The Ramsar-listed Gippsland Lakes are one of the region’s most important natural features, that support environmental outcomes, community wellbeing and the visitor economy.
Mayor John White said ongoing Gippsland Lakes investment, research and education were vital to the future health of the system.
“This Federal election campaign, we have been asking for financial support for the appropriate agencies to continue working together to improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes through on-ground actions,” he said.
“There is significant work that can be done to enhance habitats in the Lakes for our locally and internationally important birds
including protecting sites from human disturbance, erosions and habitat loss, and controlling pest animals to protect wetlands and nesting sites.
“Through increased consistent funding, as a community we can improve and enhance the connectivity of wetland habitats, including saltmarsh, within and adjacent to the
Ramsar site, and support the management of water in priority fringing wetlands such as Macleod Morass.
“Furthering our understanding of the key priorities by assessing the vulnerability and sensitivity of the system is critical. We have continued to advocate for funds to support this type of assessment across the whole of the system.
“There is a great opportunity to support Gunaikurnai aspirations to participate in land, water and biodiversity management and restoration of the Gippsland Lakes
cultural landscape, including the protection and enhancement of culturally significant species and sites.”
