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$100,000 for continued health of Gippsland Lakes

The health of the iconic Gippsland Lakes will be further enhanced with the Victorian Coalition Government to provide $100,000 to evaluate the water quality of the lakes and surrounding catchments.

Opening today’s Love Our Lakes Forum in Lakes Entrance, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, announced the $100,000 funding allocation, sourced from round three of the Coalition Government’s $10 million Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund.

“Today I’m delighted to announce funding for a study that will enable the Environment Protection Authority to evaluate the water quality of the Gippsland Lakes and its catchments,” Mr Bull said.

“The project will involve a scientific and strategic monitoring and reporting plan, develop appropriate water quality objectives, and gather clear scientific evidence about water quality.”

Mr Bull said today’s Love Our Lakes Forum provided an opportunity discuss the health of the Gippsland Lakes and encouraged participation in the custodianship and care of the Gippsland Lakes and showcased some of projects being undertaken by the Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee (GLMAC).

“The forum has brought together community members, researchers, educators, industry and government representatives to share their knowledge and discuss ways to increase understanding and involvement in the management of the Gippsland Lakes,” Mr Bull said.

“GLMAC plays an important role in advising the Coalition Government on the health of the Gippsland Lakes and recommending action through the $10 million Gippsland Lakes Environment Fund, which was an important Coalition Government election commitment.

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government was proud to have invested $10 million, over four years, toward practical environmental projects to protect the Gippsland Lakes.

“We have recently announced $3 million for 18 projects to improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes as part of stage three of the funding roll-out,” Mr Ryan said.

“This additional $3 million brings the total amount of funding delivered through to $10 million Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund  to more than $5.5 million for stages one to three,  delivering projects that improve the health of the lakes and support surrounding communities and the fishing industry.

“The funding will support the work of community organisations, research bodies and government authorities including Landcare groups, Greening Australia, the Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation, the Environment Protection Authority and Parks Victoria.

“Among the projects funded are initiatives that include the restoration of wetlands, planting of native vegetation, protecting threatened species and habitats, reducing inflows of silt and nutrients, and controlling pests.”