Government: Coastal Management Funding Now Available

The management of one of Western Australia’s most valuable assets has received another boost with $1 million in State Government funding available in the next financial year to help local coastal managers to sustainably manage their stretch of coastline.

Calling for submissions for funding in the latest round of the Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) Grants, Transport Minister Dean Nalder said projects that embraced the sustainable management of the coastline would be highly regarded.

“The Government wants to support local coastal managers as they seek to better understand the Western Australian coastline they are responsible for and work to adapt to the challenges presented,” Mr Nalder said.

“With a better understanding of the risks posed by coastal hazards, local managers can make informed decisions leading to more sustainable coastal management.” 

Administered by the Department of Transport, the grants program was introduced in 2009 to refocus coastal management efforts by local coastal managers and provide financial help for thorough investigation of local coastal hazards including erosion, accretion and inundation.

Last year, 11 local authorities shared $1.057 million in grant funding to deliver projects benefiting local communities.

These included $44,000 for the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to investigate erosion of the coast from Prevelly to Gnarabup and more than $54,000 in funding for the City of Albany to develop an adaptation and protection strategy for the southern coastline from Emu Point to Middleton Beach.