The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to invest in the future of our state’s precious coast by funding a $1.7 million investment towards projects that support and care for Victoria’s marine and coastal environments.

The Victoria’s Resilient Coast grants, the Sea Country grants, and the implementation of Coastal and Marine Management Plans all present timely opportunities to address current and future coastal issues.

Through the Victoria’s Resilient Coast grants program, $1 million has been provided to fund a series of projects that plan for the impacts of climate change – building on from the $800,000 worth of grants that was awarded last year.

The program will support local councils and coastal land managers to progress strategic coastal hazard risk management and climate change adaptation.

The grants will help fund Surf Coast Shire Council generate flood modelling on the Painkalac Estuary Flood Risk Project, while Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority will be able to improve the health of estuarine seagrass meadows.

The Sea Country grants program will back six Traditional Owner organisations and an incorporated Aboriginal group along Victoria’s coast through $500,000 worth of funding.

The grants will support Traditional Owners in asserting their cultural values, rights, and obligations in the management of the marine and coastal environment.  

The $200,000 Coastal and Marine Management Plans grants program will help marine and coastal Crown land managers to prepare, review and implement coastal local-scale plans.

Barwon Coast was successful in securing $90,000 for the Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan.

The grant will assist Barwon Coast in identifying the extent of coastal hazard exposure (e.g., inundation and erosion) while maintaining the important cultural, environmental and community values of the Bancoora/Breamlea foreshore area.

Quotes attributable to Darren Cheeseman MP, Member for South Barwon

“Victoria’s Resilient Coast grants program will help coastal communities prepare for future environmental challenges”

“Barwon Coasts’ Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan will ensure strong decision-making for future use and development of the Bancoora/Breamlea coastal area”