Port Phillip Bay gets a funding boost
Pollies invest in Port Phillip Bay’s health with water quality and reef restoration initiativesThe first round of recipients for the Vic Government’s $10 million Port Phillip Bay Fund have been announced.
Thirty-six new projects will share in $3.57 million to protect the health of Port Phillip Bay and the wider bay catchment area.
The one to three-year projects include activities to reduce pollution, enhance aquatic habitats, improve catchment health and increase community awareness of issues that impact the health of the Bay.
Almost $600,000 will go towards two projects being delivered by the Port Phillip EcoCentre – Living Water Workbees and Clean Bay Blueprint’.
The Living Water Workbees project will allow up to 6000 volunteers to protect native biodiversity and improve water quality in Bay catchments around Elster Creek and Werribee River, and will run in partnership with the Werribee Riverkeeper.
The Clean Bay Blueprint will investigate plastic pollution in Melbourne’s waterways.
Other funded activities include reef restoration, dune stabilisation, water quality improvements and litter control.
Some 10,000 marine plant and animal species live in Port Phillip Bay, making it one of our most important ecosystems.
In addition to providing valuable habitat, the Bay also supports recreational fishing and tourism, is the entrance to Australia's busiest port, and has more than 3 million people living and working in the catchment area.
Applications for the second round of funding will open mid-2017, with the community encouraged to get involved and apply.
Apply for the next round of Funds at this Coast and Marine page.
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