Coastwest grants application round opens for 2009

The 2009 application round for the annual Coastwest grants opens today, with $630,000 in funding available for projects to help improve the condition and amenity of the Western Australian coastline.

Planning Minister John Day encouraged community and non-government groups to come forward with creative ideas and a strong commitment to the coastal and marine environment.

"The Coastwest grants were established by the former Coalition Government in 1995," Mr Day said.  

"The grants have stimulated many successful partnerships between coastal managers and  community groups, including schools.

"Over the years, Coastwest projects have enhanced the environmental, biodiversity and aesthetic values of coastlines from the Kimberley to the Great Southern."

Under the Coastwest grants model, successful applicants work with coastal managers, which may be state or local government authorities or Aboriginal land councils.

The grants assessment process will consider the extent to which the projects contribute to the implementation of local and regional coastal plans and strategies and the coastal State Planning Policy.

Individual projects may receive up to $150,000 and will incorporate one or more of the following types of activities: on-ground action; identification and monitoring; project support; and capacity building.

"Coastal communities throughout the State are benefiting from the work of Coastwest grant recipients," the Minister said.

"Dunes have been rehabilitated, paths upgraded, viewing platforms built and the marine debris problem tackled.

"Project leaders have brought hundreds of community members into the effort and heightened awareness and understanding of the pressures facing our coastal and marine environments."

Guidelines for applicants can be obtained from the Western Australian Planning Commission website at http://www.wapc.wa.gov.au