The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the delivery of community led projects that will help improve the health and amenity of the Gippsland Lakes.

Nine projects have shared in total of $463,000 to be delivered over the next two years, with projects ranging from dolphin citizen science and project that help connect the lakes and improving water quality and biodiversity.

The nine projects allocated grant funding in this round include:

• Australian Marine Mammal Foundation for their Lakes Champions Citizen Science and Community Stewardship for the Gippsland Lakes Burrunan Dolphin project.
• Barrier Landing Coastcare Group to create a Barrier Landing Action Plan.
• East Gippsland Landcare Network for their project to Improve Biodiversity around Jones Bay.
• East Gippsland Landcare Network for their project to Improve Wetlands on the Nicholson River.
• Heyfield Wetlands Committee of Management for the continued enhancement of the Heyfield Wetlands.
• Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network to stage three of their Flynn’s Creek Enhancement Program.
• Maffra & Districts Landcare Network to Improve Condition of and Connection to our Lakes.
• Nicholson River Landcare Group to Restore Wetlands on the Nicholson River.
• Raymond Island Landcare Group for Flood Damag e Mitigation.

The community grant program is part of a $248 million investment by the Labor Government to improve the health of waterways and catchments.

The first of two rounds of community grant funding totalling $600,000 over the Committee’s three-years with the second round to be initiated in 2023-24.

“The RAMSAR listed Gippsland Lakes provide critical habitat for our native wildlife and attract visitors from all over the world, it’s important the lakes remain healthy and thriving so we can continue to enjoy it for years to come.”

“We can’t do it alone and this is a wonderful demonstration of community groups working towards healthier rivers, estuaries and wetlands.”

Minister for Water Harriet Shing

“These projects build a lasting legacy and continue the strong community tradition of working together to improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes. I am delighted to see the passion behind these latest initiatives.”

Glenys Watts, Chair of Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee