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Globally the rapidly developing coastal zone is the focus of public interest and particularly since the 1970s many countries have advocated and adopted public participation as a key process in coastal development applications. This is acknowledgement of public interest in the decision-making regarding coastal developments. Taking Australia and China as examples, this research compares the practical performance and existing problems of public participation in regard to specific coastal development applications. Two marinas on the most rapidly developing coastal zones of these two countries were selected as study cases. A diversity of coastal stakeholders, including government officials, academics, businessmen, non-government organization staff and local residents, were interviewed in order to capture their detailed opinions on public participation. This comparative research analyzes the major findings and discusses reasons for public participation, approaches and timing of public participation and existing problems of public participation in coastal development applications. The similarities and differences between Australia and China may inspire researchers and managers to have more effective public participation in future coastal developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]