Some problems in determining the boundaries of SEPP 14 Wetlands

Abstract

Since the introduction in New South Wales of State Environmental Planning Policy 14 coastal wetlands (SEPP 14) more than 5 years ago, there has been an increasing tendency for planners to avoid designated wetlands when planning developments. Although designated wetlands are mapped under the policy, there are often disputes as to the accuracy of the mapped boundary of the wetlands. Under such circumstances planners may seek clarification of the boundary by surveying the edge of the wetland. The author has been involved in a number of such cases in which the edge of the wetland was delineated on the ground with the assistance of a surveyor (Shortland Wetlands Centre 1987, 1988a, 1988b, 1989a, 1989b, 1990, 1991a, 1991b). this paper outlines some of the problems encountered in these cases. The determination of the boundary of a wetland depends on both definition (identifying conceptual boundaries) and delineation (identifying physical boundaries).