The Victorian Government is protecting the internationally significant Gippsland Lakes by investing in projects that improve habitat, protect native wildlife, and benefit the local community.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing announced $4 million across four priority projects that will be delivered in partnership with the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee.
Minister Shing said, “These priority projects will deliver great outcomes for one of Victoria’s most environmentally significant waterways providing cultural and community benefits.”
Protecting and Improving the Wetlands of Jones Bay and Lake King received $1.14 million to enhance the local wetlands. They will focus on invasive species management to protect shorebirds and improve breeding opportunities for waterbirds on Flannagan Island.
The Government is also investing $1.6 million in the Lake Wellington and Fringing Wetlands Integrated NRM Program to improve the condition and connectivity of Lake Wellington and surrounding wetlands. It will also seek to enhance critical habitats for Green, Golden Bell and Growling Grass Frogs.
Gunaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation received $704,000 for the Gunaikurnai Country of the Gippsland Lakes Outer Barrier. They will enhance the habitat for native flora and fauna on the outer barrier. They will also assess the impacts of climate change on Country.
Additional funding for the Gippsland Lakes
The Victorian Government will also provide $640,000 towards the Understanding and Improving Aquatic Habitats and Ecosystems project. It will increase aquatic habitat within the lakes by installing ‘seagrass friendly’ boat moorings. They will also improve beach nesting sites for birds through the renourishment of sand islands.
The Government has invested $7.5 million over three years to support the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee. They will continue to deliver these critical on-ground works and community engagement.
The committee will be guided by the Gippsland Lakes Priorities Plan, Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Management Plan, Gunaikurnai Whole-of-Country-Plan and the East and West Gippsland Regional Waterway strategies.
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