Grants up to $150,000 for coastal Crown land managers to reduce coastal risk and improve public access so the community can safely access Victoria’s beaches.
On this page you will find
What is Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants (CPARG) funding?
The Coastal Public Access and Risk (CPAR) Grants Program is a Victorian Government initiative designed to help coastal Crown land managers reduce risks to public safety and improve access along Victoria’s dynamic coastline. Projects typically address hazards such as erosion or unstable cliffs, repair or replace damaged structures (e.g., boardwalks, stairs), and improve overall public enjoyment and safety of coastal areas.
Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants level of support
Minimum and Maximum Amount of Funding
- Grants of up to $150,000 are available for individual projects.
Co-Contribution Requirement
- If your organisation’s annual revenue is under $2 million, the program can fund up to 100% of the total eligible project costs.
- If your organisation’s annual revenue is $2 million or over, the program can fund up to 70% of the total eligible project costs.
- Any difference in funding must be covered by the applicant in cash (in-kind is not allowed to meet co-contribution requirements).
Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants important dates
- Applications Close: 30 April 2025 (5:00 pm)
- Funding Outcomes Advised: Mid-June 2025
- Project Commencement: Late June 2025
- Project Completion & Acquittal: Late June 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants objectives and outcomes
- Improve Public Safety – Address and mitigate risks where the public interacts with the coast, such as unstable cliffs, eroded beaches, or degraded public access structures.
- Enhance Accessibility – Upgrade or install infrastructure like paths, ramps, and boardwalks to ensure people of all abilities can enjoy the coastline.
- Strategic Risk Management – Support projects based on risk assessments and planning documents that outline priority coastal hazards and solutions.
- Protect the Coastal Environment – Balance public access with the protection of sensitive coastal and marine environments for long-term sustainability.
Projects and activities eligible for Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants support
Typical eligible activities include:
- Risk Identification and Assessment
- Coastal hazard assessments, condition/safety audits.
- Risk Mitigation Works
- Repair or replacement of storm-damaged or unsafe public infrastructure, such as stairs, ramps, or viewing platforms.
- Maintenance or renewal of coastal protection structures (e.g., seawalls, groynes).
- Risk Monitoring
- Ongoing monitoring of erosion, geological stability, or coastal processes.
- Public Access Improvements
- Construction of accessible walkways, boardwalks, ramps, and parking facilities.
- Consolidation of multiple informal beach access points into a safer, single route.
Ineligible Expenditure:
- Purchase of land.
- Routine or ongoing maintenance that should form part of day-to-day management.
- Projects that have already commenced or been funded under other government grant programs.
- Dredging or tree risk studies.
- Private assets or facilities with no public access.
- Operating costs (rent, salaries not directly linked to project delivery).
- Establishing a Bushfire Place of Last Resort.
Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants support
-
Appointed Victorian coastal Crown land managers under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, including:
-
- Local government authorities
- Committees of management (including volunteer committees)
- Phillip Island Nature Parks
Applicants must:
- Hold a letter of in-principle support from the relevant DEECA Regional Manager (Land and Built Environment).
- Have completed all reporting requirements for previously funded CPAR projects (if applicable).
- Be up to date with annual financial returns (volunteer committees).
Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants assessment criteria
Applications are evaluated based on four weighted criteria:
1. Why? (40%)
- Demonstrate the need for the project and its alignment with coastal risk priorities.
- Explain current asset conditions, including photographs, and identify specific hazards or risks (e.g., public safety, environmental, social, cultural, and economic).
2. What? (25%)
- Describe the scope of work to address identified hazards (e.g., new or upgraded infrastructure, risk monitoring).
- Show alignment with state policies and guidelines (e.g., Marine and Coastal Policy 2020).
3. Who? (25%)
- Detail how the project will benefit the broader public (e.g., improved safety, accessibility, community well-being).
- Include cultural, environmental, and economic benefits if relevant.
4. How? (10%)
- Present a clear project plan, timeline, and budget.
- Demonstrate capacity (in-house staff or qualified contractors) to deliver the project effectively.
- Provide evidence of stakeholder support and any required permits or approvals.
How do I get the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants?
- Check Eligibility – Ensure you are a coastal Crown land manager in Victoria (local council, committee of management, etc.).
- Speak with DEECA – Contact your DEECA Regional Land and Built Environment officer for advice and to obtain a letter of in-principle support.
- Prepare Application – Gather supporting documents (risk assessments, site photos, engineering reports, quotes) and outline your budget, timeline, and proposed outcomes.
Information to prepare for the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants application
The following documents must be submitted with your application:
- Quotes or Detailed Cost Estimates – Show realistic project expenses (dated within six months).
- Risk or Condition Reports – Demonstrate the urgency or strategic importance of your proposed works.
- Permits and Approvals – Identify any required consents under the Marine and Coastal Act 2018, planning permits, or cultural heritage approvals.
- Co-Contribution Evidence – If your annual revenue is $2 million or more, confirm how you will contribute the remaining 30% of project costs.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants
Lodge your application through the Grants Online 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.
Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 7 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of competitive grant programs. - Grant Application Strategy
Pinpoint the right grants, align your projects with funding priorities, and establish a roadmap that significantly boosts your chances of success. - Grant Application Search
Let us do the heavy lifting to uncover the most relevant and high-value grant opportunities tailored to your business objectives. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert writers craft persuasive applications that showcase your strengths and align seamlessly with the funder’s goals and criteria. - Grant Application Review
Receive detailed, strategic feedback to sharpen your application, address potential weaknesses, and ensure maximum alignment with assessment benchmarks. - Grant Application Management
End-to-end oversight of your grant journey — from planning and writing to submission and reporting — so you can stay focused on running your business. - Grant Application Courses
Access self-paced online training to build your internal capability and develop the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the grant landscape.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
