Port Melbourne funds Port Phillip

The Andrews Labor Government has announced a new fund worth $10 million over four years to protect and preserve the health of Victoria’s iconic Port Phillip Bay.

To be funded by the proceeds of the lease of the Port of Melbourne, the Port Phillip Bay Fund (PPBF) will support projects including water quality improvement works, foreshore upgrades, dune stability works, amenity upgrades and wetlands improvements.

Funding will be open to community groups, NGOs, local government and other agencies with an interest in improving the health of Port Phillip Bay.

"Millions
of people every single year visit our Bay and enjoy the many
opportunities it provides, and this funding will target improvements to
the water quality of the Bay, its health, and the many amenities it
provides," said Lisa Neville, Minister for Environment, Climate Change & Water.

The PPBF will be restricted to bay-based and neighbouring bay-catchment areas and will include a requirement for projects to demonstrate a 1:1 matching funding arrangement, either cash or in-kind.

A Port Phillip Bay Fund Stakeholder Reference group will be established, with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to coordinate an annual grant application process that allows for multi-year projects.

The money will be made available via a competitive annual grants process to be administered by DELWP.

Arrangements for the grants program are now being finalised and the first round is expected to be open in mid-2016.

"This funding, made available with the proceeds of the Port of Melbourne, is a significant investment in ensuring the ongoing health of our much loved Port Phillip Bay," said Treasurer Tim Pallas. More at www.delwp.vic.gov.au.