The Victorian Government has launched eight new projects to be funded through its $10 million Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund.

 

"The Government and local community have a vested interest to improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes, and that is why we have created the $10 million Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund and are working with the community through the Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee to develop an environmental strategy for the Lakes,” State Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said.

 

 

Mr Ryan said the first eight projects to be approved by the Committee include:

  • evaluation of the economic and community impact of the 2011/12 Nodularia Algae Bloom - $30,000
  • funding to support a range of care groups to enhance the biodiversity of the Gippsland Lakes - $160,000
  • nutrient reduction in the Upper Gippsland Lakes Catchment - $137,500
  • Latrobe Estuary and wetlands restoration - $120,000
  • meander restoration along the Lower Latrobe River - $150,000
  • engaging the Gippsland Lakes community -$80,000
  • andholders fencing and revegetating the Gippsland Lakes rivers - $44,000
  • monitoring the environment health of the Gippsland Lakes - $126,000

 

 

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull, who helped develop the implementation strategy for the Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee and Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund, said the initial eight projects would go a long way to improving the health and prosperity of the Gippsland Lakes

 

"A report which looked at the economic impact of the 2008 non-toxic algal bloom found it had a direct economic cost of $18 million and more than 300 jobs. By evaluating the economic and community impact of the 2011/12 Nodularia Algae Bloom and comparing the results with the 2008 bloom, we can identify trends or lessons that can inform future management decisions," Mr Bull said.