Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Lisa Neville has announced the 10 new members of the Committee and a new management plan for the Gippsland Lakes. “The lakes are internationally recognised for their environmental values and hold significant social, cultural and recreational value for the many families and communities that visit every year.” the Minister said at the launch. “With dedicated funding, an improved management structure and access to local knowledge and expertise, I’m confident the Committee can further improve the health of the lakes – a vitally important asset to all Victorians.”
The Committee now includes five new community representatives with skills in aquatic science, waterway management or environmental science and conservation. It also includes five new members who represent Victorian public sector agencies with waterway management responsibilities.
Committee co-chairs, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Chair, Angus Hume, and East Gippsland CMA Chair, Dr Peter Veenker, were announced last year. The new community members are Jenny Robertson, Glenys Watts, Associate Professor Perran Cook, Arthur Allen and Fiona Warry. The new public sector agency members are Andrew Marshall, Carolyn Crossley, Michael Timpano, Katherine Nelson and Michelle Dickson.
The Committee will oversee the expenditure of $2.5 million allocated in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to improve the health of the lakes, guided by the existing regional waterway strategies for East and West Gippsland and the new Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Management Plan. The plan was developed by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, in consultation with the community, and is the blueprint for managing the lakes over the next eight years.
For more information on the Gippsland Lakes see www.loveourlakes.net.au
