The association is guided by five key directions as outlined in the ABM Strategic Plan 2008-2012.

1: Environmental Health of the Bay

Areas of interest:

• Stormwater management and water sensitive urban design
• Waterway management
• Cliff erosion and stabilisation
• Beach cleaning and litter management
• Channel Deeping Project monitoring
• Protection of native marine flora and fauna
• Vegetation management

 2: Climate Change

Areas of interest:

• Protection of coastal assets
• Risk analysis
• Adaptation
• Strategic planning and development
• Education

 3: Recreation and Access

Areas of interest:

• Recreational boating facilities and supporting infrastructure
• Implementation of the CCB Boating Coastal Action Plan
• Beach renourishment and protection
• Harbour facilities
• Pedestrian and bicycle paths
• Safe access

 4: Management

Areas of interest:

• Alliances and partnerships
• Governance arrangements
• Integrated planning and decision making frameworks for the catchment-coast spectrum
• Cohesiveness of interagency strategies and actions

 5: Planning

Areas of interest:

• Appropriate development
• Land and water interface
• Statutory and strategic planning