The Andrews Labor Government is investing in safer and improved access to our coastline, to ensure we're protecting our environment while encouraging more people to enjoy our beautiful beaches.
Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio launched the $1 million Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program for 2022-23, supporting land managers to undertake vital safety and access works along the Victorian coast.
Grants of up to $150,000 are available for coastal Crown land managers, including volunteer committees of management and local governments, to reduce coastal risk through identification, mitigation and monitoring of risks.
Victoria's coastline is dynamic and constantly changing and these grants will make sure funds are available to adapt and upgrade infrastructure to ensure Victorians can continue to access their favorite beaches safely.
Funds are available for projects such as risk assessment and management plans for safer access, repair or replacement of paths, stairways, boardwalks and access ramps, installation and improvement of public safety signage and access barriers as well as viewing platforms and lookouts.
Last year's Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program invested more than $1.3 million across 20 projects, which included works such as upgrading East Creek beach pedestrian access at Point Leo, an emergency access ramp at Jan Juc along the Great Ocean Road and upgrades to the Merricks Beach 'Pine Slide' path on the Mornington Peninsula.
Applications close on Wednesday 12 October 2022. For more information and to apply for the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants, visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/coastal-public-access-and-risk-grantsExternal Link.
The grants program is funded through the $16.9 million VicCoasts initiative, part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23.
As stated by Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D'Ambrosio
"This grant program will fund important works that will make it easier and safer for the community to access our coastline."
"The marine and coastal environment is regularly changing due to the impacts of climate change, so it's critical that we work together to identify and mitigate risks as they arise."
