Coastal Governance

When undertaking the development and implementation of a Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy councils must refer to the following key legislation and policy documents to ensure alignment with state planning and coastal management requirements.

Legislation & Regulations

Name

Purpose

Link

Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995

Governs coastal zone management, tidal works, coastal management districts, land surrender, erosion controls.

Coastal Protection and Management Regulation 2017

Provides operational detail: maps, tidal works code, fees, exemptions.

Planning Act 2016

Principal Act for development assessment and land-use planning in Queensland.

Planning Regulation 2017

Defines development types, referral triggers (Schedule 10), and State agency roles.

Environmental Protection Act 1994

Provides environmental protections relevant to coastal works (e.g. water quality, pollution, marine ecology).

Environmental Protection (Water and Wetland Biodiversity) Policy 2019

Supports protection of aquatic ecosystems and coastal wetlands.

Nature Conservation Act 1992

Relevant if works impact protected species or areas.

Fisheries Act 1994

Governs marine plants, fish habitats, mangroves — important for tidal works.

Planning Codes, Policies & Guidelines

Name

Description

Link

State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP)

Core State planning codes. Use especially Code 8: Coastal development and tidal works.

Code 8 Guideline (Coastal Development)

Explains how to comply with SDAP Code 8 for coastal works.

Accepted Development Code for Tidal Works (EPP/2017/3930)

Describes works that can be done without assessment if meeting criteria.

Excluded Works Guideline (EPP/2016/2081)

Identifies low-risk coastal works that are exempt from assessment.

Land Surrender Guideline

Explains how land can be voluntarily surrendered for coastal protection.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Coastal Guidance

Information requirements for EIS in coastal areas.

Coastal Management Plans

Name

Description

Link

Queensland Coastal Management Plan

Outlines strategic objectives for managing coastal zone — a non-regulatory but important guiding document.

Shoreline Erosion Management Plans (SEMPs)

Localised erosion plans for hotspots — can support CHAS implementation.

Mapping & Development Resources

Tool / Resource

Description

Link

Coastal Hazard Mapping (DETSI)

Erosion & storm tide hazard mapping layers — essential for CHAS analysis.

Coastal Management District Maps

Defines where the Coastal Act applies — used to determine assessment triggers.

DA Mapping System (Planning)

Development Assessment mapping, zoning, constraints, overlays.

State Planning Policy Interactive Mapping

Spatial representation of state interests (e.g. erosion areas, wetlands, infrastructure).

Relevant State Agencies

Agency

Role

Website

DETSI (Dept. of Environment, Science & Innovation)

Coastal legislation, CHAS support, mapping, environmental guidance.

SARA (State Assessment & Referral Agency)

Development application assessment — key for referrals under Planning Regulation.

DAF (Dept. of Agriculture & Fisheries)

Marine plants, fish habitats, mangrove works.