Member for Mining and Pastoral Dave Grills MLC is encouraging coastal managers and community groups to consider applying for the State Government’s 2017-18 coastal grants program.
Mr Grills said the grants program, which was now open, was designed to help plan for and manage WA’s coastline through the WA Planning Commission’s Coastal Management Plan Assistance Program (CMPAP) and Coastwest initiative.
He said funding of $600,000 was available to protect our State’s pristine coastlines and natural coastal assets.
“The Mining and Pastoral Region boasts some magnificent coastlines and beaches and it’s imperative they remain protected for environmental and tourism purposes, and for generations to come,” he said.
Mr Grills said the State Government was strongly committed to supporting good coastal planning and management to maintain WA’s spectacular coastline.
“There is more than 20,000 kilometres of coast to protect around the State and programs like these have an important role in preventing unnecessary coastal degradation and managing environmental concerns,” he said.
Every dollar provided under the annual Coastwest and Coastal Management Plan Assistance Program grants leverages almost three dollars of cash or in-kind contributions from the successful community and coastal managers.
Mr Grills said up to $75,000 per project was available for coastal land managers, who were able to apply for a share of $275,000 CMPAP funding.
This funding is earmarked for the implementation coastal hazard risk management and adaptation plans, and coastal management plans in line with the Commission’s State Planning Policy 2.6 State Coastal Planning.
A total of $325,000 is available in Coastwest grants – up to $50,000 per project – to enable coastal manager and community group partnerships to improve the condition of WA’s coastline.
Nationals WA candidate for Roe Peter Rundle said the coastline in the Esperance region was renowned as one of Australia’s most beautiful.
“Grants from these programs would make a positive impact in conserving our local coastline and I look forward to hearing about community groups in places like Esperance and Hopetoun who are successful with their funding applications,” Mr Rundle said.
Applications close on March 21, 2017. For more information, visit http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/coastwest and http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/cmpap.
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au.