Grants open to protect our coasts

(Unsplash/ Victor)

A new grants program could see safer and improved access to Victoria’s coastline, the state government has announced.

Environment and climate action minister Lily D’Ambrosio launched the $1 million Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program for 2022-23, which supports land managers to undertake important safety and access works along the state’s coast.

“This grant program will fund important works that will make it easier and safer for the community to access our coastline,” she said.

“The marine and coastal environment is regularly changing due to the impacts of climate change, so it’s critical that we work together to identify and mitigate risks as they arise.”

Grants of up to $150,000 are available for coastal Crown land managers, including volunteer committees of management and local governments, to reduce coastal risk through identification, mitigation and monitoring of risks.

Funds are available for a number of projects, including risk assessment and management plans for safer access, repair or replacement of paths, stairways, boardwalks and access ramps, installation and improvement of public safety signage and access barriers as well as viewing platforms and lookouts.

Applications close on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

Details: marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/coastal-public-access-and-risk-grants.