Victoria’s iconic marine and coastal environment will be further protected thanks to more than $1.5 million in new grant funding from the Andrews Labor Government.

Applications are now open for the latest rounds of Port Phillip Bay Fund Grants and Coastcare Victoria Community Grants, which will support efforts to protect Victoria’s 2,000 kilometres of coastline.

Port Phillip Bay is one of the state’s most precious natural assets. The Bay fund supports Traditional Owners, community groups, schools, scouts, non-government organisations, research institutes and local councils to address key issues impacting the Bay.

Grants of up to $100,000 are available through the fund – which to date has provided more than $9.1 million in grants for 126 projects − to support a healthier Port Phillip Bay, with a focus on conserving and protecting coastal habitats and the marine ecosystem.

The Port Phillip Bay Fund has supported a range of projects, from training divers to carry out underwater weeding of invasive kelp to restoring marginal farmland back to coastal wetlands at Swan Bay.

Projects completed by successful grant recipients will contribute to targets in the Government’s 20-year plan to support Victoria’s precious environment − Biodiversity 2037.

The Coastcare Grants Program will provide $375,000 for community-led projects in coastal areas that conserve, restore and rehabilitate Victoria’s coastal and marine environments, with grants of up to $10,000 available.

Grants that support Traditional Owner self-determination are also available for projects that build capacity and community adaptation to climate change.

Projects previously funded by the Coastcare Victoria Community Grants include restoration plantings in wetlands at Werribee and revegetation and weed control on the dune system at Kennett River by community volunteers.

Coastcare grant applications close on 9 March 2022 while Port Phillip Bay Fund grants close 14March 2022.

For more information on Coastcare grants visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/coastal-programs/Coastcare-Victoria.

For more information on the Port Phillip Bay Fund visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/port-phillip-bay-fund.

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

“Victoria is fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and not-for-profit groups that are passionate about looking after our state’s magnificent marine and coastal environments.”

“We are thrilled to be able to support these groups and the work they do to preserve and protect our state’s precious and iconic environments for now and into the future.”