Council
27 March, 2026
Foster to chair national coastal body
MOYNE Shire councillor Karen Foster has been appointed Chair of the Australian Coastal Councils Association.
Established in 2004 the Australian Coastal Councils Association (ACCA) is a national body formed to represent the interests of coastal councils such as Moyne and those further afield including the City of Rockingham in Western Australia, City of Victor Harbor, South Australia, and Ballina Shire Council, New South Wales.
Cr Foster said it was an honour to be elected chairperson of the ACCA, having previously served as treasurer on the national executive as one of two Victorian representatives.
“As chairperson I head an executive team comprising representatives from all states of Australia, and it’s clear we share many concerns and challenges, demonstrating the need for strong research and advocacy around the issues affecting our regions,” Cr Foster said.
“The ACCA has a strong focus on issues such as coastal erosion and impacts of sea level rise along with the need to ensure local government has the financial resources it needs to help protect our sensitive coastlines.”
Cr Foster said ACCA was set to launch a new advocacy push to the federal government, calling for a national approach to climate adaptation and coastal hazards, along with the funding needed to protect vulnerable coastal communities.
“With the coastal zone being home to more than 85 per cent of Australia’s population, it plays a pivotal role in the life of our nation and one worth protecting,” she said.
Mayor Jordan Lockett said it was fantastic to have Cr Foster leading the ACCA and allowing a local voice on a national level.
“Our coastlines are incredibly important to us, from Peterborough to Yambuk, and to have a voice at the table is amazing,” Cr Lockett said.
To read more about the ACCA and its research reports in relation to coastal issues, head to their website www.coastalcouncils.org.au
