Coastal protection grants now open
More than $1 million in Coast Protection Board grants are available to councils and community groups to help our coastal and marine environment and address climate change.
With the clock ticking until the closing date of 1 August, applications for the 2025-26 Coast Protection Grants and the Community Participation Grants are encouraged.
Coast Protection Grants - where up to $1 million is available - will assist coastal councils undertaking projects that address coastal hazard risks or repair damage caused by coastal hazards.
Projects addressing risks such as erosion or flooding, including foreshore protection, dune rehabilitation and coastal maintenance will be favoured.
Previous projects that have received grants include the construction of seawalls and levees, cliff stability studies and works, repair to storm-damaged protection structures, beach replenishment for coastal protection purposes and coastal hazard risk assessment and adaptation planning.
Meanwhile, the Community Participation Grants Program, which provide another $40,000, will support local and small-scale coastal management initiatives.
The Community Participation Grants will involve or educate communities on coastal management, enhance community skills and knowledge when it comes to the rehabilitation, restoration or conservation of the coast and marine environment, facilitate partnerships in coast and marine management, encourage environmental protection and manage or create ways to deal with the degradation of the coast or marine environment.
Past recipients of The Community Participants Grants include projects that improved coastal access, carried out weed control, restored dunes and engaged the community.
Coast Protection Board Presiding Member Paul Caica said the draft of grants are extremely important to bolster councils’ efforts as they tackle coastal issues and management.
"The Coast Protection Board knows firsthand that we have a community of councils, groups and individuals who care deeply about their local coastline and marine environment," Mr Caica said.
“We encourage anyone with an interest to apply for a grant.
“We look forward to receiving more applications and helping these projects materialise or grow.
“At 5000km long, South Australia’s coastline is impressive. Let’s keep it that way by using funds to manage and protect it for future generations."
There were 9 councils that benefited from the 2024- 2025 Coast Protection Grants while community groups from 5 local councils were awarded Community Participation Grants in 2024- 2025.
Applications for the current round of grants will close 1 August 2025.Potential applicants can apply via Smarty Grants or, visit Department for Environment
and Water - Grants for more information.
