Applications are now open for the Victorian Government’s $500,000 Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program, which helps improve coastal access and safety.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today encouraged coastal Crown land managers to apply for the grants to reduce coastal risk and improve public access.

Coastal Crown land managers, including volunteer committees of management and local governments, can apply for grants of up to $80,000 to develop and implement projects that reduce coastal risk through identification, mitigation and monitoring.

Eligible projects include assessments to identify and evaluate risks, projects that treat risks and risk monitoring.

Previous grant recipients have used the funding to install new boardwalks and all-abilities beach access ramps, replace stairs, create foreshore paths and trails as well as to support erosion management planning and coastal stability assessments.

The grants are part of the Government’s $2.7 billion Building Work package, creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for Victorian businesses through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

Through the Building Works Package, the Government is delivering more than $11 million to safeguard marine and coastal environments from the impacts of climate change, including $3 million for coastal infrastructure in Apollo Bay.

Applications close at 4pm on Monday 17 August 2020.

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-grants.

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

“Some of our country’s most spectacular coastlines can be found in Victoria, which is why it’s important we make them safe and accessible for everyone.”

“These grants recognise the dynamic nature of our coastal environment and support land managers to identify, manage and monitor risks along the Victorian coast.”

“There are hundreds of coastal Crown land managers across the state who undertake vital work to ensure we can continue to enjoy Victoria’s coastline.”