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Darren Chester tables petition in Parliament calling for independent environmental audit of Gippsland Lakes

Darren Chester has tabled a petition in Federal Parliament calling for an independent environmental audit of the Gippsland Lakes, citing outdated data and the need for better monitoring and management.

By news@gippsland - 28th July 2025 - Back to News

A petition that supports the need for an independent environmental audit of the Gippsland Lakes has been tabled in Federal Parliament. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester tabled the petition, which was supported by the locally based 'Friends of the Gippsland Lakes' and attracted almost 1000 signatures. "It is long overdue," Mr Chester told Parliament.

Gippsland MP Darren Chester has tabled a petition that supports the need for an independent environmental audit of the Gippsland Lakes in Federal Parliament

Audit overdue concern

Mr Chester said, "The last audit was undertaken by the CSIRO in 1998, and this is a dynamic system which is subject to a range of external impacts and influences. I've previously described the Gippsland Lakes as the Great Barrier Reef of the south, such is their importance to my region."

"The Gippsland Lakes are an impressive coastal lagoon system, and their value to my region cannot be overestimated. Socially, economically, environmentally and culturally, we have an obligation to care for the RAMSAR-listed wetlands, and I am concerned that we are failing future generations," he said.

Audit for lakes

Mr Chester said he supported the petition because of the lack of detailed monitoring and measurement of conditions throughout the Gippsland Lakes and the catchment. "It's the environmental future of the lakes and rivers in my region which causes me and Friends of the Gippsland Lakes most concern and the ongoing failure to properly measure, manage and take practical action to improve water quality, reduce the impact of pests and ensure the lakes are passed on to future generations."

"Managing the lakes, as with most natural resource management issues, is primarily a state government responsibility. But what do we do when a state like Victoria continually fails to meet its responsibilities? An independent audit would provide an effective stocktake or condition report, and I commend the petitioners for their advocacy work."

"I will continue to advocate for an environmental audit of the Gippsland Lakes and funding for practical natural resource management to ensure we protect and, wherever possible, enhance this world-class resource," said Mr Chester.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com