The NSW Coastal Design Guidelines exist to ensure that the NSW coastline is protected and remains a spectacular natural resource and place of cultural significance. We published the updated guidelines in 2023, following public exhibition of draft guidelines in 2022.
How did public submissions shape the final guidelines?
Key changes made in response to submissions included:
- simplifying requirements for planning proposals by providing one set of requirements rather than distinguishing between mandatory and optional requirements
- clarifying requirements by specifying the coastal management areas to which they apply, to ensure planning proposals only need to address relevant matters
- adding or expanding requirements for protecting water quality, habitat, views, recreational uses, and heritage; providing green infrastructure; ensuring appropriate access and adaptation planning; and avoiding legacy impacts
- providing additional guidance on protecting water quality, coastal ecosystems, and Aboriginal cultural heritage; limiting visual impacts and cut and fill
- ensuring coastal hazards and coastal management programs are appropriately considered
- removing outdated guidance in relation to building heights to allow a genuine place-based approach
- adding illustrative examples of the requirements to assist with interpretation and implementation.