The BDTNRM funded Coastal LG support positions reflect the Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM Plan and Regional Investment Strategy (RIS) in relation to the Coastal and Marine asset area and partially fulfils the associated Management Action ‘ CAM 2.1.1 (4) Facilitate local government and community involvement in mapping, prioritization and management of coastal assets’. Support is provided for Townsville City Council Thuringowa City Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Bowen Shire Council and Palm Island Councils.

Working under the direction of the Programme Coordinator, the Project Officer works collaboratively with Local Government staff, Government Agencies and BDTNRM Technical and Professional advisory groups/staff to support Local Government in managing the coastal land they are trustees of.

The Coastal and Marine Stakeholders workshop (November 2004) and the Coastal CRC’s Coastal Condition Study for the Burdekin Dry Tropics identified habitat loss and fragmentation of coastal vegetation management as a major threat to the functionality of ecosystems in the Dry Tropics. There are a number of specific issues that have contributed to the degradation of coastal habitats including;

• Inadequate identification and protection measures of environmental values adjacent to new coastal developments.
• Removal of remnant vegetation by coastal property owners and / or replacement of vegetation with species that offer little habitat value,
• Infestations of declared weeds and environmental pests,
• Under resourcing of local government for the development of management plans and compliance officers in the coastal zone.
• A ‘reactive’ rather than ‘pro-active’ approach by State Government Agencies to assisting local government with coastal zone management issues.

The focus of the LG coastal support officer’s role will include the following duties;

• facilitation and development of an Action Plan and support for Councils recognition as a Reef Guardian Council (a program administered by GBRMPA),
• the creation of a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (where warranted) with the EPA,
• ·the development of Marine Plant Management Plans (if required) with DPI&F
• facilitate the uptake of the Ocean Watch initiative ’T Angler Bins’ in relation to reducing marine debris.
• support for the CAM OGW’s project officer to engage with LG and develop negotiated agreements for BDTNRM’s OGW’s investments in the coastal strip including the development of management plans
• support for the CAM Coastcare facilitator based with Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) to engage with BDT Coastal NRM community groups
• support the Coastal Project Manager for ‘Bringing back the Beach Scrub’ cross regional DEWR funded, EPA directed project based in Mackay Whitsundays
• develop and maintain effective and positive working relations with relevant coastal zone stakeholders including EPA, GBRMPA, DPI&F, NRW, OceanWatch and other coastal providers and partners.
• participate in any relevant technical advisory group(s) including CAMAG and LMAC
• attendance at conferences, network meetings and forums where required
• assist in the review and revision of BDT NRM Plan and Regional Investment Strategy once initiated.
• contribute material to a range of organisational reporting requirements including quarterly and annual performance reports, programme and project performance reports, and the Annual Report of Burdekin Solutions Ltd.
• assist BDTNRM Traditional Owner Liaison staff to increase the awareness and involvement of Traditional Owners in Local Government