Environment SA News

Helping communities protect their coastlines

Community groups with great ideas for ways to improve the coastal environment can now apply for Coast Protection Board funding.

Helping communities protect their coastlines
Cape Jervis Coastal Community Group developed educational resources for home-based nature activities and visited Yankalilla Area School to promote interest in coastal biodiversity and Indigenous food plants.

Coastal Community Participation Grants for 2020-21 are available for volunteer groups to work with local government on small-scale coastal management initiatives.

The scheme encourages environmental protection through practical on-ground work by local communities.

Groups can apply for up to $10,000 with the support of the relevant council, which must administer the grant. The Coast Protection Board will contribute up to 80 per cent of the total project cost and the applicants contribute the rest through cash or in-kind support.

The grants are intended for the following types of projects, but innovative ideas are welcome:

  • Conservation and restoration activities (for example fencing, revegetation, access control)
  • Educational activities (e.g. workshops, signage)
  • Monitoring activities (e.g. beach pole, photo point, king tide, intertidal reef, coastal vegetation).

Previously funded projects have included work to improve the biodiversity of the Murray Mouth, protect fairy tern habitat in Canunda National Park, coastal revegetation of Whyalla’s northern coastline and revegetation of the Henley dunes.

Applications for the first round of this year’s grants opened today and close on 14 September, while round two will open on 27 November and close on 1 February 2021.

Find out more at https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/coasts/grants-and-opportunitiesor contact the DEW Coast and Marine Branch on (08) 8124 4928 or email DEWCoasts@sa.gov.au.