- Published:
- Thursday 23 March 2023
The Andrews Labor Government is empowering local community groups to improve habitats, protect native wildlife and help preserve internationally significant wetlands in the Gippsland Lakes.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing opened a new round of the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee Community Grants today, with over $137,000 to share across successful projects.
These grants provide funding to assist community groups to complete environmental projects through on-ground management activities and community engagement.
Eligible projects include restoring habitat for native species, reducing sediment and nutrient loads, protecting native animals and improving understanding of plants and animals that call the Gippsland Lakes home.
The last round of grants invested $4 million across the lakes including projects like improving the condition and connectivity of Lake Wellington and surrounding wetlands, installing ‘seagrass friendly’ boat moorings and improving beach nesting sites for birds though the renourishment of sand islands.
These grants are part of a $248 million investment to improve the health of waterways and catchments across Victoria.
To date, $7.5 million has been invested towards improving the health of Gippsland Lakes over three years through support to the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee.
Applications are open until Monday 1 May, for more information or to apply visit loveourlakes.net.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing
“Community is at the heart of the program to protect and enhance the Gippsland Lakes, and this new round of grants will help our fabulous volunteers and community groups to get on with more projects and deliver more environmental and wildlife benefits.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“These grants contribute so much to our local environment, they have already helped protect the Lakes’ Burrunan dolphins and helped restore multiple wetlands with the help of community and school groups.”
Quote attributable to Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee Chair Glenys Watts.
“Past funding rounds have left a significant legacy and we encourage new and existing community groups to apply and play their part in the bigger picture we are all committed to – protecting the important natural and cultural values of the Gippsland Lakes.”