The Andrews Labor Government is protecting Port Phillip Bay’s marine and coastal environment by giving community groups a funding boost.
Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt today announced grants for this year’s $1.6 million Port Phillip Bay Fund have been awarded to protect the biodiversity of the bay.
The latest round of funding supports a wide range of community groups including not-for-profit organisations, schools and Traditional Owner groups to deliver 28 projects – improving the Port Phillip Bay’s health, habitat and wildlife.
Grants of up to $100,000 were available for innovative, large-scale projects, while smaller projects received up to $25,000 to directly benefit the coastal and marine environments of the bay.
The funding will allow Deakin University to restore the bay’s golden kelp forests and plant thousands of indigenous flora along the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula foreshores.
Port Phillip Bay is home to over 10,000 species of marine life, making it one of Victoria’s most important ecosystems. It also remains a major tourist destination supporting recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and snorkelling.
Since 2016, the Port Phillip Bay Fund has provided more than $13.71 million in grants across 187 projects which includes reef restoration, marine life monitoring, water quality improvements and litter control.
The Fund is in line with the Labor Government’s Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan 2027 which aims to keep the bay’s biodiversity healthy and resilient over the coming decade.
For more information on the strategy, please visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/marine-and-coastal-knowledge/port-phillip-bay.
As stated by Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt
“We’re supporting the important work of volunteers and community groups who are passionate about protecting one of Victoria’s most treasured ecosystems.”
“Port Phillip Bay is facing a range of environmental pressures and this funding will help groups and researchers who are tackling problems including pollution and climate change.”
“Victoria is fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and not-for-profit groups that are working hard to preserve our marine and coastal environments.”
