GORCC opens Coastal Grants Program

THE Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s (GORCC) 2018 Coastal Grants Program is now open.

Each year, GORCC dedicates funds for community-led projects that enhance the 37 kilometres of coastal Crown land under its management between Torquay and Lorne.

The committee’s chief executive officer Richard Davies said the grants aimed to strengthen community engagement with the coast.

“These grants are a fantastic way to foster community ownership and encourage partnerships and projects that will benefit all visitors to the coast.”

The grants aim to support the work of environmental volunteers and other community groups who bring benefits to the local environment.

Mr Davies praised volunteer groups for their ongoing dedication to the environment and coastal conservation.

“We encourage all community groups, non-government organisations and school groups to apply and hope to see more exciting projects emerge.”

Last year’s grants went to:

• ANGAIR – for supplies for the new Propagation Centre in Anglesea, including seed tubes, potting mix bins and watering hoses
• Fairhaven SLSC – for an education and restoration program to protect the dunes near the clubhouse, including the revegetation with indigenous plants
• Anglesea Motor Yacht Club – for the preservation and restoration of the historical Inverlochy anchor, including a plaque with the historical origins of the anchor
• Jan Juc Coast Action – for the promotion of the Surf Coast Nature Search online interactive website through touchscreen devices, which will be promoted at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, and
• Torquay Coast Action – to help continue the restoration project at Deep Creek with additional planting to link previously restored sites to the north and south of the estuary.

Eligible projects must have a coastal focus and contribute to preservation of the natural and cultural values of the Great Ocean Road Coast managed land.