Labor is helping to clean up our beautiful Port Phillip Bay by backing local community projects that clean up and protect our beach.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos announced the latest round of successful Port Phillip Bay Fund grant recipients.
The Allan Labor Government is backing 26 projects with over $2 million to protect the health of the Bay with local community groups leading the way on protecting our waterfront.
Frankston Foreshore Reserve is being protected by removing damaging weeds and planting over 5,000 native species to restore the beach for families to enjoy thanks to a $20,000 investment.
Safety Beach will be protected by an investment of $19,280 into the stabilising of dunes impacted by coastal erosion and invasive weed management so locals and visitors can continue to enjoy the beach.
A project by the University of Melbourne, working Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation will use advanced drone and mobile camera systems to track and analyse changes along the coastline.
This project will help identify where extra protection will be needed under a changing climate with an investment of $194,945.
Other funded projects included restoring oyster reefs in Corio Bay, cultivating juvenile kelp to help restore the natural marine ecosystem, and investigating drivers of algal blooms to improve prediction models.
The Port Phillip Bay Fund is part of the Labor Government's ongoing investment to protect Victoria's environment so families can enjoy on easy and affordable visits to Victoria's great outdoors.
For more information, visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants.
As stated by Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
"We know how much Victorians love their beaches, that's why we're keeping it safe for future generations to enjoy."
"We are working hard with community groups and land managers across the state to keep our environment healthy and clean."
As stated by Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
"Families love cooling down at Frankston Beach so we are helping to clean up weeds and restore the foreshore for everyone to enjoy."
As stated by University of Melbourne project lead Professor David Kennedy
"The Coastal Guardians project will build local capacity by providing technical training in drone flight operations for Bunurong and Wadawurrung Land and Sea Rangers, supporting their long-term role in caring for Country."
