Beach cleaning

Under our beach cleaning program, Port Phillip Bay beaches are cleaned fortnightly using either a mechanical or hand cleaning method.

Mechanical raking has been reinstated across most accessible beaches, ensuring efficient removal of litter and seaweed.

Hand cleaning continues in areas that are either:

• Not accessible to machinery due to terrain or infrastructure.
• Home to native plants that require a gentler approach and careful protection.

Download: Beach Cleaning Map - Feb 2026(JPG, 3MB)

Protecting Coast Saltwort (Salsola)

Coast Saltwort plants have been identified on several Port Phillip Bay beaches. This species is listed as endangered in Victoria, making its protection important. We are working closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to ensure beach cleaning methods support the conservation of this important native plant. 

Hand cleaning trial July 2024 –August 2025

The beach hand-cleaning trial provided valuable insights into the unique challenges of maintaining our coastline.

Key findings include:

• Environmental sensitivity - some beach areas contain native and vulnerable vegetation that is best preserved through manual cleaning.
• Access limitations - certain sections of the coastline are not suitable for mechanical equipment due to narrow paths, steep inclines, or infrastructure.
• Community engagement -the trial prompted strong community feedback and increased volunteer participation through groups like Beach Patrol and Friends Groups.