Labor is helping to clean up our beautiful Port Phillip Bay by backing local community projects that clean up and protect our beach.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant announced that three organisations across the Bellarine have received investment through the latest round of successful Port Phillip Bay Fund grants.

The Allan Labor Government is backing 26 projects with over $2 million to protect the health of the Bay with local community groups leading the way on protecting our waterfront.

Bellarine Catchment Network Inc have received $157,014 for their Bellarine Marine Care Group Project to build community-led coastal stewardship along Port Phillip Bay.

Deakin University have received $19,672 for their project on bacterial profiles in waterways associated with Port Phillip Bay Ramsar site. This project expands study on bacterial communities to safeguard water quality at Swan Bay Ramsar site.

Birdlife Australia have received $14,860 for their project Fostering Community Stewardship: Hooded Plover Conservation on the Bellarine, empowering community to protect hooded plovers and preserve coastal habitat on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Other funded projects included restoring oyster reefs in Corio Bay, cultivating juvenile kelp to help restore the natural marine ecosystem, and investigating drivers of algal blooms to improve prediction models.

The Port Phillip Bay Fund is part of the Labor Government’s ongoing investment to protect Victoria’s environment so families can enjoy on easy and affordable visits to Victoria’s great outdoors.

For more information, visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos

“We know how much Victorians love their beaches, that’s why we’re keeping it safe for future generations to enjoy.”

“We are working hard with community groups and land managers across the state to keep our environment healthy and clean.”

Quotes attributable Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“Our Bellarine community cares deeply about protecting our unique coastline and wildlife, and it’s fantastic to see local organisations leading the charge to care for our local environment.

“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.”