The McGowan Government has delivered a significant funding boost for initiatives to protect and enhance Western Australia’s iconic coastline, with the 2021 round of coastal grants now open.
Eligible community organisations and local governments can apply for a share of more than $4 million in grants, for projects that will rehabilitate and enhance beaches and coastal environments.
The substantial funding increase is part of the McGowan Government’s commitment made last year to invest in coastal erosion hotspots, which also included $5 million allocated to four high priority coastal erosion hotspots across WA through the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.
Grants are awarded within the following categories:
- up to $300,000 per proposal specifically aimed at identifying and adapting to coastal hazards;
- up to $125,000 per proposal to support local governments in planning sustainable use of coastal areas;
- up to $60,000 per project for partnerships between local government and community organisations.
Projects funded through 2020 grants included the installation of boardwalks and shelters in the Port Smith Tourism Precinct in Broome and coastal hazard risk management and adaptation plans in the local government areas of Stirling, Bunbury, Capel, Dardanup and Harvey.
For further information and to apply for a grant, visit https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/coastalgrants. Applications close at 12 noon on March 31, 2021.
As stated by Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
“We have the longest coastline of any Australian State, and while our beaches might be a robust part of our identity, the fact is that these are very fragile environments.
“The additional investment this year reflects our commitment to enabling local governments and other coastal managers to plan for, and sustainably manage, the threats and pressures on our diverse, vast coastline.
“The involvement of the community as well as local governments in these highly successful grant programs enable people to take ownership of the issues specific to their local coastal environment and get involved in protecting it.”
