Policy is rarely intentional or substantial for coastal issues in Australia

The condition of coastal areas around the world continues to decline despite over 50 years integrated management efforts. A myriad institutional instruments such as legislation, policies and plans influence decisions made in zone. Despite this, there is limited comprehensive analysis degree which arrangements are focused on issues able progress objectives. To address this gap we developed applied an intentionality substantiality framework analyse 92 with a role at State, regional local scales Australia. We found that: (i) threats Australia's coast not adequately identified or managed via instruments; (ii) do make contribution unless intentionally designed so; (iii) even presence intention, comprehensiveness proposed actions limited. lack action particularly evident operating scale. Consequently, reliance scale support meet objectives isolation misplaced. While some States have recently implemented reforms, findings show that unlikely be comprehensively addressed through current arrangements.