Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, this week spent two days in East Gippsland viewing various environmental works and gaining a greater understanding of the region.

He was accompanied by the Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with the visit co-ordinated by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA).

The group visited Landcare projects in the region, including some terrific work undertaken at the property of David Brownlow, a boat trip from Paynesville to Metung, taking in the Mitchell River Silt Jetties, viewing re-vegetation works on the lower Snowy River and the poplar removal program above Orbost.

“It is no doubt the Minister now has a greater appreciation of the importance of the Gippsland Lakes to the region on a number of fronts, in fact he has said he will be back with his family,” said Mr Bull.

“The trip into the wilderness areas of the Snowy was also an eye opener as it is truly some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the state.

“I highlighted the need for a local approach to management of the Gippsland Lakes system and the importance of monitoring the Lakes’ condition.

The visit provided the opportunity to discuss the Gippsland Lakes policy initiative of the Victorian Government and options for implementation of the $10 million package of funding announced as part of the election commitment.

The Minister advised government is still discussing implementation options, but will shortly be able to announce their proposal for moving forward on the Gippsland Lakes initiative.