The Western Australian Government has announced $1.6 million for coastal management activities undertaken by the state’s local governments.
The State Government Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) and Coastal Management Plan Assistance Program (CMPAP) grants aim to support the planning and sustainable management of coastal areas vulnerable to risks such as erosion and inundation.
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) welcomed the $300,000 increase in CAP funding from last year, allowing for twice the number of projects to be funded.
WALGA President Cr Lynne Craigie said the number of projects requiring investment was increasing.
“Although most of our coastline is vested in Local Government, managing the task of protecting it is a shared responsibility.
“As the impact of climate change affects both current and future liabilities to communities along our coast and the coastal infrastructure we all enjoy, it is critical that funding keeps pace with these changes.
“We welcome this increased funding and look forward to building upon the cooperative relationship between State and Local Government in the management of our coastline for all Western Australians.”
The City of Busselton received the largest share of CAP grants this year, with $281,000 for four projects.
Seventeen key locations extending from Broome to Esperance will benefit from various grant amounts including $15,000 for shoreline monitoring at Broome; $125,000 for sand replenishment work between the dog beach and the foreshore car park at the City of Wanneroo’s Quinns Beach; and $110,000 for sand nourishment along Norseman Road in the Shire of Esperance.
Four CMPAP grants will share in $180,000 to undertake strategic planning for coastal areas vulnerable to risks such as erosion and inundation.
A further 20 Coastwest grants totalling $375,000 have been awarded to projects that enhance coastal conditions and amenity, such as weed management, shoreline monitoring, and dune restoration.
