Community and coast to benefit as the Great Ocean Road Coastal Grants open

The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s 2018 Coastal Grants Program are now open.   Each year, Great Ocean Road Coast dedicates funds for community-led projects that enhance the 37km of coastal Crown land under its management between Torquay and Lorne.

Great Ocean Road Coast Chief Executive Officer Richard Davies said the grants aimed to strengthen community engagement with the coast.

“These grants are a fantastic way to foster community ownership and encourage partnerships and projects that will benefit all visitors to the coast.”

Mr Davies praised volunteer groups for their ongoing dedication to the environment and coastal conservation.

“We encourage all community groups, non-government organisations and school groups to apply and hope to see more exciting projects emerge.”

Last year’s grants went to:

• ANGAIR – for supplies for the new Propagation Centre in Anglesea, including seed tubes, potting mix bins and watering hoses.
• Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club – toward an education and restoration program to protect the dunes near the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club including the revegetation with indigenous plants.
• Anglesea Motor Yacht Club – for the preservation and restoration of the historical ‘Inverlochy’ anchor, including plaque with the historical origins of the anchor.
• Jan Juc Coast Action – for the promotion of the Surf Coast Nature Search online interactive website through touchscreen devices, which will be promoted at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park.
• Torquay Coast Action – to help continue the restoration project at Deep Creek with additional planting to link previously restored sits to the north and south of the estuary.

Eligible projects must have a coastal focus and contribute to preservation of the natural and cultural values of the Great Ocean Road Coast managed land.  Funding will be split between applicants as determined by project needs.  Grant applications are now open and will close Friday 23 February at 5pm.

More information, including the online application form, is available at www.gorcc.com.au/community-grants/.

The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee is a not-for- profit organisation that manages 37km of public land and coastline from Torquay to Lorne.  All dollars raised through our commercial operations are reinvested back into the coastal environment, caravan parks and the community.  To learn more about Great Ocean Road Coast visit the website www.gorcc.com.au.