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East Gippsland Council seeks federal support to protect and restore the Gippsland Lakes' environment, culture and visitor economy

Council is seeking federal support to protect the Gippsland Lakes through habitat restoration, cultural engagement, research, and a proposed discovery centre, as part of its broader federal election advocacy priorities.

By news@gippsland - 1st May 2025 - Back to News

The Ramsar-listed Gippsland Lakes are one of the region's most important natural features, supporting environmental outcomes, community wellbeing and the visitor economy. Mayor John White said ongoing Gippsland Lakes investment, research and education were vital to the future health of the system.

The Gippsland Lakes support environment, wellbeing and tourism; a discovery centre would boost awareness, education and cultural understanding

Enhancing lakes health

John said, "This Federal election campaign, we have been asking for financial support for the appropriate agencies to continue working together to improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes through on-ground actions,"

"There is significant work that can be done to enhance habitats in the Lakes for our locally and internationally important birds including protecting sites from human disturbance, erosions and habitat loss, and controlling pest animals to protect wetlands and nesting sites."

"Through increased consistent funding, as a community we can improve and enhance the connectivity of wetland habitats, including saltmarsh, within and adjacent to the Ramsar site, and support the management of water in priority fringing wetlands such as Macleod Morass," John said.

Assessing ecosystem resilience

John also said, "Furthering our understanding of the key priorities by assessing the vulnerability and sensitivity of the system is critical. We have continued to advocate for funds to support this type of assessment across the whole of the system."

"There is a great opportunity to support Gunaikurnai aspirations to participate in land, water and biodiversity management and restoration of the Gippsland Lakes cultural landscape, including the protection and enhancement of culturally significant species and sites," John said.

Gippsland Lakes centre

A cultural and discovery centre for the Gippsland Lakes, in line with other major regions such as the Grampians, Wilsons Promontory and the Murray River, would be of significant benefit to building awareness of, and education about, the Lakes. "A $100,000 commitment for a business case would get this important work started," John said.

This issue is on a list of election priorities the council has been pushing ahead of this Saturday's federal election. The wish list includes priorities across a range of areas, including investments to improve roads and community safety, an audit of the Gippsland Lakes, support for economic transition, delivering cost-of-living relief to rural communities, and investment in housing, telecommunications and the arts.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com