"We need to ensure that development - particularly urban and residential development - does not result in unacceptable risks to people or property from coastal erosion, sea level rise or storm tide which may accompany climate change," Mr Wettenhall said.

"The plan focuses on four major policy issues for conserving coastal resources - urban settlement patterns, maritime development, protecting areas of high ecological significance and managing developments in areas potentially at risk from coastal hazards."

Mr Wettenhall said developing a progressive coastal planning and management regime that takes into account the latest data of climate change science is a responsible step for the Queensland government to take in relation to coastal planning.

"Pressures on the coast have increased and potential long term impacts of climate change now pose a real threat to the coast, he said.

"Changes are necessary now to meet community expectations for the future protection and management of our coastal areas."

Mr Wettenhall said submissions from interested parties could be made before 31 October to guide the development of the final version of the plan.

"This is an opportunity for Queenslanders to contribute to a plan that will be crucial to the responsible management and protection of our coastline well into the future," he said.

The Government was also undertaking targeting information sessions with interested stakeholders in many centres across the state.

All the details on how to make a submission can be found at:

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/coastalplan/draft_queensland_coastal_plan_submission.html