Beachgoers in Bellarine will enjoy safer and easier access to coastal areas through the Victorian Government’s $1.4 million Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program.

The 2024-25 program will deliver grants of up to $150,000 to 17 coastal Crown land managers, for projects that reduce risk and improve public access at some of Victoria’s most popular and iconic beaches.

Funding will be used to support projects including access track, stair and ramp replacements; handrail upgrades; signage audits and upgrades and beach access feasibility studies.

The program has funded five projects across the Bellarine, including:

• Restoration works at Steeles Rock Boat Ramp, Portarlington with Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management Inc following storm damage in September 2024, as well as extend on the short-term risk study undertaken in November 2024 to cover medium and long-term coastal adaptation planning.
• Develop an implementation plan from Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management’s Northern Bellarine Beach Access Study, to implement safety and sustainability recommendations.
• Replacing the aging beach access stairs at COL065 (7W) Collendina, Ocean Grove with Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc as the current stairs are at the end of their lifespan and have been damaged by tidal and storm events.
• Replacing the ageing beach access stairs at THI135 (30W East) Thirteenth Beach Road, Barwon Heads with Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. The new stairs will improve public safety and access and help protect the sensitive dune environment in a highly used and valued location.
• Replacing the existing stairs at the Narrows ‘Dog’ Beach access point with the Borough of Queenscliffe, following storm damage in September 2024.

View the list of grant recipients at https://www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/coastal-public-access-and-risk-grants

Since 2015, the Coastal Public Access and Risk grants program has delivered around $8.6 million in funding to coastal Crown land managers.

This year’s grants program is funded through the Victorian Government's $15 million investment in coastal works to address erosion, safety, and access issues along the state's coast.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“These grants help provide our community with safe access to beaches while managing risks to our marine and coastal environments.”

“Marine and coastal environments face a number of competing demands, including the impacts of climate change and an increasing number of people visiting our beaches.”

“Our local land managers have a vital role caring for and protecting these precious spaces, which we know are valued by all Victorians.”

Quotes attributable to Bellarine Bayside Chair Melanie Rogers

“We’re delighted to receive funding through the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants Program to help us to enhance safety and accessibility along our coast.”

“The beaches on the northern Bellarine are treasured for their easy access to the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay. However, like all coastal environments, they are continually changing and require thoughtful management.”

“This support enables us to deliver comprehensive coastal planning and restoration projects that take a holistic approach to ensure safe, sustainable and inclusive beach access for everyone – now and into the future.”

“Funded works include beach and infrastructure remediation at the Steeles Rock boat ramp site, where storm damage has caused significant impacts to the area.”