The NSW Coastal Conference Committee invites you to participate in our 33rd NSW Coastal Conference, hosted this year by Shellharbour City Council. The Conference will be held from 4 – 6 November 2026 at the Crowne Plaza, Shellharbour, NSW.

The 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.

We are seeking papers and presentations that span many disciplines. Planners and policy-makers, engineers, scientists, communicators and facilitators, educators, researchers, the private sector, decision-makers and community members are also invited to submit.

This year we turn the spotlight onto the following conference topics:

• Community caring for our changing coast: Experiences connecting with community (engagement, education, collaboration, partnerships, research, community-led initiatives) and incorporating community and First Nations knowledge and values in caring for our coast.
• Ocean and open coast: New science, emerging issues, climate change impacts and adaptations, innovative solutions and lessons learnt in caring for our oceanic and coastal zones.
• Adapting to a changing coast: Planning for climate change, legal and program-based approaches; Experiences with CMP development and implementation.
• Supporting coastal services and values: Identifying how the NSW coast delivers vital services that enrich our growing communities, sustain our economies and connect people to place, and the roles of research, community and government to support these services.
• Tides, estuaries and catchments: New science, emerging issues, innovative solutions, restoration, and lessons learnt in caring for our estuaries and catchments.

Join colleagues and share your experiences and ideas!