The Brumby Government is spending $1 million this financial year to improve safety along the state’s coast including $58,000 at Apollo Bay.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said Victorians would benefit from safety improvements at some of their favourite beaches.
“Victoria’s 2000 kilometres of coastline is a precious natural asset of great economic, social and environmental significance to the community,” Ms Tierney said.
“Risks exist along our coastline due to natural topography, storms and sea surges.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to improve safety on our coasts by investing in the extra infrastructure for the increasing numbers of people who visit the coastline.
The 20 projects receiving grants worth $460,000 in the current funding round include:
– $40,000 to the Apollo Bay Kennett River Public Reserves CoM for a surf safety assessment and signage in Apollo Bay
– $18,000 to the Apollo Bay Kennett River Public Reserves CoM for cypress tree removal in Apollo Bay
– $25,600 to the Warrnambool City Council for an aquatic signage risk assessment in Warrnambool
“The Coastal Risk Mitigation Program was established by the Victorian Government in 2001 to assist local coastal managers to improve safety for visitors and protect the coastal environment.
“The Coastal Risk Mitigation Program funds projects such as the erection of safety signage, tree audits and infrastructure improvement, as well as strategic projects to ensure the safety of areas subject to erosion.”
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said: “Protecting our coastal and marine environment from the effects of population growth and the impacts of climate change while maintaining safety for the community and visitors alike is something the Brumby Government takes seriously
“From Coastal Action Plans to the inclusion of coastal objectives in municipal planning schemes, the Brumby Government is working to protect Victoria’s coast at every opportunity,” Mr Jennings said.
“There is no greater sign of our commitment to coastal protection than the decision in 2006 to create 13 Marine National Parks and 11 Marine Sanctuaries.”