The Coast

The coast species & vegetation Victoria has 2000 kilometres of coastline, ranging from sheltered bays and inlets to rugged eroded cliffs. The west coast is sometimes exposed to gale force winds that have contributed to the spectacular scenery visible along the Great Ocean Road. The coast is constantly changing in response to the interaction with the sculpting effects of wind, rain and waves. Species and vegetation; birds are the foremost faunal species living in the immediate environment of the coast. For example, the endangered orange-bellied parrot migrates from the south western Tasmania to spend the winter in the coastal salt marshes in Victoria. There’s over 12,000 marine animals.

Climate vegetation Coastal Scrub is found on primary sand dunes or coastal limestone soils from 0 to 200 m above sea level. About 60% of all Coastal Scrub has been permanently cleared for agriculture, urban or marine development. Plants that grow on beaches and sand dunes form Communities known as coastal dune vegetation, Distinct vegetation bands or 'zones' are a common feature, reflecting seaside conditions and soil development. The critical environmental factors affecting the vegetation of the coast are wind, salt, and the natural instability of many coastal landforms. The grasses and herbs which colonise the fore dunes, and the saltmarsh plants and mangroves of the mudflats, bind these substrates. Coastal scrubs develop in the lee of the fore dunes and on older, stabilised dunes on the landward side, usually comprising dense stands of wiry shrubs such as Coast Tea-tree, Coast Beard-heath, Drooping She-oke and Moonah. In the more protected swales between and behind the dunes, woodlands of Coast Banksia grow

Sea dumping The Sea Dumping Act regulates the loading and dumping of waste at sea. The Act fulfils Australia's international obligations under the London Protocol to prevent marine pollution by dumping of wastes and other matter.

Dumping permits. Dredged or excavated material. $10,000 Dredged or excavated material $ Artificial reef$10,000 Burial at sea$1,675 Platform$12,700 Vessel$12,700

Map Victorian Coast