Protecting Future Of Our Coastlines

VIC Premier

The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to invest in the future of our state’s precious coast by funding critical work to manage the impacts of climate change.

Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt today announced a $1.7 million investment towards projects that support and care for Victoria’s marine and coastal environments.

The Victoria’s Resilient Coast grants, the Sea Countrygrants, and the implementation of Coastal and Marine Management Plans all present timely opportunities to address current and future coastal issues.

Through the Victoria’s Resilient Coast grants program, $1 million has been provided to fund a series of projects that plan for the impacts of climate change – building on $800,000 worth of grants awarded last year.

The program supports local councils and coastal land managers to progress strategic coastal hazard risk management and climate change adaptation.

The grants will help fund Surf Coast Shire Council generate flood modelling on the Painkalac Estuary Flood Risk Project, while Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority will be able to improve the health of estuarine seagrass meadows.

The Sea Country grants program will back six Traditional Owner organisations and an incorporated Aboriginal group along Victoria’s coast through $500,000 worth of funding, supporting Traditional Owners in asserting their cultural values, rights, and obligations in the management of the marine and coastal environment.

The $200,000 Coastal and Marine Management Plans grants program will help marine and coastal Crown land managers to prepare, review and implement coastal local-scale plans.

As stated by Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt

“Victoria’s precious coastline is already being impacted by climate change and these grants will help us prepare for future challenges.

“Each grant is supporting land managers, volunteers and community groups to safeguard our sensitive coastal and marine environments for years to come.”

“Traditional Owners will continue to play an integral role in protecting our marine and coastal environments from the effects of climate change.”

/Public Release. View in full here.