The coastal zone is a valuable resource which provides a diversity of benefits. The difficulties facing the coastal zone tend to fall into three categories: (1) Pressure and conflict on resources. The beach residence value, an indicator of land use pressure, implies that, of the Australian states, New South Wales' coastal zone is under the greatest pressure. Associated with population is development pressure. Many forms of development are not compatible, hence conflicts of interest can arise. (2) The dynamic nature of the coast. That is, the physical and biological aspects of the coastal zone are in a state of flux. The dynamics make predictions for management controversial. (3) Organisational problems. The lack of direction, lack of coordination and fragmentation of management leads to ad hoc management of this valuable resource. This evaluation identified and confirmed the relevance of coastal issues which led to the enactment of the Coastal Protection Act, 1979. The coastal issues investigated were: coastal erosion and development; coastal erosion and protection works; coastal land degradation; degradation of coastal habitats, fish and wildlife resources; recreation opportunities; pollution; and increasing population pressure and competition betweeen alternative uses. The administrative arrangements for management of the issues were investigated. A broad range of coastal issues were evaluated using a mix of indicators with standards of comparison to measure progress. Management tools, policies and strategies used to address the issues were investigated. Finally prescriptions to further address the issues were made as was how to implement the prescriptions. The evaluation noted: increasing coastal population and development pressure; numerous examples of conflicts of interest; complex and often bewildering administrative arrangements for coastal zone management; widely varying levels of performance by agencies; and a lack of direction and co-ordination from State authorities. The principal conclusion was that strategic planning needed to be undertaken through a lead coastal agency. The lead agency should clarify and improve direction, co-ordination and co-operation in coastal management. This should improve the effectiveness of management and reduce the incidence and duration of conflict among the different and competing coastal values. This evaluation of the effectiveness of coastal management, at a State level, should not only assist New South Wales but also other States in the management of this valuable resource.