More than $1.2 million in funding will be shared among South Australian councils and community groups undertaking projects to protect the state’s coastline.

Two Fleurieu seawall projects, at Encounter Bay and Port Noarlunga, will benefit from the Coast Protection Board’s 2024-25 Coast Protection Grants Program 

The program supports coastal councils to restore, protect and manage the state’s valuable coastal assets and address climate change risks.

The grants can fund up to 80 per cent of the total cost of a project.

The City of Victor Harbor has been granted $350,000 towards Stage 1b of its Yilki coastal protection project, to protect important infrastructure from coastal erosion, while

City of Onkaparinga has gained a grant of $245,000 towards the Witton Bluff north seawall repair.

In addition to these funds, six community groups shared in nearly $31,000 under the Board’s Community Participation Grants Program.

The Community Participation Grants support not-for-profit organisations and volunteer groups to partner with councils on small-scale coastal management projects or education initiatives.

Fleurieu Marine Education has won two grants: $5081 for its Green Thumbs for Granite Island project and $3350 for the Wildlife Warriors community engagement project.

Department for Environment and Water Coast Manager David Osborn says the funding will enable almost $7.5 million of vital works to protect and enhance the state’s invaluable coast.

“South Australia has thousands of kilometres of beautiful coastline to enjoy, but it needs to be managed for future generations,” he says.

“Councils and community groups are often at the forefront to protect some of our most vulnerable sections of coastline.

“The Coast Protection Grants Program is a wonderful example of the state government supporting councils and community groups in their efforts to manage their beaches.”