Leah Moore, Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Funding is available under 6 funding streams: a planning stream, 4 implementation streams and one for emergency works identified in certified emergency action sub plans following a declared significant erosion or coastal inundation event.
Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: $2 from government for every $1 provided by the applicant (from council revenue). Some activities attract 1:1 or 0:1 (100%) funding.
- Application opened: 24 July 2025
- Application closes: 30 June 2026, 5:00 pm
Program objective
The program provides funding to enable local councils with their communities to prepare coastal management programs (CMPs), conduct coastal vulnerability area (CVA) mapping, and implement actions outlined in certified CMPs and coastal zone emergency action subplans (CZEAS), enhancing the management of coastal and estuarine environments.
It supports local councils in managing the coastal environment of New South Wales in a manner consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable.
Funding is available under 6 funding streams: a planning stream, 4 implementation streams and one for emergency works as actions identified in certified emergency action sub plans following a declared significant erosion or coastal inundation event.
See Program Guidelines (PDF 783KB) for the objectives of each stream.
Coastal and Estuary Grants Program funding streams
| Category and stream | Funding ratio/ amounts1 | Key dates |
|---|---|---|
| Planning (open year-round) | ||
| Stream 1: Preparation of coastal management programs | 2:1 ratio | Open 24 July 2025 Close 30 June 2026 |
| Planning (contestable round) | ||
| Conducting studies, hazard mapping or coastal risk assessments | 2:1 ratio | Open 24 July 2025 Close 4 September 2025 |
| Implementation (contestable round) | ||
| Stream 2: Coastal vulnerability area | 2:1 ratio | Open 24 July 2025 Close 4 September 2025 |
| Stream 2: Coastal vulnerability area mapping | 100:0 ratio, maximum $100,000 and one application per council | Open 24 July 2025 Close 4 September 2025 |
| Stream 3: Coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests area | 2:1 ratio | Open 24 July 2025 Close 4 September 2025 |
| Stream 4: Coastal environment area (land containing coastal features) | 2:1 ratio | Open 24 July 2025 Close 4 September 2025 |
| Stream 5: Coastal use area (land where development may be carried out) | 2:1 ratio | Open 24 July 2025 Close 4 September 2025 |
| Exempt activities (as aligned to the above implementation streams – maximum 2 applications per council) | 1:1 ratio, maximum $100,000 per application | Open 24 July 2025 Close 4 September 2025 |
| Emergency works (emergency trigger) | ||
| Stream 6: Coastal zone emergency action subplan (CZEAS) actions | 1:1 ratio, maximum funding per application $500,000 | Open once emergency trigger occurs |
1. See ‘Funding’ section for specific details. A 2:1 ratio means that the NSW Government will provide $2 for every $1 provided by the applicant; a 1:1 ratio means that the NSW Government will provide $1 for every $1 provided by the applicant; a 100:0 ratio means the NSW Government will fully fund the project.
This program is funded and administered by The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Eligibility
Who can apply
The following organisations are eligible to apply:
- local councils
- county councils
- joint organisations (established under an Act of Parliament)
- incorporated regional organisations of councils (ROCs).
When multiple councils work together within the same coastal sediment compartment or estuary to prepare or implement a CMP, one council, joint organisation or ROC from within the area applies and must be the lead agency in terms of signing the funding agreement, managing monies and reporting on the project.
Public land managers (such as a Crown reserve trust or a location-specific NSW government authority) may apply in partnership with a lead council, providing the council or other eligible organisation is the principal applicant and assumes overall responsibility for administering the grant.
Types of projects funded under this grant
Some examples of the types of projects that may be funded under this stream are:
- actions to reduce immediate risk from coastal hazards
- actions to reduce immediate risk to public assets
- emergency actions or activities to be carried out by a public authority under the CZEAS
- emergency actions or activities to ensure public safety and prevent risks to human life
- projects to prioritise and plan actions that support the continued functionality of essential infrastructure during and immediately after a coastal hazard emergency.
What can’t you apply for
Non-eligible costs and items include:
- Goods and services tax (GST): the project cost must exclude GST.
- Budget contingencies: project costs should be listed as accurately as possible.
- Operating costs or staffing: an applicant’s business-as-usual or core activities include preparing study briefs, reviewing proposals and tenders, researching and copying records, attending and facilitating meetings, administering contracts and grants, accounting costs, and liaising with government agencies and the public (unless approved as a dedicated resource at the time of application).
- Projects that are funded or being considered for funding as part of a natural disaster relief declaration.
- Grant funding cannot be sought for financial co-contribution through other NSW or Commonwealth programs. The applicant’s matching funds must be in the form of monetary contributions and cannot include in-kind, voluntary contributions or funding from other sources.
- For Streams 2 to 6, any actions that are not identified in a certified CMP or CZEAS (apart from the exempt activities and Stream 2 coastal vulnerability area mapping).
- For Streams 1 to 5 retrospective projects, funding is not available for projects currently underway or included in an existing contractual commitment, that are already tendered for or have been completed.
- Maintenance of projects once complete, including maintenance of existing infrastructure for its design life. This includes work undertaken to keep something in proper condition, care or upkeep; to avoid something breaking down (preventative maintenance); or to bring something back to working order (corrective maintenance). Note: Only projects involving the replacement or upgrading of existing protection structures noted as a priority action in a certified CMP will be considered.
- Foreshore protection structures within estuaries that delineate or are built along a private boundary.
- The portion of protection structures deemed to be for private asset protection or private benefit.
- Amenity works that have no environmental benefit, projects with no direct linkage to a reduction in risk associated with coastal processes, or connection to the area of works, such as car parking, barbecue facilities, shelters, amenity sheds, showers, toilets, sea pools or activities related to surf lifesaving clubs.
- Amenity projects in CZEAS.
- Vegetation reduction for amenity outcomes.
- Actions in the catchment area (outside the mapped coastal zone) that do not support the delivery of a certified CMP, will not provide significant benefit to the coastal zone, or are not a critical factor in estuary health.
- Sites with existing biobanking agreements or the preparation of a site to be eligible for biobanking.
- Monitoring projects longer than 3 years or repeat monitoring projects at the same location.
- Projects that do not demonstrate they are cost-effective and do not have links to long-term management planning.
What your application needs to include
You can download the full guidelines and visit the Environment and Heritage site:
Prepare your application with this checklist
The program operates through an online Grant Management System, which is the online
platform for managing grants. To apply for any grants within this program, visit the
Grant Management System website at gms.environment.nsw.gov.au.
If you are a first-time user, you will need to register, create an account, and set up an
organisation profile. Registration is free and is a straightforward process.
Lodging an application for financial assistance does not guarantee assistance will be
offered.
A separate application must be completed for each project through the online Grant
Management System. Multiple projects cannot be included in the one application.
Where multiple applications for funding through the program are being submitted, the
applicant is required to identify the relative priority between their applications to assist
with the project evaluation process.
Steps to apply
Step 1
Read these program guidelines (PDF 783KB) and review the Coastal and estuary grants webpage.
Step 2
Check eligibility:
- Is your organisation eligible?
- Are your project and proposed activities appropriate for this program?
- Are you required to have a CMP or CZEAS to be eligible to apply for the project?
Step 3
Identify which funding stream is applicable to your project. If unsure, contact your
departmental regional representative (see ‘Contacts for assistance’ section).
Review the relevant funding stream conditions in preparation of your grant application.
Step 4
Prepare your grant application in the online Grant Management System along with
submitting any supporting documentation such as an extract of the applicable CMP or
CZEAS action, site maps and detailed design of proposed works.
Ensure the workplan has at least:
- 2 detailed milestones with associated activities for projects up to $75,000
- 4 detailed milestones with associated activities for projects between $75,000 and
$200,000 - 6 detailed milestones with associated activities for projects over $200,000.
Please note that projects must be complete within 3 years of commencement and the Grant Management System restricts applicants from submitting projects for grant funding beyond a 3-year timeframe.
Projects cannot commence until 2 March 2026 and must commence by 6 October 2026.
Changes can be made to an application at any time until it is submitted. The Grant
Management System offers functionality to share your application with your
departmental regional representative for guidance.
Step 5
An application must be submitted, with all sections completed, and a detailed project
workplan and supporting documentation prior to the closing date.
Applications must be submitted via the Grant Management System. Any applications
submitted late or by other means will not be accepted.
Address the assessment criteria
Address the assessment criteria relevant to the stream you are applying under.
Planning stream
Grant applications are assessed against the following criteria:
- demonstrated need for and importance of the project
- the method proposed to undertake the work is sound
- the project is value for money/reasonable cost (compared to similar projects)
- if cost–benefit analysis related, does it align with the procedures outlined in the NSW Coastal management manual.
Implementation streams
Grant applications are assessed against a range of criteria including:
- actions identified in a certified CMP or CZEAS (except for exempt activities or CVA projects)
- the project aligns to both statewide priorities and objectives, and this grant program’s priorities and objectives
- the project meets one or more of the management objectives for the relevant coastal management area
- capacity to deliver the project with available resources
- commitment to maintaining works in a condition suitable to meet its design intent for the design life
- cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility with best practice implementation
- the environmental benefit of the project.
Emergency works stream
Grant applications are assessed against a range of criteria including:
- the action is identified in a coastal zone emergency action sub plan in a certified coastal management program
- that the coastal zone emergency action sub plan has been triggered
- the works address beach erosion, coastal inundation or cliff instability
- will result in an overall reduction in the risk from coastal hazards in the short and/or medium term
- the works consist of temporary measures to mitigate risk with clear links to long-term management actions
- the project delivers broad public benefit, allowing appropriate management of public assets.
Applications will only be considered if the works are urgent and cannot wait until the next funding round. Substantial justification as to why the works are urgent must be provided.
Start the application
Applications for this grant are available via the Grants portal.
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: The appropriate department delegate.
Successful applications will be decided through assessment by NSW DCCEEW technical specialists and an independent panel, which includes expert and stakeholder representation, and will assess and prioritise applications on a statewide basis. Projects recommended for funding are provided for consideration and approval by the appropriate department delegate.
Applications will be checked to confirm eligibility and completeness. Ineligible, late or incomplete applications are determined ineligible for funding.
Details of successful applications will be placed on the department’s website. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
Support and contact
Phone: Grants Branch – Coast and Estuary on 02 9895 6494
Email: coastalestuary.floodgrants@environment.nsw.gov.au
Postal Address: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta NSW 2124