$4 million in grants available for coastal protection and management

• Cook Government investing $24 million over three years to protect Western Australia's coastline
• CoastWA program supporting coastal protection and management initiatives
• $4 million in grants available for coastal planning, management, and hazard mitigation in 2026
• Grant applications close 15 April
• Cook Government committed to protecting and restoring WA's environment so it can be enjoyed by future generations

The Cook Government is investing $24 million to extend the CoastWA program for another three years, with $4 million in grant funding available for coastal management and protection projects in 2026. 

The targeted grants aim to support the delivery of a range of initiatives, including coastal hazard risk management, adaptation planning and implementation, community education programs, and activities such as dune rehabilitation.

The annual grants programs are a key component of CoastWA, the State Government's strategic, coordinated response to the growing impacts of coastal hazards and vulnerabilities along Western Australia's coastline.

Coastal managers are encouraged to apply for funding that supports planning and implementation, capacity building, and partnering with community groups to undertake on-ground activities.

In 2026/27, $4 million is available for eligible initiatives across the program's four streams:

• Coastwest - for projects that support education, conservation, and protection of coastal areas;
• Coastal Management Plan Assistance Program - targeting coastal land managers in preparing and implementing strategies and management plans;
• Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) grants - for projects that preserve or enhance coastal assets and support coastal hazard adaptation, and;
• Hotspot Coastal Adaptation and Protection (H-CAP) grants - targeting larger scale projects at coastal erosion hotspots.

Over the past five years, $33.5 million has been invested into the CoastWA program - which is jointly administered by the Departments of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) and Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) - to deliver grants, data collection, technical studies, investigations and expertise, and training.

For information about eligibility criteria and previously funded projects, or to apply for a grant, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-planning-lands-and-heritage/coastwa-grants.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Western Australia has more than 20,000 kilometres of spectacular coastline and it needs to be protected for future generations. 

"That's why we're committing $24 million to continue the CoastWA program for another three years to support communities to manage coastal hazards across our State.

"We've funded more than 200 projects through this program to date, which are taking a coordinated, grassroots approach to coastal mitigation and producing great results.

"These projects are also helping to foster long-term community partnerships to restore and preserve our beaches so they can be enjoyed by all."

Comments attributed to Planning and Lands Minister John Carey:

"Protecting and preserving Western Australia's coastline is more important than ever as we experience growing vulnerability to coastal hazards such as erosion and inundation events.

"Since 2020, more than $25 million in grants has been invested through the CoastWA program.

"This government is reasserting its commitment to protecting our State's most significant natural asset by extending the CoastWA program, including $4 million in grants available this year."