Grants available to improve Victoria’s coastal access and beach safety

Applications are open for the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants Program, which will deliver $1.4 million in total to land managers to improve Victoria’s coastal access and beach safety.

Grants of up to $150,000 are available for coastal Crown land managers, including volunteer committees of management and local governments, to reduce coastal risk through identification, mitigation and monitoring of risks.

Last year’s grants helped establish a variety of infrastructure across Victoria’s coastline, including upgrades to beach access steps by installing hand railing, replacement of beach access stairs and upgrades to eroding beach access paths.

Recipients have also used grants to support erosion management planning and coastal stability assessments.

This announcement is backed by the Victorian Government’s recent coastal erosion funding announcement, delivering $15 million to address coastal erosion and safety risks across Victorian coastlines.

The works include dune protection, sand renourishment, repairs to stairs, walking trails, boardwalks and access ramps and restoration of damaged seawalls and damaged piers.

Restoration work and repairs will take place where it is needed most, including at Black Rock, Inverloch, Loch Sport, Tooradin, Silverleaves and Warrnambool.

Applications close on 30th April 2025, for more information and to apply, visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants.

Image. Walking on a beach. Credit: Parks Victoria