Local coastal volunteer and community groups will share in over $1.5 million thanks to the latest round of funding from the Victorian Government’s Coastcare Victoria Community Grants Program and Port Phillip Bay Fund.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas announced applications for both grant programs are now open, with funding available to support large and small projects that conserve, restore, and rehabilitate Victoria’s coastal and marine environments.

Recognising Port Phillip Bay as one of Victoria’s most precious natural assets, the Bay Fund helps community groups, schools and scouts, non-government organisations, research institutes and local councils to address key issues impacting the Bay. In 2022, $1.2 million is available to support a healthier Port Phillip Bay, with a focus on conserving and protecting coastal habitats and the marine ecosystem.

Grants of up to $100,000 are available for innovative, large-scale projects and up to $25,000 for smaller projects. The Bay Fund will also provide $1.4 million over four years to support targeted projects to address knowledge gaps and underpin the science and evidence base for the health of the bay and a further, $800,000 over four years will support Traditional Owners and Custodians to care for sea and land Country. Through the Coastcare Grants Program, $375,000 will be distributed to 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.

The Victorian Government is proud to support Coastcare Victoria and other local community groups working to protect and enhance Victoria’s 2,000 kilometres of coastline and engage the broader public in coastal stewardship.

Coastcare grant applications are now open and close on 9 March 2022. Port Phillip Bay Fund grants close 14 March 2022.

For more information, including funding guidelines for Coastcare grants, visit www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/coastal-programs/Coastcare-Victoria. or more information on the Port Phillip Bay Fund visit, www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/portphillip-bay-fund.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “I’m really proud to support the dedicated efforts of local community groups and volunteers working to look after our iconic and special coastal and marine environment.” “Applications are now open, and I encourage local community groups to get involved, apply so they can deliver some fantastic projects on the ground to protect our wonderful coastal areas.”