Over $2 Million Has Been Approved To Protect Our Bay

Victoria’s beautiful Port Phillip Bay can look forward to over $2 million in funding after the latest round of state government grants. 

Twenty-six projects have been backed to help protect the bay area and allow families to enjoy the great outdoors. 

Community groups are leading the charge in cleaning up our beaches and waterfronts, with the $2 million in grants being shared across various local projects. Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos says the government is working hard with community leaders and land managers “to keep our environment healthy and clean". 

“We know how much Victorians love their beaches, that’s why we’re keeping it safe for future generations to enjoy," Dimopoulos says. 

Among the successful grant applicants is Frankston Foreshore Reserve, where damaging weeds are set to be removed and replaced with over 5,000 native species along the beach.

Safety Beach has attracted a $19,280 investment to ensure the safety of locals and all beachgoers. The approved project will see the stabilisation of sand dunes that have long been impacted by coastal erosion, along with the removal of invasive weeds.

The Labor government has also pledged $194,945 to an ongoing project by the University of Melbourne. In collaboration with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, drones and advanced camera systems will help observe changes in the coastline and identify where further protection is needed. 

Plenty more projects have been approved for the conservation of Port Phillip Bay, from restoring oyster reefs in Corio Bay and improving prediction models for algal blooms, to cultivating juvenile kelp to bolster the natural marine ecosystem. 

To keep up to date with the latest grant developments along our coastline, head to the Phillip Bay Fund. 

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Main image credit: Visit Victoria | Website