Media Statements - Increased Government funding for coastal and marine protection works

16/11/05

Western Australian communities are set to benefit from the Gallop Government’s pledge of an additional $1million over four years for coastal rehabilitation works across the State.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Labor’s Better Beaches Policy would provide extra funding on top of current commitments to community groups and local governments for coastal and marine protection works.

Opening the 2005 WA State Coastal Conference in Mandurah, Ms MacTiernan announced the recipients of the 2005 Coastwest grants.

“In 2005, nearly $630,000 has been committed to 29 projects across WA,” she said.

“From a new dual-use footbridge over a creek channel on the Derby Peninsular to improved beach access at Esperance’s stunning Observatory Point, this year’s projects cover the length of the State.

“The Government has funded the Coastwest program for nearly nine years and will continue to do so, as the community groups involved are vital stewards of our fragile coastal environment.

“We recognise they play a very important role in coastal and marine management and although they have the will, they do not always have the resources or finances to do the work and may need extra support.

“Volunteers often pick up tools and spend weekends down at their local beach to get the job done and it is because of their effort, dedication and passion, many can get more enjoyment from our coast.

“Coastwest is an excellent example of the State Government working co-operatively with community groups and local government to maintain the beauty of our coastline and protecting our unique coastal lifestyle.”

The Gallop Government has committed an extra $250,000 per annum to the Coastwest allocation of $500,000 per annum, bringing the total pool to $750,000.

Funds are then available for Coastwest grants, with a pool minimum of $630,000; the regional coastal management group support fund, with a pool maximum of $40,000 per year; and community support grants, with a maximum pool of $30,000 per year.

The program also allocates a maximum of $50,000 per year for the funding of additional projects, program promotion and administrative support.

In 2005, projects will include:

The Derby Native Plants Group and Shire of Derby will receive $39,700 to construct a dual use bridge on the historic Pastoral Heritage Trail that connects Derby Peninsula to the town jetty. The bridge will restore the natural flow of water to the mangrove marshes and encourage safe pedestrian access to the coast.
The Care for Hedland Environmental Association, in partnership with the Town of Port Hedland, has received $30,255 to undertake works to protect the flatback turtle rookery at Cemetery Beach. Degrading of the beach and increasing numbers of vehicles on the beach is threatening survival of the turtles.
The North West Cape Exmouth Aboriginal Corporation, with the support of the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM), will use their $34,700 grant to identify and protect sites of Aboriginal cultural significance. An important component of this project is that elders will train young Aboriginal people in sites recognition and leadership to help them reconnect with the land.
The Geraldton Boardriders Association and Shire of Greenough will use a $15,280 grant to construct a viewing deck overlooking the popular surf break at Flatrocks. Other works will involve the removal of boxthorn weeds and the rehabilitation of degraded areas with indigenous seedlings.
The Friends of Lancelin Island, Friends of Lancelin Coast Group and Department of Conservation and Land Management intend to use a $3,000 grant to re-establish important habitat by removing weeds and propagating indigenous plants on Lancelin Island.
The Joondalup Community Coastcare Forum and City of Joondalup will use their Coastwest funding at Mullaloo Beach to fence dunes, remove all the weeds and revegetate the area with indigenous plants.
The West Australian Seabird Rescue Group will use a $5,580 grant to team up with the City of Mandurah to conduct workshops that will increase the capability of volunteers to monitor and rescue injured wildlife.
The Friends of the Cape to Cape Track in partnership with CALM has been granted $39,800 to install ‘access for all’ boardwalks along Cape Naturaliste through the coastal heath between Sugar Loaf Rock and the lighthouse.
The William Bay National Parks Association in partnership with CALM will use $8,575 to construct a walkway to Lights Beach, near Denmark to replace the eroding access track that is causing some safety and environmental concerns.
The Bay of Isles Aboriginal Corporation will work with CALM to construct a stairway to access the surf beach at Skippy Rock near Esperance. The $36,200 grant will help prevent further environmental degradation to the dunes and provide a safe walk for visitors.

A full listing of grant recipients is attached and is also available at the WA Planning Commission website at http://www.wapc.wa.gov.au

For further information on the Coastwest grants, contact the State Coastwest Co-ordinator on 9264 7834.

Minister's office - 9213 6400