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Key Project Dates

8 October to 5 November 2025

Community consultation period 100%

Late Nov 2025

Review and analyse community input 100%

May 2026

Close the loop 100%

May 2026

Final Strategies shared 100%

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Biodiversity and Mature Tree strategies

Published on 8 October 2025

Project Overview

Over 2025-2026 Barwon Coast developed two important draft strategies to guide the future care and management of our coastal reserves. The Biodiversity Strategy 2025–35 outlines our goals and actions to protect and enhance natural habitats, guide sustainable land management, and monitor environmental progress. The Mature Tree Strategy sets our vision for safeguarding mature trees, planning for their long-term succession, and maintaining the unique character of our coastal landscapes. Together, these strategies have helped shape the forthcoming Draft Foreshore Master Plan.

Final Barwon Coast Biodiversity Strategy 2025–35 and Mature Tree Strategy

Following community, stakeholder and community group consultation on the draft strategies, we have finalised the Barwon Coast Biodiversity Strategy 2025–35 and Mature Tree Strategy.

Final Biodiversity Strategy 2025–35

Final Mature Tree Strategy

Closing the Loop on what we heard and what we did

Over the consultation period, Barwon Coast sought feedback through a mix of in-person, online, and written engagement methods, including:

  • Consultation session with volunteer and conservation groups – provided an opportunity to discuss the draft strategies, share insights, and ask questions.

  • Community pop-up session at the Barwon Heads Makers Market – allowed face-to-face engagement with residents and visitors.

  • Online information session – offered remote participation, presentation of the strategies, and a Q&A opportunity.

  • Online survey – collected structured feedback on what resonated, what could be improved, and any missing information.

  • Written submissions via email – enabled individuals and organisations to provide detailed feedback in their own words.

All feedback received through these channels helped shape the final strategies. If you’re interested in learning more about the community engagement process and how the strategies were updated in response, a Community Engagement ‘Closing the Loop Report’ can be found below.

Read the Closing the Loop Report

Why your input matters

Community voices, together with technical evidence, are shaping the Foreshore Master Plan and related strategies. Alongside community and stakeholder input, other key technical documents also helped guide this work:

  • Accessibility Audit
  • Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan
  • Coastal Hazards Exposure Report

About the strategies

  • Biodiversity Strategy 2025–35: outlines our goals and actions to protect and enhance natural habitats, guide sustainable land management, and monitor progress.
  • Mature Tree Strategy: sets our vision and actions for safeguarding mature trees, planning for their succession, and maintaining the unique character of our coastal reserves.

Frequently asked questions

What was being consulted on?

During the consultation period (8 October – 6 November 2025) community feedback on two draft strategies: the Biodiversity Strategy 2025–35, which outlines how we will protect and enhance natural habitats along the coast, and the Mature Tree Strategy, which sets objectives and actions to safeguard and manage mature trees across our reserves.

Where can I read the final strategies?

You can read the draft strategies here:

Who could provide feedback?

Anyone with an interest in Barwon Coast’s coastal environment was welcome to provide feedback, including residents, visitors, conservation groups, and partner organisations.

Was this consultation genuine?

Yes. Barwon Coast was genuine in asking for feedback on the draft strategies.

We sought to discover:

  • What aspects of the strategies resonated with stakeholders and community members
  • What could be improved
  • Anything missing or areas where we may not have enough information.

This is referred to as the ‘scope’ of the consultation.

The level of consultation for this project under our community engagement participation spectrum as found in our Community Engagement Framework which is in line with the International Association for Public Participation’s Public Participation Spectrum, is ‘consult’, as the community interest is medium/high, and the impact on the broader community impact is classified as ‘low’.

What couldn’t change about the strategies based on community feedback?

Some elements of the strategies could not be altered because they have been guided by the Coastal and Marine Management Plan (CMMP), follow established industry-standard methodologies, must be delivered within available resources and capabilities, or relate to works required for safety and risk mitigation. While we welcome community input, these components are essential and must remain in place.

All input was considered and a feedback report will has been published summarising the key themes and how the input has been reflected in the final strategies: Closing the Loop Report

Who can I contact if I have questions?

For questions about the consultation, you can email office@barwoncoast.com.au