THE state government is offering $1.4 million in grants to community groups and organisations who help protect Port Phillip.
Grants of up to $100,000 are available for large-scale projects which will protect the bay. Up to $25,000 is on offer for smaller projects.
Community groups, non-government organisations, research institutes, councils, schools, and youth groups are eligible to apply.
A statement from the state government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action read “Port Phillip Bay faces a range of environmental pressures including the impacts of climate change and pollution, and these grants are open to groups who are tackling these critical issues. These grants support community groups in their important work to protect the beautiful environment and precious ecosystems of Port Phillip Bay now and into the future.”
“The bay’s diverse habitats, including sea grass meadows, rocky reefs and sandy beaches, provide essential breeding and nursery grounds for many species of marine wildlife.
“Projects previously funded by these grants include an initiative to train divers to carry out underwater weeding of invasive kelp, and a project to restore marginal farmland back to coastal wetlands at Swan Bay.”
Grant applications are open until 4 April. Visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/port-phillip-bay-fund to read more and apply.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 1 March 2022