Bellarine community groups looking after marine and coastal environments welcomed a funding boost from the state government.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant announced the successful applicants of the 2023 Combined Coastal Grant, Port Phillip Bay Fund, and Coastcare Community Grant programs.
“Victoria’s precious coastline is already being impacted by climate change and these grants will help us prepare for future challenges,” Ms Marchant said.
“We are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and not-for-profit groups that are working hard to preserve our marine and coastal environments.”
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management shared the $1.6-million Port Phillip Bay Fund with Bellarine North Rotary Club and the Jane Goodall Institute Australia to protect Port Phillip Bay.
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management received $50,000 for their Northern Bellarine Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Plan as part of the $1.7-million Combined Coastal Grants.
Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Isabelle Thomas said she welcomed $40,000 from the Combined Coastal Grants for the Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale Cliff Stability and Beach Health Study.
“It will enable council to gain a deeper understanding of the current coastal risk hazards, and the interventions available to mitigate or reduce the impacts to our coastline and community,” she said.
As part of the more than $50,000 Coastcare Community Grant funding, Friends of the Red-Capped Plover Bellarine received $9,966 for increased awareness of sustainable beach behaviour at breeding sites.
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management received $9,920 towards building on the community red-capped plover monitoring program established in 2017.
Clifton Springs Curlewis Coastcare Group Inc received $9,600 to update the Clifton Springs Curlewis Information Booklet to increase marine environment knowledge and understanding.
Friends of Edwards Point Reserve Inc’s exotic weed removal project and Southern Ocean Environmental Link’s volunteer program both also received $10,000 in funding.
