Fifteen projects to protect the Gippsland Lakes are kick starting across the Gippsland Lakes, on Gunaikurnai Country.

Under the banner of Love Our Lakes, the suite of projects delivered by nine regional partners will build on the legacy of collaborative work over 20 years. 

The latest round of projects was recently endorsed by the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee who will oversee their delivery across three themed areas with the primary objective of maintaining and improving the health of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar wetland.  

Eight initiatives will continue to protect threatened flora and fauna, enhance critical wetland habitat and undertake innovative trial to address the impacts of climate change.

Five projects will focus on priority pest plant and animal control across the Lakes to promote breeding of threatened bird species and protect important wetland habitat.  

Two projects will build understanding of emerging toxicants and nutrients to and continue eDNA sampling led by Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. 

“The shared ‘love for the Lakes’ by community and partners is at the heart of the program. By bringing together resources, knowledge and passion, we are well placed to deliver this next round of projects and contribute to the bigger picture of conserving the internationally renowned Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site,” said Eric Sjerp, Chair of the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee.

“It’s great to see these essential projects getting underway. They were chosen based on the Gippsland Lakes Priorities Plan 2025-2028 and will continue to build on the solid foundation of successful on-ground works delivered over many years. We are looking forward to sharing the benefits they bring with our community.”  

“We are delighted to oversee the work that is continuing across the catchment to improve the health of the Lakes. Our focus is ensuring collaboration and coordination between all land and waterway managers to achieve the best outcomes for the Lakes.” 

Program partners include GLaWAC, Parks Victoria, Greening Australia, Marine Mammal Foundation, Trust for Nature, East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authorities, East Gippsland Shire Council and Wellington Shire Council.  

This project is funded by the Victorian Government to continue improving the health of the Gippsland Lakes.