Australia: Government Triples Funding for Coastal Protection

The State Government has tripled funding available for local coastal protection grants in the next two financial years following a major overhaul of the increasingly sought after funding.

Calling for submissions for the newly named Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) Grants, Transport Minister Troy Buswell said local coastal managers could apply for $5million in the 2013-14 funding round, with scope to spend the funds between 2013 and 2015.

“A $4million funding increase provides greater potential to fund major, staged projects during the next two financial years,” Mr Buswell said.

A further annual allocation of $1million will be advertised and available to local coastal managers in 2014-15.

“The major aim of the revised program is to ensure coastal managers understand and sustainably adapt to coastal hazards,” the Minister said.

“Coastal managers are invited to apply for grants representing 50 per cent of the total cost of a coastal adaptation project. Activities include monitoring, adaptation planning, asset management, adaptation and maintenance.

“The program builds partnerships with local managers to preserve and enhance coastal values and assets into the future for the benefit of the wider community. The coastline is one of the State’s most valuable assets.”

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Press Release, January 14, 2013