• $3.6 million in CoastWA grants available for coastal planning and management
• Part of Government's $33.5 million investment to mitigate coastal hazards
• Applications close 17 April 2024

Applications are open for more than $3.6 million in CoastWA grants to plan and manage Western Australia's 20,000-kilometre coastline now and for the future.

CoastWA supports planning, managing and adapting to the impacts of coastal hazards to ensure long-term sustainable land use and development on the coast.

Grants are targeted to help coastal land managers prepare and implement plans and strategies, and partner with community groups to undertake on-ground management activities.

A combined amount of $3.6 million is available through:

• Coastwest grants – up to $60,000 for projects that support education, conservation and protection of coastal areas;
• Coastal Management Plan Assistance Program grants – up to $200,000 to assist coastal land managers in preparing strategies and management plans;
• Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) grants – up to $400,000 for projects that preserve or enhance coastal assets for the community and support adaptation to coastal hazards; and
• Hotspot Coastal Adaptation and Protection (H-CAP) grants – up to $1.660 million to design and implement works on major projects at coastal erosion hotspots.

CoastWA is a Western Australian Planning Commission initiative jointly managed by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the Department of Transport. For more information or to apply for the grants visit wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-planning-lands-and-heritage/coastwa.

Applications close at midday on Wednesday, 17 April 2024.

Comments attributed to Planning Minister John Carey:

"Western Australia is renowned for its extraordinary coastline and it's vital that we protect it against coastal hazards such as erosion and inundation to safeguard the State's coast for future generations.

"With a commitment of $33.5 million until 2026, our Government will support projects that boost the State's existing coastal planning and management strategies as well as data collection and community engagement, to further protect our coastal areas.

"Since 2020, our Government has invested more than $20.6 million in 227 projects that plan for, manage and protect our coastline against the increasing impacts of our changing climate.

"This important funding to coastal projects across the State will ensure we can sustainably manage the threats and pressures on our diverse but fragile coastline.

"The Grants are also targeted to help coastal land managers prepare and implement plans and strategies, and partner with community groups to undertake on-ground activities identified in coastal management plans and strategies."

Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:

"As one of the world's longest uninterrupted coastlines featuring internationally recognised locations, our coast is regarded as one of our State's biggest assets.

"Today's call for applications for CoastWA funding is an opportunity for coastal managers to partner with the State Government to plan and manage for the future to ensure the community's continued enjoyment of our magnificent coastline.

"Ongoing collaboration across the Government shares expertise and knowledge and contributes to a coordinated approach to coastal management throughout WA delivering better outcomes for the community."