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New plan to guide future care of Southern Fleurieu coast
As coastal environments face increasing pressure from a changing climate and other emerging challenges, a new regional plan has been released to guide the long-term care and protection of the Southern Fleurieu coastline.
The updated Southern Fleurieu Coastal Action Plan brings together land managers, Traditional Owners, councils, government agencies and community partners to support coordinated action across this culturally significant and ecologically diverse coastline.
Extending from Sellicks Cliffs to the Murray Mouth, the Southern Fleurieu coast spans more than 170 kilometres of beaches, cliffs, estuaries, dunes, islands and nearshore environments. It is a place of deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance for Ngarrindjeri/Ramindjeri and Kaurna peoples, whose connections to land and sea Country continue today.
The plan recognises these enduring relationships and incorporates Traditional Owner knowledge and cultural guidance throughout its themes and recommended actions.
Developed through strong collaboration, the updated plan builds on the original 2007 version with refreshed ecological information, cultural insights and regionally relevant actions to support more consistent coastal management across the region.
The plan outlines seven regional priorities reflecting shared challenges and opportunities, including improving habitat condition and connectivity, strengthening links between land and sea environments, protecting threatened species and ecological communities, guiding sustainable coastal development, supporting Traditional Owner leadership, fostering community stewardship and preparing for increasing climate impacts.
To support coordinated on-ground action, the coastline has been divided into 27 ‘cells’. Each cell outlines local conservation values, cultural context, pressures and recommended actions, helping partners focus on what matters most in their areas while working towards shared regional outcomes.
Partners involved in developing the plan say its strength lies in its collaborative foundation.
“This plan represents a shared commitment from everyone who has a role in caring for the coast - Traditional Owners, councils, government agencies, land managers, community groups and volunteers,” said Caroline Taylor, Coast and Marine Project Officer with Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu.
“It brings those efforts together in one place and provides clear guidance for working collectively into the future.”
With climate change already increasing pressures such as coastal erosion, sea level rise and habitat loss, alongside challenges including pest plants and animals and coastal development, the plan emphasises nature-based solutions, strong monitoring and coordinated adaptation to help protect coastal ecosystems and communities over the coming decades.
The Southern Fleurieu Coastal Action Plan 2026 is now available online, including interactive access to each of the 27 coastal cells and information to support on-ground management and community involvement.
View the full plan here.