Three years of partners and community working together to monitor, understand and protect Talikatoor (Gippsland Lakes) on Gunaikurnai Country through the Love Our Lakes program was wrapped up in a gathering of partners recently.
“The current Love Our Lakes program is made up of 48 projects delivered by 22 partners to improve the health of Gippsland Lakes over three years (2021-2024),” said Bec Hemming, CEO of East Gippsland CMA.
“The Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee oversaw the delivery of on-ground works and community engagement and are proud of the knowledge, experience and passion demonstrated in the program to care for the Lakes.”
Combining science, monitoring, on-ground works, and community partnerships, these projects collectively have had a positive impact across the internationally renowned Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site – safeguarding it for the future.
The program was delivered across main areas and themes of:
- Jones Bay and Lake King
- Lake Wellington
- Outer Barrier Islands
- Aquatic Habitat
- Community grant projects.
“Working together to understand and care for the Lakes’ dynamic system is the most effective way to protect them into the future. This latest round of funding builds on previous programs and provides a great framework for future management,” Ms Hemming said.
“Highlights include breeding events of critically endangered frog species and improvement in the condition of the Lakes’ saltmarsh. It’s also wonderful to showcase the work of the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners who have been instrumental in delivering many projects in this funding round.”
This project is part of a $248 million investment by the Victorian Government to improve the health of waterways and catchments across regional Victoria. Of this, $7.5 million is being provided to improve the health of Gippsland Lakes over three years (2021-2024), through support to the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee and for the delivery of on-ground works and community engagement.
