Coastal management program progress

Coastal management programs set a long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coast, with a focus on achieving the objectives of the Coastal Management Act 2016.

We provide oversight for local councils and other authorities responsible for managing the coastal zone through coastal management programs (CMPs). Local councils prepare a CMP to develop a strategic and integrated course of action for management of the coastal zone in their area.

CMPs identify:

  • coastal management issues
  • actions required to address these issues in a strategic and integrated way
  • how and when those actions are to be implemented
  • costs and proposed cost-sharing arrangements
  • other viable funding mechanisms.

This interactive map shows the progress of coastal management programs.

The different coloured icons on the map indicate a stage is underway or has been completed. The grant icon indicates a coastal and estuary grant has been awarded to the local council for projects in that area.

Stages of existing coastal management programs organised by region.

Councils Stage Description
Ballina 5 Lake Ainsworth is an acidic freshwater coastal dune lake and an important recreational and environmental asset – it is a key visitor destination in the Ballina Shire. The Lake Ainsworth CMP has been completed and certified by the Minister.
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2
 North Creek is a tributary of the Richmond River. The North Creek CMP aims to understand long-term water quality issues and how to protect and enhance ecological values now and into the future.
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2 The scope of the Ballina Open Coast CMP includes beaches from Patches to Seven Mile Beach, Shaws Bay, and the lower reaches of the Richmond River and North Creek. The Open Coast CMP is one of 4 programs that will span the coastal zone of the local government area.
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Ballina, Byron Shire, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Rous Country 2 The Richmond River and its catchment, wetlands and waterways support a rich biodiversity and a range of important ecosystem services. Local councils are working collaboratively to develop the Richmond River CMP.
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Bellingen Shire 4 The Bellingen CMP forms a long-term plan to manage the coastal catchments and waterways of the Bellinger and Kalang rivers in the Bellingen Shire.
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Byron Shire 2 The Byron Shire Open Coast CMP sets out a long-term strategic approach to managing coastal hazards and other issues between South Golden Beach and Broken Head.
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2
 The Belongil Creek Estuary CMP will set out a long-term strategic approach to managing the Belongil Creek Estuary near Byron Bay.
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2 The Tallow Estuary CMP will seek to set out a long-term management strategy for this estuary south of Byron Bay.
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Clarence Valley 2 The Clarence Valley Coastline CMP sets out coordinated and adaptive management actions to address coastal hazards in the Wooli coastline area, excluding the Clarence River.
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1 The Clarence River system is one of the largest in Australia. The study area for the CMP will include the entire Clarence River catchment to capture aspects of the broader catchment that impact estuary health.
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Coffs Harbour 4 The Arrawarra, Corindi and Pipe Clay CMP will identify issues impacting the waterways and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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5 The Bonville Creek and Pine Creek CMP identifies the issues impacting both waterways and sets the long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values. The Bonville Creek and Pine Creek CMP has been completed and certified by the Minister.
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4 The Moonee, Boambee, Newports and Coffs Creek CMP will identify the issues impacting these waterways and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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4 The Willis, Woolgoolga, Darkums and Hearns Lake CMP will identify issues impacting these waterways and develop a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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Kempsey Shire 3 The Kempsey CMP sets out coordinated and adaptive management actions for the Kempsey Local Government Area, including the Macleay River and other estuaries within the local government area.
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Nambucca Shire 5 The Nambucca Coastline and Estuaries CMP sets out a long-term, strategic, coordinated and adaptive plan to manage ongoing pressures on the waterways and coastline in the Nambucca Local Government Area. The Nambucca Coastline CMP has been completed and certified by the Minister.
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Port Macquarie–Hastings 2 The Port Macquarie–Hastings Council intends to set out a long-term, strategic, coordinated and adaptive plan to manage ongoing pressures to the waterways and coastline in the Port Macquarie–Hastings Local Government Area. Four CMPs based on geographic areas will be developed to better manage localised issues, being:
  • Lake Cathie/Lake Innes and Bonny Hills Estuary and coastline
  • Hastings River Estuary
  • Camden Haven River Estuary
  • Port Macquarie-Hastings Open Coastline

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Tweed Coast 2 The Tweed Coast CMP includes local estuaries and sets out a long-term, strategic, coordinated and adaptive plan to manage ongoing pressures to the coastal waterways and open coastline in the Tweed Local Government Area.
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5 The Tweed River Estuary CMP will identify the issues impacting the waterway and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values. The Tweed River Estuary CMP has been completed and certified by the Minister.
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Councils Stage Description
Central Coast 2 The Central Coast Open Coast and Lagoons CMPs set long-term strategies for coordinated management of the coastal zone of the local government area, spanning from Frazer Beach to Patonga.
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1 The Tuggerah Lakes CMP will identify the issues impacting the waterway and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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City of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Maitland City 2 The Hunter Estuary CMP will identify the issues impacting the waterway and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values. Newcastle City, Port Stephens and Maitland City councils work collaboratively to deliver the CMP.
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City of Newcastle 3
 The Southern Beaches CMP sets long-term strategies for coordinated management of the coastal zone of the southern section of the local government area.
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5 The Stockton CMP sets out coordinated and adaptive management actions to protect the values of Stockton Beach. Stockton CMP is certified by the Minister, but is being updated in 2023 to include coastal areas north of the boundary of this local government area.
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Lake Macquarie City 4 The Lake Macquarie CMP sets out a long-term, strategic, coordinated and adaptive plan to manage ongoing pressures on the lake and the open coastline in the local government area.
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MidCoast 5 The Manning River Estuary and Catchment CMP has identified the issues impacting the river and its catchment area. It sets a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values. The Manning River Estuary CMP has been completed and certified by the Minister.
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1 The MidCoast Coastal Lakes CMP will identify the issues impacting the local waterways and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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1 The MidCoast Open Coast CMP sets out coordinated and adaptive management actions to address coastal hazards in the coastline area of the MidCoast Council Local Government Area.
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2 The Old Bar/Manning Point CMP sets out coordinated and adaptive management actions to address coastal hazards specifically related to the Old Bar/Manning Point area.
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Port Stephens 3 The Port Stephens Open Coast and Estuary CMP sets out a long-term, strategic, coordinated and adaptive plan to manage ongoing pressures on the Port Stephens estuary and its tributaries and the open coastline in the Port Stephens Local Government Area.
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Councils
 Stage Description
Cooks River Alliance
 2 The Cooks River Catchment CMP will identify issues impacting the waterway and its catchment and develop a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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Georges Riverkeeper
 2 The Georges River Estuary CMP will identify the waterway issues and develop a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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Hornsby Shire, Hawkesbury City, The Hills Shire, Central Coast, Ku-Ring-Gai and Northern Beaches
 3
 The Hawkesbury Nepean River System CMP sets out a long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coastal zone along the Hawkesbury. Relevant councils are working collaboratively on delivering the CMP.
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Northern Beaches
 1 The Northern Beaches Open Coast and Lagoon CMPs set out a long-term, strategic, coordinated and adaptive plan to manage ongoing pressures to the waterways and coastline in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area.
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Sutherland Shire
 4
 The Bate Bay CMP sets out a long-term, strategic, coordinated and adaptive plan to manage ongoing pressures to the coastline in the Sutherland Local Government Area.
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Sydney Coastal Councils Group
 3 Greater Sydney Harbour is one of the world's most iconic waterways. The Greater Sydney Harbour CMP sets out a coordinated and strategic management approach for the Sydney Harbour tidal waterways and their catchments.
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Woollahra, Waverley, Randwick City
 2 The Eastern Beaches CMP sets out coordinated and adaptive management actions to address coastal hazards in the coastline area of eastern Sydney, from South Head to Botany Bay.
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Councils Stage Description
Bega 1 The Bega Coastline CMP will aim to protect the Shire's most valuable natural asset. Incorporating the former coastal and estuary management programs, the coastal zone program is delivered through a variety of research, planning, educational and on-ground projects and activities. Bega Valley Shore Council is focusing on its 4 planned estuary coastal management programs.
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3 The Bermagui River CMP will identify the issues impacting the waterway and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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3 The Lake Curalo CMP will identify the issues impacting the waterway and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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3 The Merimbula and Back Lake CMP will identify the issues impacting both waterways and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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3 The Wallaga Lake CMP will identify the issues impacting the waterway and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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Eurobodalla 5 The Eurobodalla Coastline CMP has been completed and certified by the Minister. The CMP aims to manage and develop the Shire's coast in a way that protects and enhances the natural features and supports ongoing growth. More information
5 The Moruya, Mummaga and Wagonga CMP identifies management strategies for the estuaries to protect and enhance natural assets and values. This CMP has now been completed and certified by the Minister.
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3 The Tuross and Coila Lake CMP identifies management strategies for the estuaries to protect and enhance natural assets and values.
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Kiama 3 The Kiama Beaches CMP sets out coordinated and adaptive management actions to address coastal hazards in the coastline area of the Kiama Local Government Area.
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Shellharbour 1 The Shellharbour CMP will identify the issues impacting the open coastline and provide a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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Shellharbour and Wollongong 5 The Lake Illawarra CMP identifies the issues impacting the waterway and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values. The Lake Illawarra CMP was collaboratively delivered by Wollongong City and Shoalhaven City councils. The CMP has been certified by the Minister.
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Shoalhaven 3 The Jervis Bay CMP will identify the issues impacting the waterway and shoreline and provide a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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3 The Lake Conjola CMP identifies the issues impacting the waterway and a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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3 The Shoalhaven Open Coast CMP will identify the issues impacting the regions coastline and provide a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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2 The Shoalhaven River CMP will identify the issues impacting the estuary and provide a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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3 The St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake and Berarra Creek CMP will identify the issues impacting the estuaries and provide a long-term, strategic approach to implementing management actions to protect and enhance environmental, recreational, social and economic values.
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Wollongong 1 The Wollongong CMP will cover approximately 60 km of coastline, from the Royal National Park in the north to Lake Illawarra in the south. The CMP will identify coastal management issues and the actions required to address these issues in a strategic and integrated way.
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Grants awarded to local councils to support planning projects and implementation of works identified in coastal management programs are listed by year on our Coastal and estuary management grants awarded webpage.

Stage Description
1

This stage involves a scoping study which aims to:

  • review progress made in managing issues in coastal areas
  • develop a shared understanding of the current situation
  • identify the focus of the new coastal management program (CMP).
2 Stage 2 involves detailed studies to identify, analyse and evaluate risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities.
3 Stage 3 involves identifying and evaluating management options.
4

Steps in Stage 4 include:

  • prepare the draft CMP undertake public exhibition
  • finalise the CMP
  • submit the CMP to the Minister for certification.
5

Stage 5 involves work to:

  • implement the CMP
  • undertake ongoing monitoring and reporting.
Funding stream: Implementation Funding provided under the implementation stream supports actions identified in certified coastal zone management plans (CZMP) or coastal management programs.
Funding stream: Planning

Funding provided under the planning stream is for projects that aim to:

  • develop a CMP
  • transition a CZMP to a CMP
  • undertake investigations and designs or cost-benefit analyses for infrastructure works recommended in a certified CZMP or CMP.
Funding stream: Estuary management Preparation or implementation of estuary based CZMPs before 2016 under the previous Act.
Funding stream: Coastal management Preparation or implementation of open coast based CZMPs under the previous Act, before 2016.

The Coastal Management and Estuary Management Grant Programs were separate programs in 2015–16. Changes to the legislative and policy framework under the Coastal Management Act 2016 resulted a merging of the 2 programs into the Coastal and Estuary Grant Program after the 2015–16 funding round. From 2016 grant funding was limited to actions in certified coastal zone management plans (CZMPs) or coastal management plans, and from 2016 onwards grants have been categorised as planning or implementation. CZMPs certified under the former Coastal Protection Act 1979 cease to have effect on 31 December 2021.

Contact us

Department of Planning and Environment

Coastal and estuary grants


The Coastal and Estuary Grants Program underpins the implementation of the coastal management framework and supports local councils and communities to:

  • prepare CMPs
  • implement actions to better manage the coastal and estuarine environment.

The program requires contributions at a 1:1 or 2:1, NSW Government to local council ratio, depending on the project.

For more information see our Coastal and estuary grants webpage.