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Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Sustainability and EnvironmentNew Chair For Lakes TaskforceProfessor Barry Hart was recently appointed as the new independent Chair for the Gippsland Lakes and Catchment Taskforce. By Department of Sustainability & Environment - 1st August 2006 - Back to News Professor Barry Hart was recently appointed as the new independent Chair for the Gippsland Lakes and Catchment Taskforce, a multi-agency body responsible for ensuring a coordinated approach to improving the health of the Gippsland Lakes and its catchments.
Department of Sustainability and Environment Gippsland Regional Director Neville Penrose said that Professor Hart was the ideal choice to oversee the third phase of the Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Action Plan.
"The State Government recently announced a further $6 million over three years to continue work to improve water quality of the Lakes, reduce algal blooms and ensure the survival of the surrounding wetlands," Mr Penrose said.
"Professor Hart brings a wealth of experience to the Taskforce. He has established an international reputation in the fields of aquatic chemistry, water quality management and ecological risk assessment."
"His work over many years in developing water quality guidelines for Australia is well recognised and he was also influential in the team that produced the Australian and New Zealand water quality guidelines in 2000."
Professor Hart was a past Chair of the Gippsland Integrated Natural Resources Forum and past member of the Victorian Catchment Management Council, the key advisory body on resource management in Victoria.
Mr Penrose said that the Professor Hart’s strong local connections would be a great asset.
"He was raised in Bairnsdale and is a frequent visitor to the area. He has had a long and ongoing interest in the functioning and health of the Lakes and is highly regarded throughout the region," Mr Penrose said.
"Professor Hart also has a high public profile as an educator and scientific researcher, keen to convert research knowledge into a form that can be used by resource management agencies and industry."
"He has an established track record for working successfully to bring tertiary institutions and industry and resource management agencies closer together."
Professor Hart has received several awards, including the Limnology Medal from the Australian Society for Limnology (the scientific study of bodies of fresh water), and the Environmental Chemistry Medal and Applied Chemistry Medal from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
Continued…
Professor Hart said he was looking forward to a productive future with the Taskforce and the Gippsland Lakes.
"The recent funding announcement means that the Taskforce will be able to continue its important work in improving the health of the Lakes," Professor Hart said.
"The Taskforce plays a significant role as advocate, adviser and link between the region and the Government."
"To date, over 45 projects addressing the health of the Lakes have been funded through the $12.8 million already injected into the Gippsland Lakes’ future since 2002."
"The Gippsland Lakes are of great environmental importance and are listed as a site of international significance under the Ramsar Convention."
"As a major tourism and recreation destination, the Lakes also play a vital role in supporting the regional economy."
"It is of utmost importance we continue to invest in measures that will ensure the survival of the Gippsland Lakes – our Lakes are precious, we must pass them on."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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