Perception and evaluation of the coastal zone: Implications for coastal zone planning

Abstract

Five hundred and nine respondents completed a survey that assessed their knowledge of the metropolitan coast; the acceptability of industrial, commercial, high‐rise, and marina developments; and community perceptions of the important planning criteria for coastal development. Analysis, by means of a modified repertory grid methodology, of respondents’ coastal knowledge indicated that the coast could be classified into four perceptual units that, when used with existing landform and land use classification, could be used to assess development location and the social impact of proposed developments. By analysis of responses to coastal maps, sketches, and verbal descriptions, it was found that only marina and low‐rise (one‐ and two‐story) developments were seen as acceptable forms of coastal development. Open‐ended questions, analyzed with a “key‐word‐in‐context”; methodology, indicated that when planners consider coastal development proposals an important planning consideration that needs to be examined is the community's perception of the development proposal.

Keywords:

• Australia
• coastal zone management
• development
• planning
• social‐cultural