The Bellarine’s Community Red-capped Plover Monitoring and Engagement program is helping further raise sustainable beach behaviour awareness thanks to a state government Coastcare grant.
The program started in 2017 and will share more than $350,000 in funding from the 2022-23 Coastcare Victoria Community Grant to educate people about red-capped plover breeding sites.
Bellarine Bayside coastal projects officer Jane Shearer said she was “thrilled” that they could continue helping the birds that relied on the beach to incubate their eggs and raise their chicks.
“Red-capped plovers spend their entire lives on the beach, and they breed and raise their young during the busy spring and summer period when we humans like to flock to the beaches too,” she said.
“It can be difficult for them to have success in fledging their chicks. Programs like the Coastcare help us to support these lovely little creatures continue to thrive on our coasts.”
Ms Shearer said the grant would help Bellarine Bayside support Birdlife Australia to educate the community on the “local beach-nesting birds and red-capped plovers in particular”.
“The grant will help support the incredible work our passionate and committed community volunteers undertake,” she said.
“They collect invaluable data on the local colonies that helps Birdlife Australia obtain a clearer picture of the red-capped plover conservation status.”
Ms Shearer said people should walk along the water’s edge, put their dogs on a lead and move through the area quickly in temporary beach fencing areas to protect the birds while breeding.
The Coastcare Victoria program is in its 29th year of supporting coastal community groups and volunteers, funded by the $16.9-million VicCoasts program.
Bellarine Bayside can be contacted through social media or contactus@bellarinebayside.com.au for more information or to be involved in the red-capped plover protection program.
