Four community groups will receive a boost for critical projects that will protect and restore the iconic Gippsland Lakes as part of the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee Community Grants Funding.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing announced the successful applicants on a visit to the Gippsland Lakes today and acknowledged the ongoing dedication and passion of the local community for the Lakes’ environment.
Four projects will share in $126,100 to allow passionate community groups to roll out innovative environmental projects through on-ground management activities and community engagement.
The successful projects are:
- Mullet Bay Restoration Project, East Gippsland Landcare Network – $53,600
- Nicholson River Wetlands Restoration Stage 2, Nicholson River Landcare Group – $20,000
- Fortifying Forge Creek for the Future, Romawi Landcare Group – $42,500
- Protecting the Pygmy Perch of Forge Creek, Romawi Landcare Group – $10,000
The grants form part of a $248 million investment by the Andrews Labor Government to improve the health of waterways and catchments across regional Victoria. Of this, $7.5 million is dedicated to the health of Gippsland Lakes and for the delivery of on-ground works, monitoring and community engagement.
The Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee was formed in 2015 to prioritise and oversee investment in community and agency projects that focus on improving the environmental health of the Gippsland Lakes.
As stated by Minister for Water Harriet Shing
“These projects reflect the ongoing passion and determination in local communities to deliver new projects ranging from fortifying creeks, restoring wetlands and protecting threatened species such as pygmy perch.”
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“These latest projects will help protect our precious Lakes and inspire and engage the wider Gippsland Lakes community to get out and learn more about their local environment.”
As stated by Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee Chair Glenys Watts.
“The community component of the Gippsland Lakes program gets to the heart of what we all aspire to achieve. Past projects have created a significant legacy and these new projects will also leave their mark. It’s another step towards our vision to protect the important natural and cultural values of the Gippsland Lakes and inspire others to do the same into the future.”
