Community groups, coastal managers, local governments, Aboriginal land councils or government departments have until March 25 to apply for the 2010 Coastwest Grants.

Western Australian Planning Commission chairman Gary Prattley is encouraging partnerships to apply for the grants.

“Coastwest grants have had a significant and positive impact on our coastline since they were established in 1995,” Mr Prattley said.

“Projects supported by Coastwest grants have benefited coastal communities throughout the state and helped to ensure that Western Australia maintains its beautiful and pristine coastline, which attracts visitors from around the world.

“Funding has been awarded to a wide range of projects over the years, including dune rehabilitation schemes, improvements to paths, new viewing platforms and programs to tackle the problem of marine debris.”

Projects will be funded up to $150,000.

The Coastwest grants assessment process will consider the extent to which the projects contribute to the implementation of local and regional coastal plans and strategies and the State Coastal Planning Policy.

Guidelines for applicants are available on the PlanningWA website at

www.planning.wa.gov.au/coast west