Three Bellarine groups are continuing to clean up and protect the state’s beaches and waterways, thanks to Port Phillip Bay Fund grants.
Birdlife Australia received $14,860 through the latest grant round for their Fostering Community Stewardship: Hooded Plover Conservation on the Bellarine project.
Bellarine Catchment Network also received $157,014 for its Bellarine Marine Care Group Project, while Deakin University received $19,672 for its project on bacterial profiles in waterways.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the Bellarine community cared deeply about protecting the region’s unique coastline and wildlife.
“It’s fantastic to see local organisations leading the charge to care for our local environment,” she said.
“These grants will empower our dedicated volunteers, researchers and conservationists to continue their vital work preserving our beaches and marine life for generations to come.”
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said the grants were part of the state government’s ongoing investment to protect the environment.
“We know how much Victorians love their beaches, and that’s why we’re keeping it safe for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
“We are working hard with community groups and land managers across the state to keep our environment healthy and clean.”
Other projects to receive funding included restoring oyster reefs in Corio Bay, cultivating juvenile kelp to restore the natural marine ecosystem, and investigating drivers of algal blooms to improve prediction models.
