The 2023-2024 Coastal Public Access and Risk (CPAR) Grants program provides financial assistance to coastal Crown land managers for projects that reduce coastal risk and improve public access through identification, mitigation, and monitoring.
Given the range of risks that are inherent in a dynamic coastal environment, this program aims to support a strategic and balanced approach to risk management along the Victorian coast.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant recently announced the local recipients of the CPAR Grants program.
Successful recipients of this grant include:
- Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc who were successful in receiving $137,900 to replace the existing structure of the 30W beach access stairs and $130,050 for the 11W beach access stairs. The structure of the stairs provides important access for beach users and for a range of community events and activity.
- Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management Inc were granted $108,500 for the Portarlington All Abilities Beach Access which will safely link a newly developed changing places toilet across the foreshore road through to the foreshore path and beach. It will include accessible paths, wombat crossing, disabled parking, all abilities beach matting and associated accessible furniture.
- Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management Inc were also successful in receiving $70,000 for the North Bellarine Beach Access Feasibility Study, which will take an in-depth analysis of the current beach access along the North Bellarine foreshore and identify their long-term feasibility, standards and make recommendations for their future management and interventions.
- The Borough of Queenscliffe were successful in receiving $37,191 for an extension of the Dog Beach wet sand fence as well as install more warning signs of unstable sand dune to ensure public safety.
- The Borough of Queenscliffe were also granted $24,971 to undertake a beach emergency/warning and information signage audit at all 44 beach access points throughout the Borough of Queenscliffe and update signage and associated infrastructure where necessary.
To celebrate this announcement, Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant joined Chair of of Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc Sandy Gatehouse at the recently updated 36W Beach Access at 13th Beach that was supported by the 2022-2024 Coast Public Access and Risk Grants Program. This project was supported by the State Government to replace the existing structure with a new structure of similar size, with an improved landing that minimises the impacts of coastal processes.
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant:
“It is important that there are safe access points for beach users throughout the Bellarine, and these grants will assist in updating access in a matter that has minimal impact to the natural coastal processes.”
Quote attributable to Chair of Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc Sandy Gatehouse:
“Barwon Coast thanks the Victorian Government for providing funding through the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants to replace aging beach access stairs at 30W and 11W. These upgraded structures ensure the community can safely access our beloved beaches while minimising impacts on the dynamic coastal environment.”
