community Citizen science and
data contribution Striving for diversity and inclusivity and opportunities
through:
Contributing to broad systemic Working safely Engaging the community in caring
marine and coastal for the coast and promoting the
Sharing ideas, opportunities Coastcare Victoria ethos and story
management issues and challenges
Recognising and celebrating Encouraging positive behaviour
Working with agencies, land change amongst users
Aboriginal culture managers, organisations and
each other Providing opportunities for all
Victorians to connect with marine
and coastal environments
Supported by Community grants program Coastcare Victoria facilitator network
Coastcare Victoria Supporting and promoting citizen Community grants program
through: science opportunities
Convening networking opportunities
Promoting opportunities to Community grants program
Volunteer and community recognition
contribute to state and Annual Summer by the Sea program
regional priorities Development of a digital portal
Actively support access and
Partnering with Traditional Owners Facilitating partnerships involvement for all Victorians
Promoting the importance and Promoting and supporting diversity Development of a schools kit
relevance of Aboriginal coastal and inclusion
culture and heritage Providing capacity building
Encouraging the use of the latest opportunities
scientific knowledge and tools Sharing news, resources and
information
Supporting volunteers to work safely
Figure 2 Overview of how the community and the Coastcare Victoria program work together to implement this StrategyDepartment of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Enabling Strategy delivery
Coastcare Victoria has set the following goals and actions to enable the delivery of this Strategy and to
monitor, evaluate, report on and continuously improve the program.
5-year goals Priorities for action
4.1 Coastcare Victoria's brand Develop a communications and engagement plan to tell the
Coastcare Victoria story, promote Coastcare Victoria and engage a
and purpose is clear and
wider audience.
well understood by
stakeholders. Share stories of success with a wide audience via regular social media
posts and other media publications.
4.2 Effectively Monitor, Utilise Coastcare Victoria's new Key Evaluation Questions (KEQs) and
MERI framework to evaluate program impact and achievement of
Evaluate, Report and
program objectives.
Improve (MERI) the
Coastcare Victoria Deliver a regular report based on the outputs of the program’s KEQs
program. to articulate and promote the benefits of the program.
Report outcomes against key policy alignment to managers of
relevant policies/plans for inclusion in their data sets.
Develop and implement a regular actions list for improvement based
on KEQ outcomes.
4.3 Improved program Maintain a central record of groups and networks that Coastcare
Victoria supports.
governance.
Develop an operational plan to implement the priority goals and
actions of this Strategy and inform coordinator and
facilitator workplans.
Provide staff capacity building around emergent issues and priorities.
Ensure the DELWP Coastal Programs Project Control Board has
oversight of the program.
4.4 Ensure Coastcare Victoria Each facilitator to become familiar with Country Plans and priorities
in their area and consider Coastcare Victoria activities in this context.
activities are informed by
Traditional Owner
Country Plans.
4.5 Ensure Coastcare Victoria Contribute to DELWP Environmental Volunteering Action Group for
gains in consistency, efficiency and effectiveness with other
works strategically with
similar programs.
relevant agencies, programs
and staff. Work with DELWP regional teams to leverage off each other’s work to
better support volunteers and committees of management.
Identify and capitalise on opportunities for collaboration, information
sharing and efficiencies with relevant agencies, community
organisations and programs (such as Traditional Owner Corporations,
Landcare, local government and catchment management authorities).
20 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Appendix
Alignment with marine and coastal policies and plans
The Coastcare Victoria 2021-2026 Strategy’s goals and actions have been developed to align with and
support implementation of Aboriginal Plans and Victorian Government strategies, policies and plans
listed below.
al ity ks
as
t
un or ng eg
y
m w l ui t
Co m et Va r a
n d p Co d N s St
a i n g
e ds h g n
in s a ria st in
Coastcare Victoria Strategic n
i r iv to oa b l er y
ar a r p c C a v
Pillars/Areas 2021-2026 M tew T h ro u Vi he En eli
S G t D
5-year goals 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5
Absolutely everyone–state disability plan 2017-2020
Pillar 1: Inclusive communities
Pupangarli Marnmarnepu 'Owning Our Future' Aboriginal Self-Determination Reform Strategy 2020-2025*
Domain 2.1: People
Domain 2.3: Country
One-DELWP Strategic Framework 2019-2023
Reduce the harmful effects of
pollution and waste on human
health and the environment
Secure a net improvement in the
outlook for species
Increase the sustainable
management of public land
Increase public value benefits
from government land
Increase participation of Traditional
Owners in land management
decision making and practices
Increase Victorians valuing nature
Increase participation in
environmental events >35,000
* Pupangarli Marnmarnepu is DELWP’s roadmap on building a better future with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians, through
systemic and structural change that fully supports Aboriginal decision-making, evaluation and talent building to inform its policy and
processes.
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 21Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
al ity ks
as
t un or ng eg
y
m w l ui t
Co m N et Va r a
d o
C d s St
an ip ng an
n g
e ds h i ria st in
Coastcare Victoria Strategic n
i r riv p s to oa b l er y
ar a T h ro u
c C a v
Pillars/Areas 2021-2026 M tew Vi he En eli
S G t D
5-year goals 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5
Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan 2017–2027
Goal: Stewardship of the Bay is
fostered across community,
industry and government
Goal: Water quality is improved to
ensure environmental health and
community enjoyment of the Bay
Goal: The Bay’s habitat and marine
life are thriving
Protecting Victoria’s Environment–Biodiversity 2037
Goal: Victoria’s natural
environment is healthy
Goal: Victorians value nature
Victorian Marine and Coastal Policy 2020
Ecosystems and habitats
Natural features and landscapes
Heritage and cultural values
Managing coastal hazard risk
Stewardship and collaborative
management
22 Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
al ity ks g
as
t
un or in gy
m w lu te
Co m N et V a r a
n d p C o
ns t St
a i g nd g
e ds h in s a
a
i s lin y
Coastcare Victoria Strategic n
i r v
ri p or a ab ver
ar a ic t Co
Pillars/Areas 2021-2026 M tew T h ro u V he n
E eli
S G t D
5-year goals 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5
Victorians Volunteering for Nature–Environmental Volunteering Plan 2018
Key focus area: Sustain
Key focus area: Expand
Key focus area: Value
Key focus area: Understand
Victoria’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2017-2020
Principle: Community engagement
Priority action: Help the community
to understand and manage the
risks and impacts of climate
change (part 4)
Adapting on our coasts
(Action 5.3.2)
Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021–2026 23Our commitment to inclusion and diversity Coastcare Victoria supports liveable, inclusive and sustainable communities. Coastcare Victoria wishes to create a culture diverse in ability, gender, sexuality, age, socio-economic status, ethnicities and religious beliefs. Coastcare Victoria believes everyone has the right to feel safe, welcome and have their life experience valued. Fostering diversity and inclusion helps people to learn from each other and develop new ways to work effectively. At Coastcare Victoria: • We are connected to liveable, inclusive and sustainable communities • We are diverse • We are inclusive and flexible • We are safe and respectful © The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2021 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Hornet Press2/73 Rushdale St, Knoxfield VIC 3180 ISBN 978-1-76105-035-0 (Print) ISBN 978-1-76105-036-7 (pdf/online/MS word) Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136186, email customer.service@delwp.vic.gov.au or via the National Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au. This document is also available on the internet at www.delwp.vic.gov.au. delwp.vic.gov.au
You can also read
