Current coastal and estuary grants round

All applications for the 2026–27 program round will be via the online Grants Management System.

• Download the Grants Management System Online Portal user manual
• Guidelines for applicants 2026–27 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program
• Coastal and Estuary Planning Grant – Sample application workplan (XLSX 16KB)
• Coast and Estuary Implementation Grant – Sample application workplan (XLSX 15KB)

Planning

Stream 1a: Preparation of coastal management programs and supporting studies (open year-round)

Funding is available to support councils to prepare coastal management programs (CMPs) for certification under the coastal management framework. Applications are open year-round to support the development of CMPs and to undertake investigation and design (I&D) for projects included in a certified CMP.

Please note: where funding is sought for mapping or studies identified as actions within a certified CMP, applicants must apply through stream 1b under the annual contestable funding round.

Assessment process

Applications will be reviewed through a multistage process. An initial review is undertaken to confirm eligibility and completeness. Technical specialists will contribute regional context and commentary; however, scoring will be undertaken exclusively by principal specialists and senior team leaders to ensure consistency and impartiality.

Projects recommended for funding are provided for consideration and approval by the appropriate department delegate.

Implementation

Funding is available under:

• stream 1b to undertake additional studies, hazard mapping or coastal risk assessments identified in a certified CMP, and to map a coastal vulnerability area (CVA)
• streams 2 to 5 across the 4 coastal management areas identified in the Act, focused on delivery of actions within the mapped coastal zone
• the exempt activity stream to perform physical on-ground works without being listed as an action in a certified CMP or coastal zone emergency action subplan (CZEAS)
• stream 6 only to eligible applicants for urgent CZEAS works following significant erosion events or a coastal inundation emergency.

Councils may submit applications to implement actions listed in a certified CMP or a CMP that is pending certification at the funding round closing date. Funding is contingent on the CMP being certified, except for eligible CVA mapping projects and exempt activities.

Assessment process and criteria for streams 2–5 and exempt activities (excluding stream 2b)

Applications will be initially reviewed to confirm eligibility and completeness. Applications that are ineligible, incomplete or submitted after the closing date will not be assessed. Eligible applications will be reviewed by the department’s regional technical specialists, who will provide comments. An independent technical review committee will then review, score and recommend applications. Projects recommended for funding will be submitted for consideration and approval by the appropriate departmental delegate.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• whether the action is identified in a certified CMP or CZEAS (except for exempt activities)
• whether the project aligns with both the objects of the Coastal Management Act 2016 and the priorities and objectives of this grant program
• whether the project meets one or more management objectives for the relevant coastal management area
• the applicant’s capacity to deliver the project with available resources
• the applicant’s commitment to maintaining works in a condition suitable to meet its design intent for the design life
• cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility, including alignment with best-practice implementation
• the environmental benefit of the project.

Assessment process and criteria for stream 2b: Coastal vulnerability area mapping

Applications will be initially reviewed to verify eligibility and confirm that all mandatory documentation has been provided. Applications that are ineligible, incomplete or submitted after the closing date will not be assessed. Eligible applications will be reviewed by the department’s regional technical specialists, who will provide comments. An independent technical review committee will then review, score and recommend applications. Projects recommended for funding will be submitted for consideration and approval by the appropriate departmental delegate.

The applications will be assessed against a range of criteria, including:

• whether the action is identified in a certified CMP or, where no CMP is certified, whether the proposed coastal vulnerability area mapping is based on suitable data and aligns with the Resilience and Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP)
• whether the project aligns to both the objects of the Coastal Management Act, and the priorities and objectives of this grant program
• a demonstrated need for the proposed study and its relevance to informing or supporting future works in the area
• whether the project is based on suitable data and evidence, and will facilitate sustainable land-use planning decisions
• cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility
• the applicant’s capacity to deliver the project with available resources
• the applicant’s commitment to using the information to support future coastal management decisions or for the work to be integrated into planning decision-making.

Assessment process and criteria for stream 6: Coastal zone emergency action subplan actions (emergency works)

The emergency works stream will be administered by the department as a private funding round and opened only to eligible councils following consultation between the Grants Branch and the principal specialists to determine whether a significant coastal erosion, coastal inundation or cliff instability event has occurred.

In determining whether to open the stream, the department may consider:

• the nature, scale and extent of the coastal erosion, inundation or cliff instability event
• whether the event has resulted in immediate or ongoing public safety risks or risks to assets and infrastructure
• whether urgent implementation of actions identified in a certified coastal zone emergency action subplan (CZEAS) is required prior to the next scheduled funding round
• whether a natural disaster declaration has been made and its alignment with affected areas
• the severity and urgency of coastal hazard impacts, relative to normal coastal processes and management arrangements.

Applications under this stream must be submitted within 90 days of the emergency event having occurred, unless the department grants an extension. If the department requests additional information to support assessment of an application, this must be provided within 10 business days of the request, unless otherwise agreed by the appropriate department delegate.

Applications will be initially reviewed to verify eligibility and confirm that all mandatory documentation has been provided. Applications that are ineligible, incomplete, or submitted outside the approved timeframes will not proceed to assessment.

Eligible applications will be reviewed by the department’s regional technical specialists, who will provide comments. A departmental technical review committee will then review, score and recommend applications. Projects recommended for funding will be submitted for consideration and approval by the appropriate departmental delegate.

Please note that emergency works not defined within a CZEAS in a certified CMP will not be eligible for funding.

The applicant must demonstrate that the action:

• is identified in a CZEAS in a certified CMP
• is being undertaken in response to a CZEAS that has been triggered
• will result in an overall reduction in risk from coastal hazards in the short and/or medium term
• consists of temporary measures to mitigate risk with clear links to long-term management actions
• delivers a broad public benefit, including appropriate protection and management of public assets.

Find out more about past grant recipients and funded projects.