The coastal zone has a special place in the lives of Australians. Most want to live there and if they can’t, they want to take their holidays there. It contains diverse ecosystems and a high proportion of Australia’s industrial activity occurs in the zone.
It is a priceless national resource.
To help improve the condition of Australia’s coastal waters, Council planners and engineers around Australia will be attending the Coasts and Ports 2001 at Surfers Paradise in Queensland on 25-28 September.
The conference is a joint initiative of the Australasian Coastal and Ocean Engineering Conference and the Port and Harbour Conference.
The program will focus on coastal engineering and management, and on port design and development. All are major issues for many Councils adjacent to Australia’s vast coastline.
A number of international and local speakers will discuss technical advances and trends in privatisation, operation, planning and funding infrastructure.
Sessions include managing conflicting land use pressures, how to improve environmental performance, examples of ‘green ports’ and various estuary rehabilitation projects.
Professor Rodger Tomlinson, Director of Griffith University’s Centre for Coastal Management, said Coasts and Ports 2001 will provide a blend of management and technical sessions in an atmosphere that enhances interaction and effective networking.
“We will debate important issues that coastal planners will have to address in the future, particularly economic development versus environmental protection,” he said.
“Plus there’s an opportunity for interstate participants to join local field trips, inspect developments such as the Tweed and Nerang River sand bypassing system, and the Port of Brisbane and Gold Coast canals, with experts.”
The conference program and registration is available online at coastsandports2001@icms.com.au
