23 May 2008
DAFF08/065BJ

Joint Media Release
The Hon Peter Garrett AM Federal Member for Kingsford Smith Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts and The Hon Tony Burke MP Minister for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Australia’s fragile coasts and beaches will benefit from a $100 million Community Coastcare package launched today by Environment Minister, Peter Garrett on the New South Wales Central Coast.

The new investment jointly administered by Minister Garrett and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Tony Burke is part of the Rudd Labor Government’s landmark $2.25 billion Caring for our Country initiative, and will help local communities undertake vital beach and coastal protection and restoration projects right around the country.

Mr Garrett said Community Coastcare would draw upon the wealth of community skills and knowledge of our coast and beaches, providing grants to community groups for projects to protect and improve the environmental values of the nation’s coastline.

“Australians have a deep affinity with our precious coasts and beaches and the Rudd Labor Government recognises there is an urgent need to better protect them.

“Through Community Coastcare the Government will help fund local community action to protect and rehabilitate our coastal environment and critical habitats,” Mr Garrett said.

Community Coastcare will offer communities grants up to $50,000. Grants of up to $250,000 will also be available for larger-scale works that are targeted in high priority coastal areas.

Up to $20 million in 2008-09 would be provided for a range of activities varying from protecting nesting sites for endangered species to restoring sand dunes and preventing coastal erosion to educating people about the effects of global warming and climate change.

Mr Burke urged all eligible groups to apply for the funding.

“I would encourage a range of groups to apply, including farmers, landcare groups, surf clubs, Indigenous groups, schools, local councils and regional natural resource management bodies,” Mr Burke said.

“This program is a great way for them to be involved in helping to protect the coastline.”

For more information including application forms visit: www.nrm.gov.au