“The hazard with East Beach tip was identified quite a few years ago. We put a submission into state government to do all the work which was estimated at about $20 million.

“We were given a grant to do a study on the extent of it,” he said.

Cr Wolfe said the $1.5 million was the first funding allocated towards making the site safe and secure.

“The $1.5 million over three years will allow us to expand the bottom dune. It’s great news for us and part of the funding is also to explore the best long-term approach to it,” he said.

10.30am: Last year state treasurer Tim Pallas was told the Moyne shire’s big-ticket item was the former tip and night soil sites in the East Beach dunes, which could cost as much as $34 million to remove the waste and recreate the dunes.

Earlier: The state government has provided $1.5 million over three years to help manage the closed East Beach landfill site near Port Fairy.

Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio on Tuesday announced the funding had been allocated from the government’s Sustainability Fund, as part of the 2018-19 State Budget.

Funding will help support ongoing management of the site, to protect the environment and local community.

The government has also partnered with the Moyne Shire Council to investigate future planning and management options, including potential rehabilitation.

The work will inform how the funding and management options can be implemented heading forward.

The Sustainability Fund continues to provide vital support for councils and recycling and landfill management facilities to deliver a more sustainable future.

Ms D’Ambrosio said it was an important project for the Port Fairy area.

"We’re making sure the East Beach landfill gets the support it needs," she said.

“We’re ensuring this land is properly managed so that rubbish from the former tip doesn’t stop visitors from enjoying the beach," she said.

Western Victoria Upper House member and South West Coast candidate James Purcell said  the East Beach landfill site has been of great concern for many years.

"After much lobbying and consultation it’s great to secure funding to get this cleaned up," he said.

“Again we see the power of a local community, their council and state government member working together for a positive outcome to an ongoing problem. 

"I’m very proud to be part of driving this process to get a funding outcome that will make a huge difference to the health and safety of users of East Beach," he said.