A new $900,000 environmental initiative will restore critical mangroves and saltmarsh in Western Port, aiming to shield local communities from the growing impacts of climate change.
The Western Port Biosphere and RMIT University have partnered on the three-year project, backed by philanthropic funding from The Ian Potter Foundation and contributions from project partners including RMIT. The program will focus on restoring and protecting mangroves, saltmarsh, and seagrass habitats on Bunurong Country — ecosystems known for their ability to store “blue carbon”, buffer coastlines from erosion, and provide essential breeding grounds for marine and bird life.
Many of these wetlands are located alongside private land, and the project will actively engage landholders, offering tools, resources, and expert guidance to integrate natural defences into their properties.
“This project allows us to move from planning into action, working directly with private landholders to integrate natural infrastructure into the future resilience of their properties,”
— Western Port Biosphere CEO Mel Barker.
The program builds on earlier council-supported research and Victorian Government–funded restoration work. RMIT scientists Dr Stacey Trevathan-Tackett and Dr Melissa Wartman, from the university’s Centre for Nature Positive Solutions, will lead scientific design and monitoring to ensure the restoration delivers measurable benefits for both the environment and local communities.
“Healthy mangroves and saltmarsh are Western Port’s first line of defence against storms and erosion,” Dr Trevathan-Tackett said.
“They slow waves, trap sediment, and store carbon in their soils for centuries… This project will put that knowledge into action.”
Coastal erosion is already impacting parts of Western Port, with rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges expected to increase pressure on vulnerable shorelines. Organisers say nature-based solutions are a cost-effective, long-term strategy to protect habitats, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
Landholders interested in participating can contact the Western Port Biosphere via biosphere.org.au/contact or by calling 5979 2167.
