Coastal Management and the Perceptions argumentative essay help online Law essay help

Foreshore developments such as – high rise buildings, shops, walkways, roads and carparks damage the aforementioned ecosystems which interfere with the natural processes that occur on the coastline. The general public consensus is that the foreshore developments spoil the natural beauty of the coastline and makes it aesthetically displeasing where as others believe that the developments will help people enjoy the various activities the coastline waters and sands offer. People have different and often conflicting perspectives about how the coast should be used and managed.

Opinions may be expressed by various stakeholders, such as local residents, environmental activists, conservationists, business owners, pensioners, fishermen and young people. A stakeholder is a group or individual who has a vested interest in an issue. To ensure everyone’s opinions are heard and taken into consideration, community consultations are held so the stakeholders of a community may voice their opinions on how the coast should be used and managed. Before any foreshore development is undertaken, it must be approved by the local government.

An environmental impact study must be carried out to determine the severity and impacts of the planned development. The outcome of the study is then distributed to all stakeholders who are then invited to reply with their opinions on the results. Stakeholders may base their opinions on the belief that coastal management requires an understanding of the geographical processes that affect coastal environments and they believe human traffic in these areas impacts it in a negative way.

Loss of dune vegetation is caused by people carrying out recreational activities e. g. Trail bike riding, four wheel driving, bush walks and horse riding. Vegetation can also be damaged by grazing and fires. Urban development on sand dunes has an adverse impact on beaches. Building on foredunes disrupts the natural beach sediment budget because sea walls, groynes and breakwaters are constructed to protect properties. These structures trap sand and disturb the beach sediment budget.

As a consequence, the morphology of beaches can change and they may become more prone to erosion because the volume of sand circulating within the beach system in reduced. On the other hand, developers and business owner’s aim may be to develop coastal areas for short term economic gains. Australia has over 35,000km of coast and is a valuable source of tourism. These people feel that our coast should be developed as residential, recreational and tourism sites. These sits are also critically important industrial locations and transportation hubs.

Industry is drawn to coastal areas because of access to transport, especially ports. Nearly 50 per cent of Australia’s gross domestic product is produced in coastal areas. Coastal management is one of our most important contemporary geographical issues. All the activities impact our coastal environments and ecosystems as well as the quality of life we experience as residents or visitors. It is clear that all stakeholders perspectives must be examined to ensure Australia’s coasts are managed for present and future generations.