Funding to support South Australian coastal councils to address hazards like erosion or flooding, focusing on protection, dune rehabilitation, and maintenance of vulnerable coastal areas.
On this page you will find
What is the Coast Protection Grants?
The Coast Protection Grant Program, administered by the Coast Protection Board and supported by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), is offering up to $1 million in grant funding for the 2025–26 round. This program supports South Australian coastal councils to manage and mitigate coastal hazards like erosion, flooding, and dune drift—risks that are growing due to climate change and rising sea levels.
Coast Protection Grants level of support
- Minimum Amount: No minimum specified
- Maximum Amount: No maximum specified
Co-contribution Required: Yes
- Up to 80% of project costs can be covered by the grant.
- Councils must contribute at least 20% of total project costs, which can be met through cash and/or in-kind contributions (e.g. labour, equipment, project management).
- In-kind contributions must be clearly explained in the application, with supporting calculations.
Coast Protection Grants important dates
- Applications Close: 5:00 pm, 1 August 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Coast Protection Grants objectives
The program aims to:
- Help councils respond to and manage coastal hazards.
- Protect public access and infrastructure along the coastline.
- Promote adaptation to the impacts of climate change at a local level.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Coast Protection Grants support
Typical eligible activities include:
- Construction of erosion control or flood protection structures (e.g. seawalls, levees).
- Cliff stability studies and remediation works.
- Repair of storm-damaged protection structures.
- Beach replenishment to protect against coastal erosion.
- Risk assessments and climate adaptation planning for vulnerable coastal areas.
Ineligible Expenditures
The following activities are not eligible for funding:
- Protection of private property, unless a clear public benefit is demonstrated (e.g. improved public access or restoration).
- Works associated with stormwater drainage outlets.
- Protection of assets owned by other Government agencies, such as ports.
- Upgrades or maintenance of boat ramps, marinas or harbour facilities.
- Protection of development approved against the advice of the Coast Protection Board or DEW.
- Purchase of equipment.
Other Coast Protection Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Coast Protection Grants support
Only South Australian councils with a coastline are eligible to apply.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Coast Protection Grants assessment criteria
Projects will be assessed by a panel of coastal management experts using a risk-benefit analysis. While no percentages are published, scoring is based on:
- Likelihood of the hazard
- Assesses the frequency of the coastal hazard (e.g. erosion, flooding).
- Example: Annual risk vs a 1-in-100-year event.
- Consequences of inaction
- Includes legal and regulatory responsibilities.
- Considers potential social, economic and environmental impacts if nothing is done.
- Project benefits
- Assesses both scale (local vs wide-reaching) and duration (short-term vs long-term) of the benefit.
Projects that address high risks with substantial public benefit will receive higher scores. Projects are ranked and funded in order of priority until the $1 million pool is exhausted.
How do I get the Coast Protection Grants?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Coast Protection Grants application
To strengthen your application, prepare the following:
- A clear project scope and timeline.
- Risk assessments, studies or data supporting the hazard addressed.
- A detailed budget, including breakdown of co-contribution and in-kind components.
- Documentation supporting council approval, community support, and alignment with local coastal management strategies.
- Evidence of how the project benefits the public.
- Calculations and justifications for any in-kind contributions (e.g. staff time, equipment use).
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Coast Protection Grants
All applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Coast Protection Grants resources
Is Your Business Eligible for the Coast Protection Grants?
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