Legislation forming part of the NSW Government coastal erosion management reform was recently passed by the New South Wales parliament.
The Coastal Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2010 introduces new measures for managing coastal erosion including:
• emergency coastal protection works;
• changes to development processes for sea wall works;
• expanded powers of coastal authorities;
• council exemptions from liability; and
• a new NSW Coastal Panel.
The Act went through multiple review processes, including an earlier exposure draft. It cements coastal zone management planning as the guiding framework for development in coastal areas. It also confirms that the risk to a property from sea level rise lies with the property owner.
The amendments will be supported by a series of statutory and non-statutory guidelines and is expected to commence in December 2010.