Volunteers improving the health of Port Phillip Bay have received a funding boost to deliver 27 new projects, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

The latest round of the Labor Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund (PPBF) will see volunteer-based community and environmental groups share in almost $830,000 to protect the health of Port Phillip Bay and its catchment areas.

Rounds one and two of the PPBF provided $7.6 million for 75 small and large-scale projects, including foreshore upgrades, dune stability works and wetlands improvements, as well as projects that improving water quality.

Round three will help community groups to deliver on-ground activities to reduce pollution, improve local environmental and cultural places and increase community involvement to address the health of the Bay.

Major projects funded under round three include $50,000 for the Caring for Our Bays – Cultural Connections Edventure program.

The program – which is delivered by Bellarine Catchment Network in partnership with Aboriginal and other cultural groups – works to foster a greater appreciation of cultural connections to waterways and the Bay in Geelong and the Bellarine.

Round three also includes $14,375 for Spring Clean The City 2019 – a massive community litter clean up around the bay that delivered by BeachPatrol in partnership with Love Our Street groups.

Port Phillip Bay is home to 10,000 marine plant and animal species, making it one of our most important ecosystems. On top of providing valuable habitat, the Bay also supports recreational fishing and tourism, is the entrance to Australia’s busiest port, with more than 4.5 million people living and working in the catchment area.

The $10 million PPBF was launched in November 2016 and is funded by the proceeds of the lease of the Port of Melbourne.

For more information and a full list of recipients from round three visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re supporting the volunteers and community groups who are passionate about protecting one of the city’s more treasured ecosystems.”

“We’re investing $10 million over four years to help the community improve the health of Port Phillip Bay.”