State Planning Policy 2.6 - Coastal planning

There are pressures on the coastal zone for land use and development for a variety of purposes including a mix of recreational, residential, industrial and commercial uses. The policy provides a balanced approach to these often competing needs and desires in a way that takes into account the values of the coastal zone. The policy ensures that current and future generations of Western Australians can benefit from opportunities presented by the values and resources of the Western Australian coast.

Guidance is provided for land use and development decision-making within the coastal zone including managing development and land use change; establishment of coastal foreshore reserves; and to protect, conserve and enhance coastal values. The policy recognises and responds to regional diversity in coastal types; requires that coastal hazard risk management and adaptation is appropriately planned for; encourages innovative approaches to managing coastal hazard risk; and provides for public ownership of coastal foreshore reserves.

Implementation will be through state planning policy, regional strategies, local planning strategies and regional and local planning schemes. Implementation will also occur through the day to day decision-making on zoning, structure plans, subdivision, strata subdivision and development applications, and actions of decision-makers in carrying out their responsibilities.

The objectives of this policy are to:

ensure that the location of coastal facilities takes into account coastal processes, landform stability, coastal hazards, climate change and biophysical criteria
ensure the identification of appropriate areas for the sustainable use of the coast for housing, tourism, recreation, ocean access, maritime industry, commercial and other activities
provide for public coastal foreshore reserves and access to them on the coast
protect, conserve and enhance coastal zone values, particularly in areas of landscape, biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, indigenous and cultural significance.

Coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning guidelines

The Coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning guidelines provide guidance for decision-makers to develop and implement effective coastal hazard risk management and adaptation plans. The Guidelines should be read in conjunction with State Planning Policy 2.6 and the State Planning Policy 2.6 Guidelines. A review of the Guidelines was completed in mid-2019.