Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas MP today announced more than $22,000 from round three of the Andrews Labor Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund (PPBF) grants to support a healthier Port Phillip Bay.

The latest round of the Labor Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund (PPBF) will see volunteer-based community and environmental groups share in almost $830,000 to protect the health of Port Phillip Bay and its catchment areas.

Rounds one and two of the PPBF provided $7.6 million for 75 small and large-scale projects aimed at improving water quality, foreshore upgrades, dune stability works, amenity upgrades and wetlands improvements.

Round three focuses on supporting community groups to deliver on-ground activities to reduce pollution, enhance environmental and cultural values, encourage partnership and increase community involvement to address the health of the Bay.

Round three projects that received funding in the Wyndham include the Cleaning Werribee River project with the local council in conjunction with other local community groups.

Funded by the proceeds of the lease of the Port of Melbourne, the $10 million PPBF was launched in November 2016 to support projects including: foreshore upgrades; dune stability works; water quality improvement works; amenity and wetland improvements.

Port Phillip Bay is home to 10,000 marine plant and animal species, making it one of our most important ecosystems. In addition to providing valuable habitat, the Bay also supports recreational fishing and tourism, is the entrance to Australia’s busiest port, and has over 4.5 million people living and working in the catchment area.

More information about the Port Phillip Bay Fund and the full list of successful recipients of round three is available at marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas MP

“We’re supporting the volunteers and community groups in Wyndham who are passionate about protecting one of the city’s more treasured ecosystems.”

“Many waterways Wyndham lead into or have an impact on Port Phillip Bay, so we need to be mindful of how we interact and manage such vital natural resources at a local level.”