This book investigates the impact of rapid environmental and developmental change on the character of small coastal towns. It examines how increased tourism and the migration of urban dwellers to coastal areas are perceived by local residents to degrade the distinctive character of their towns. The study explores concepts of town character, sense of place, genius loci, and place identity through the experiences of communities along Australia's Great Ocean Road, utilizing data from over 1800 respondents to address theoretical and methodological challenges in assessing place character amidst environmental change.

The book offers a detailed sociological and geographical analysis of coastal town transformations, drawing on extensive empirical data from Australia. Its focus on resident perceptions of place character degradation due to development and tourism provides valuable insights for urban planners, geographers, and community stakeholders. The research methodology, involving a large respondent pool over four years, suggests a robust and thorough investigation into the complex interplay between environmental change and community identity. The findings are likely to be of significant interest to those studying coastal management, cultural heritage, and the social impacts of development.