Coastal land managers across the Bellarine are helping reduce the region’s coastal risk and improve public access through identification, mitigation, and monitoring.
The 2023-24 Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program has provided financial assistance to support a strategic and balanced approach to risk management along the coast.
Barwon Coast Committee of Management has received $130,050 for the 11W beach access stairs at Ocean Grove Main Beach and $137,900 to replace the existing structure of the 30W beach access stairs through the program.
Chair Sandy Gatehouse said the funding improved the structure of the stairs to provide better access to the beach.
“These upgraded structures ensure the community can safely access our beloved beaches while minimising impacts on the dynamic coastal environment,” she said.
“Barwon Coast thanks the Victorian Government for providing funding through the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants to replace ageing beach access stairs at 30W and 11W.”
Member for the Bellarine Alison Marchant said having “safe access points for beach users” across the Bellarine was important.
“These grants will assist in updating access in a matter that has minimal impact to the natural coastal processes,” she said.
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management received $108,500 for its Portarlington All Abilities Beach Access and $70,000 for its North Bellarine Beach Access Feasibility Study.
The Borough of Queenscliffe received $37,191 for an extension of the Dog Beach wet sand fence and warning signs of unstable sand dunes and $24,971 for a beach emergency/warning and information signage audit.
