Funding to fight climate change open to eligible councils

COUNCILS across the state are invited to apply for funding through the 2019 Coastal Planning Grants Program, which has been designed to help protect coastal communities from the negative effects of climate change.

Andrew Grear, executive director of planning and heritage at Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, said the program can provide eligible councils with the funds needed to implement local coastal hazard assessments and risk analysis in planning schemes.

“Applications are now open for the $200,000 grants program, which supports the great work of councils in managing coastal inundation and erosion risk along Victoria’s iconic coastline,” Mr Grear said.

“Many Victorians live and work along our precious 200-kilometre of coastline which attracts 70 million recreational visits every year, but it is under threat from coastal hazards such as rising sea levels.

“A long-term vision is needed to ensure our coasts remain vibrant places to live, work and play.” Mr Grear said the state government has followed through on its commitment to providing a longterm strategic approach to the safeguarding of coastal land.

“Local councils already do a great job of managing coastal land for their communities, and this funding will go a long way in helping them undertake important strategic land use planning for future risks to coastal settlements,” he said.

“The funding criteria help councils prepare and exhibit planning scheme amendments, making it easier for them to carry out important, state-funded projects that promote the resilience of the state’s diverse coastal settlements.”

Projects including the Queenscliffe Coastal Adaptation Program Our Coast project, Port Fairy Coastal and Structure Plan project, Port Phillip Bay Coastal Planning project, Lakes Entrance Growth and Adaptation Strategy project, Mornington Peninsula Shire Coastal Villages and Neighbourhoods Strategy project (Western Port) have all received funding from the program in recent years.

For more information, visit planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/coastal-planning-in-victoria.Applications close at 5pm on Friday May 31.