Invitation
The NSW Coastal Conference Committee invites you to participate in our 33rd NSW Coastal Conference, hosted by Shellharbour City Council. The Conference will be held from 4 – 6 November 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina.
The 2026 Conference theme Focusing on our Changing Coast, for All highlights the importance of understanding and responding to the dynamic environmental, social and economic changes shaping the NSW coastline. It emphasises inclusive, collaborative coastal management—bringing together community, First Nations knowledge, research and government to ensure our coasts are cared for in ways that support healthy ecosystems, resilient communities and shared coastal values now and into the future.
Hosted By
Destination
Shellharbour is a coastal haven where crystal-clear waters meet laid-back village charm, nestled just south of Wollongong. Surrounded by pristine beaches and dramatic headlands…
The Conference
The NSW Coastal Conference has grown to become one of the most successful coastal industry events held in Australia. The conference will bring together over 220 delegates from a diverse range of fields, including: all aspects of coastal, estuarine and marine management, science and research, and education, planning, policy and law; and includes representatives from government, the private sector and community groups and the interested public.
Past conferences have been held in Ballina (2025), Batemans Bay (2024), Newcastle (2023: Joint National Coast to Coast) Kingscliff (2022), Terrigal (2019), Merimbula (2018), Port Stephens (2017), Coffs Harbour (2016), Forster (2015), Shoalhaven (2014), Port Macquarie (2013), Kiama (2012), Tweed (2011), Batemans Bay (2010), Ballina (2009), Wollongong (2008), Yamba (2007), Coffs Harbour (2006) and Narooma (2005).
The conference is a three-day event which comprises of plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, discussions, field trips (addressing some of the local coastal, estuary and marine management issues), networking events and the Annual NSW Coastal Management Awards.
NSW Coastal Conference Papers and Presentations
View and download 2025 NSW Coastal Conference Papers and Presentations
View and download 2024 NSW Coastal Conference Papers and Presentations
View and download 2023 NSW Coastal Conference Papers and Presentations
View and download past NSW Coastal Conference Papers and Presentations
Australian Coastal Society (ACS)
The ACS believes that a healthy and sustainable coastal environment is important for the majority of Australians. In order to achieve this, the ACS attempts to foster coastal stewardship by creating a well-informed independent voice for advice on coastal matters to governments and coastal managers.
The Australian Coastal Society (ACS) was initiated at the Coast to Coast Conference in Tasmania in 2004. The idea was floated as a means for those interested in coastal matters to communicate between conferences and where possible take resolutions of the conference to appropriate levels of government.
The idea was discussed further at the Coast to Coast Conference in Melbourne in 2006 and it was agreed that Bruce Thom develop a constitution of a company limited by guarantee that would operate on a national basis.
Annual NSW Coastal Management Awards
The Annual NSW Coastal Management Awards are presented to publicly recognise and acknowledge the contributions of individuals, groups, organisations and agencies toward the ecologically sustainable management of the NSW coastal zone. The Awards will be presented on the evening of 5 November at the NSW Coastal Conference Dinner.
Award Nominations will open in June.
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