2024 Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards winners announced
Over 160 guests from the marine and coastal sector gathered on 7 November 2024 in Naarm/Melbourne to recognise the outstanding efforts and achievements of coastal leaders and communities across Victoria.
The Victorian Marine and Coastal Council (VMaCC) was delighted and inspired to see many deserving candidates receive formal recognition for their incredible dedication and expertise.
VMaCC congratulates all winners and finalists of the 2024 Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards, and thanks the unsung heroes, volunteers and caretakers along the entire Victorian coastline, whose passion and dedication are greatly appreciated and often unrecognised.
For those that joined us on the night, we hope you enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate and to connect with your colleagues and in the marine and coastal sector.
The winners of the 2024 Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards are:
- Leadership in Climate Adaptation and Resilience: South Gippsland Shire Council for ‘The South Gippsland Coastal Strategy’
- Excellence in Marine and Coastal Design or Development: City of Greater Geelong for ‘The Dell Eco Reef, Clifton Springs’
- Distinction in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation: The Nature Conservancy Australia for ‘Reef Builder’
- Inspiring Community Engagement and Education (for professional agencies, large organisations and industry): Dolphin Research Institute for ‘i sea, i care’
- Inspiring Community Engagement and Education (community and volunteer groups/individuals): Friends of Griffiths Island – Port Fairy for ‘Switch off for Shearwaters - Light Pollution Management’
- Embedding Traditional Owner Cultural Practices in Management: Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for ‘Bukareeyoo - Returning Language to Country’
- Recognising Emerging Leadership: Juliet Bảo Ngọc Doling
- Recognising Individual Achievement: Joint-winners Neil Blake OAM and Mark Rodrigue
Further information on finalists and winners, together with photographs, can be found at marineandcoastalcouncil.vic.gov.au. You can also get in touch with VMaCC via vmacc@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Outgoing Chair VMaCC Dr Anthony Boxshall with Sheena Watt MP and winners of the Award for Distinction in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation: The Nature Conservancy Australia for ‘Reef Builder’.
Victoria's Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ program wins resilience award
Victoria's Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ (VRC) has won the government category in the 2024 Resilient Australia Awards Victoria.
These awards are sponsored by the Australian Government and hosted by Emergency Management Victoria and the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience.
The Victoria’s Resilient Coast program provides a framework, guidelines, and support for managing coastal hazards and adapting to climate change.
The approach was developed through a collaborative process, partnering with Traditional Owners, coastal Councils, Committees of Management, Catchment Management Authorities, state agencies, water authorities, and peak body groups.
This award recognises the collaborative development and implementation approach taken through this program to advance place-based and best-practice coastal adaptation in Victoria.
It is a shared award for all those who supported the program co-design and continue to support implementation of coastal adaptation planning across the state.
Find out more at the Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ webpage.
Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan update
The Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan 2017-2027 (EMP) has released our 2022-2023 Annual Report and Delivery Plan.
We have 310 listed activities, investment of more than $160 million which includes in-kind contributions such as 905,000 volunteer hours. The activities around the Bay continue to empower community to have a lasting impact on the health of the Bay.
We have published our Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) evaluation report. This report is a way for us to evaluate and report on the performance of the EMP. We have reported against 24 Key Performance Indicators and their targets. These will be reassessed using data in 2027 to understand the overall outcomes of the EMP.
This 5-yearly assessment allows us to identify areas to improve or focus efforts on to achieve the EMP vision. The report uses data from activities reported in our Delivery Plans, data from the 23 EMP report cards gathered at the Port Phillip Bay Forum, and stakeholder responses to a targeted survey.
A huge thank you to those that continue to provide information and contributed to the survey as every aspect assists in reporting on the health of the Bay.
If you’re interested in being notified of the future releases of Annual Reports and Delivery Plans, please sign up to our newsletter.
Inverloch Regional and Strategic Partnership: key milestone in Cape to Cape Resilience Plan
In August 2024, the Inverloch Regional and Strategic Partnership launched the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan for public consultation. The Plan and its technical assessments were available from August to October on Engage Victoria.
The Engage Victoria page received 5,896 visits from nearly 2,000 unique visitors. A total of 141 surveys and 18 written submissions were received through the platform, plus several more via email.
During the consultation period, the Victorian coast experienced an unusual and severe seven-day storm event. Gale-force winds, elevated sea levels, and storm surges caused significant erosion at Inverloch Surf beach, stripping about 60,000 m³ of sand from the beach and dunes.
Community concern and significant local media attention led many new visitors to the Engage Victoria page to learn about the Plan. FAQs addressed common concerns, including the impact of hard engineering structures on sandy coastlines. You can find the FAQs on the project website.
Key stakeholders requested a briefing from the project team, where they received details about the draft Plan and a technical update on the storm event. Local land managers have been working together to carry out emergency response measures, moving sand to reinforce existing coastal protection structures to keep the beach safe and accessible.
The project team is now reviewing the feedback from the consultation period to finalise the Plan.
Drone imagery of the erosion impacts at Inverloch Surf Beach on 6 September 2024 (Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program).
Contractor’s machines undertaking emergency work on the beach (Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program).
Migratory shorebirds visiting Ricketts Point Beaumaris
Migratory shorebirds at Ricketts Point (‘sharpies’).
Ricketts Point in Beaumaris is a wonderful coastal asset to the local and broader community. The intertidal and offshore area was declared a marine sanctuary in 2002. The coastal banksia woodlands are a coastal reserve managed by Bayside City Council.
The popularity of this area with visitors means that many bird species sensitive to disturbance seldom visit the area or stay for long. This year has been extraordinary, with flocks of two migratory shorebird species – sharp-tailed sandpiper and red-necked stint – using the rocks and shore platforms since early October.
It is truly a wonder of nature that these small birds migrate twice a year to and from breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra of Siberia along the East Asian - Australasian Flyway.
The tiny red-necked stint weighs only 25-40 grams but it migrates in total over 25,000 km per year! Recently a count of more than 1,600 ‘sharpies’ was reported at Ricketts Point, and dozens of red-necked stints were also present.
Within the flock is a single sharp-tailed sandpiper that had a tracking device fitted earlier this year near Geelong, Victoria. Preliminary tracking data shows this bird is moving back and forth between Ricketts Point and the Eastern Treatment Plant, Bangholm.
Local birdwatchers have been enjoying this event and finding one or two other different shorebird species occasionally mixed in this large flock – including a rarity, Little Stint, which has attracted birdwatchers from further afield.
The tagged bird is part of a collaborative study between the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI), the Department of Ornithology at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence (led by Prof. Dr. Bart Kempenaers) and the Victorian Wader Study Group. For further information contact danny.rogers@deeca.vic.gov.au. ARI’s input is funded by DEECA, under the Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program for environmental water (WetMAP).
Corinella foreshore saltmarsh nature-based adaptation
DEECA is restoring saltmarsh habitat as part of a nature-based method to improve coastal protection and resilience. This is part of an effort to increase the usage of nature-based methods across Victoria, which need proactive planning and offer many ecological benefits.
Corinella’s foreshore was chosen for restoration following a thorough review of locations throughout the Western Port Bay. The review considered potential of saltmarsh habitat restoration, need for coastal erosion protection, potential environmental and social benefits and access for construction.
The project includes:
- Restoration of 3,070m2 of native saltmarsh habitat, planted on sandy fill supported by a low rock toe to ensure appropriate inundation for the target species.
- 5 rock sills (~1m high) to reduce wave action and promote establishment of existing protective vegetation.
- Removal of weed species including Spiny Rush.
The benefits of saltmarsh restoration include:
- Resilience and protection of the foreshore and public assets, including the pathway, against storm waves through absorption of wave energy and improved sediment stability.
- Overall increase in foreshore biodiversity.
- Feeding and roosting grounds for wading bird species, including threatened species listed under international bird agreements.
- Improvements to water quality through stabilisation of sediments and recycling of nutrients.
- Restoration of essential habitat for invertebrates typically preyed upon by fish and birds including crabs, prawns, molluscs, spiders and insects.
- Shelter for juvenile and smaller fish species and substrate for the passive recruitment of native flat oyster Ostrea Angasi.
The design is complete, and implementation is expected in 2025.
Cross section of the proposed nature-based adaptation option.
Artistic impression of the proposed nature-based adaptation option.
Loch Sport nourishment to protect High Dune Bluff
The Victorian Government is delivering $250,000 of immediate sand nourishment at Loch Sport to slow erosion at the western end of High Dune Bluff.
Earlier in the year DEECA completed technical assessments including sand nourishment designs to protect the High Dune Bluff to mitigate further erosion and reduce the possibilities of land slips in the area.
The heavy machinery that has been spotted recently at Loch Sport is relocating approximately 7,500 m3 of sand from a highly mobile sand spit to the base of the bluff. This will use sand that is already disturbed and minimise impacts to the vegetation growing on the spit (closer to the base of the bluff).
Sand will be moved with the use of a 30 tonne excavator and 40 tonne dump truck to the western end of the base of the bluff where erosion is worst. While construction is underway, pedestrian detours and traffic management will be in place.
The works are expected to be completed before the summer holidays. We thank locals and visitors for their patience as we undertake these priority works.
Contractor using a 40 tonne tip truck and a 30 tonne excavator to relocate sand, November 2024.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade erosion investigation and nourishment
Phillip Island Nature Parks has completed an investigation of erosion and a sand nourishment at Summerland beach, Phillip Island. The investigation and works were funded by a $180,000 grant from DEECA.
Dune erosion at Summerland beach has created steep dune scarps that block penguins from their nests and threaten the Penguin Parade visitor infrastructure, a popular eco-tourism destination. The rapid erosion is a significant risk to the penguins, the environment and economy.
The investigation included a coastal processes study that details short, medium and long-term responses to help build the resilience and sustainability of the coastline.
The study details changeable pathways for the monitoring and management of the beach, including back-passing sand from the eastern side of Summerland Beach to the viewing stands and revegetation of the dunes.
Phillip Island Nature Parks completed the beach nourishment in November 2024. This involved adding large quantities of sand to counter erosion due to the impact of rising sea levels and storms.
This project aims to strengthen the resilience of the dunes at Summerland Beach to mitigate current erosion and enhance future climate resilience.
Before sand nourishment works at Summerland Beach, Phillip Island.
After sand nourishment works at Summerland Beach, Phillip Island.
September 2024 storm event update
Beach nourishment works at Apollo Bay
Land managers continue to respond across the state to damage caused by the storm event reported in the September 2024 issue of this newsletter.
To date, 81 sites statewide have been inspected by DEECA officers with coastal managers. Safety measures are being implemented at high-risk sites including rock bags along the seawall at Torquay’s Surf Beach, barriers along Warrnambool’s Viaduct Road and nourishment works at Marengo, Apollo Bay and Skenes Creek.
If there are any access restrictions in place to the coast you are visiting, please be sure to follow the important guidance provided by coastal managers. To report any new damage, contact your local DEECA office.
Coastcare Victoria's 'Coastline'
We wish you a very Merry Coast-mas and a fin-tastic New Year!
As we near the end of the year, we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to the amazing Coastcare Victoria community. We’ve made huge waves in caring for and acting on behalf of our precious marine and coastal environments.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate some of this year’s highlights:
- 30 Years of Coastcare Victoria: This year’s Coastcare Victoria Forum marked three decades of incredible efforts, partnerships, and achievements. It was wonderful to celebrate it with so many of you.
- Coastcare Victoria Community Grants continue to support groups to achieve fantastic educational and environmental outcomes, completing 23 grants in June this year. 22 projects are now underway from the 2024 grants round, and our 2025 grant round is now open.
- Coastcare Victoria Schools Kit continues to reach students far and wide. In partnership with Ecolinc, we’ve delivered 13 professional development sessions, reaching over 900 students. Many more teachers are accessing the free downloads for delivery in their schools.
As we gear up for summer, the team is thrilled to present the much-loved Summer by the Sea! Attend or share over 85 fantastic activities that inspire connection to our coastal environments and build collective stewardship.
Here’s to another year of creating positive ripples and making a difference along Victoria’s coasts. Your dedication is invaluable, whether you're volunteering your time, leading a project, educating our next generation, or simply enjoying the beauty of the coast.
With waves of gratitude, the Coastcare Victoria team, Lindy, Laura, Shaya, Jess and Shark.
Summer by the Sea 2025
Bookings are now open for over 85 free activities during Summer by the Sea 2025.
The program runs from 6 to 25 January across Victoria’s coastline, offering a chance to discover the amazing coastal and marine environments locally or where holidaying.
It combines fun and education with a wide range of activities where you can learn about coastal and marine environments and how to protect them for future generations.
Highlights include snorkelling in Beaumaris, stargazing in Inverloch, canoeing in Swan Bay and searching for sea slugs in San Remo!
Summer by the Sea is supported by coastal land managers, community groups and conservation agencies across Victoria.
Book your activities at summerbythesea.vic.gov.au.
If you have additional needs, contact Coastcare Victoria to discuss how they can help you take part in Summer by the Sea.
Community Grants applications for 2025 now open!
The Victorian Government is providing $220,000 in grants to recognise the essential role of community-led environmental groups and organisations in caring for and acting on the marine and coastal environment.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects that support stewardship through engagement and education opportunities, strengthen the coastal volunteer community and care for Country.
Previously funded projects have strengthened the Coastcare Victoria Community by engaging new and diverse coastal volunteers and supported stewardship to build capability and inclusivity. They have included engaging a broader audience in on-ground actions and education opportunities that enhance knowledge of the coastal and marine environment. They have delivered outcomes celebrating traditional owners' self-determination in caring for land and sea country.
To find out more or discuss your project idea, speak to a Coastcare Victoria Officer.
Applications are open now and close on 16 February 2025.
For more information and to apply, visit the Coastcare Victoria Community Grants page.
DEECA staff volunteering pilot
In November, Coastcare Victoria piloted an initiative in the Geelong region. We matched DEECA staff from different teams with a coastal environmental group. Staff could spend up to three weekly volunteering sessions with the group.
The pilot aimed to build greater connection between volunteers and department staff, promote the benefits of contributing to community and enable staff to experience the benefits of spending time in the outdoors.
So far, six weekly events have taken place. Staff have attended sessions at Point Addis Marine National Park, Ocean Grove, Pt Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve, and Point Lonsdale. Activities have included collecting intertidal transects, pulling polygala, digging pesky freesias, learning about critical coastal habitat, and collecting litter.
If you’re interested in participating in 2025 please reach out at shaya.kaartinen-price@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Ocean Grove activity.
Point Addis Marine National Park activity.
Welcome to our summer intern
Across this summer, Coastcare Victoria is lucky to have our very own intern to support the delivery of Summer by the Sea and other projects. A talented and driven individual, we are sure you will all enjoy meeting Shark at upcoming events!
A word from Shark:
My name is Shar k’pru Htoo, commonly known as ‘Shark’. I was born in a refugee camp on the Thailand-Myanmar border. My people, the Karen (pronounced kuh-ren), face ongoing challenges and persecution leading many to seek safety and refuge in Australia.
I graduated Year 12 as the vice-captain of my school and am now studying law and commerce. Last year, I interned at the Victorian Police station prosecution office where I explored the legal side of my studies. This year, I am exploring the business side of my studies by interning at Coastcare Victoria. Community is central to my life, and I’m excited to learn from Coastcare Victoria to support my goal of becoming a lawyer for my people. I look forward to meeting you this summer!
Coastcare Victoria intern Shar k’pru Htoo (‘Shark’).
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Page last updated: 17/12/24