Four local groups have received funding in the latest round of the state government’s Coastcare Community Grants program.

Bass Coast Landcare Network, Friends of the Hooded Plover Bass Coast, the Western Port Seagrass Partnership and the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club were all successful in their grant applications.

Announcing the grants, Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale said the funding will support projects across Victoria that build the capacity of marine and coastal volunteers, improve environmental and cultural values, support community adaptation, and improve ecosystem resilience to climate change.

“A big shout out to the extraordinary dedication of our local volunteer groups who are out there every day, actively looking after our coastal and marine environment and habitat,” Ms Crugnale said.

“The range of projects funded goes to show the breadth of work needed and the commitment and passion of our community members wanting to restore, protect, educate and enhance our local area and region.”

Grants

Bass Coast Landcare Network received $10,000, to support Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group for Sea Spurge control. Sea Spurge is an invasive coastal weed, spreading from Harmers Haven west to Cutler’s Beach. Work will better protect the habitat of the threatened Hooded Plover and other shorebirds.

Friends of the Hooded Plover Bass Coast received $9823 for It’s a Dogs' Breakfast Education program for dog owners to explain the impact off-leash dogs can have on the Hooded Plover, and how simple behaviour changes can help this threatened species recover.

Western Port Seagrass Partnership (WPSP) received $5000 for Mangrove restoration at Grantville. WPSP has been planting mangroves in the area for more than a decade to reduce coastal erosion.

Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club received $10,000 for Dune Vegetation. The grant will fund vital work that is needed to revegetate the dune system surrounding the clubhouse. This enables better protection of the sensitive coastal environment by maintaining the structure of the dunes, creating a habitat for flora and fauna species, while also supporting the maintenance of the clubhouse itself.

Other Gippsland recipients included Fishcare Victoria to help build volunteer numbers, Friends of the Prom for restoration of Hooded Plover habitat, Sandy Point Community Group for its Coast Banksia project and a Sea Rangers program developed by traditional owners Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

For more information on the Coastcare Victoria Community Grants Program, including a list of recipients, visit www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/coastal-programs/coastcare-victoria/coastcare-victoria-community-grants