Coastal Public and Acess Risk Grants

MANGERS of coastal Crown land can apply for grants of up to $150,000 in the latest round of a state government program.

The $1 million 2022-23 Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program will develop and implement projects that reduce risk and prioritise public access to Victoria’s coastal Crown land.

Climate change is already affecting the coast of Victoria, and the grants will fund projects that identify and evaluate risks, projects that treat risks, and risk monitoring.

Funded projects include the repair or replacement of paths, stairways, boardwalks and access ramps, and the installation and improvement of public safety signage and access barriers as well as viewing platforms and lookouts.

Volunteer committees of management and local governments are invited to apply.

Last year, 20 projects shared in more than $1.3 million in Coastal Public Access and Risk grants.

These included:

A combined $217,000 for Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management for three Indented Head saltmarsh boardwalks

$150,000 for Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority to improve beach access by designing and building an access ramp next to the Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club* $47,262 for Sandy Point Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management to construct around 100 metres of dune protection fencing along the main public access walkway and revegetation works, and

$38,090 to the Mornington Peninsula Shire council to complete a detailed risk analysis and identify and design long term mitigation measures for the dangerous cliff at Kennon Cove in Flinders.

“Our state has more than 2,500 kilometres of the most spectacular coastlines and it’s important we protect them for future generations,” DELWP manager of statewide coastal programs Angeline Charles said.

“The Coastal Public Access and Risk program will support coastal Crown land managers in the important role they play to protect coastal areas and ensure they are accessible for locals and visitors alike.

“The grants will provide vital support to ensure everyone can enjoy our coastlines as safely as possible.”

The grants are funded through the $16.9 million VicCoasts initiative, part of the Victorian Government’s 2022-23 budget.

“This grant program will fund important works that will make it easier and safer for the community to access our coastline,” Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio 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.”

Applications close at 4pm on October 12.

For more information and to apply for the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants, head to marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/coastal-public-access-and-risk-grants