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Community

Living or working on the lakes, or in the catchment, is a great privilege. The ongoing health of the Gippsland Lakes is vital for the environmental, economic and social prosperity of the region.

As a resident, visitor or user of the Lakes, you have a key part to play in ensuring that we keep this unique environment healthy.

Not just the lakes

Did you know that the Gippsland Lakes catchment extends from Lakes Entrance, inland to ‘the gap’ just north of Swifts Creek, across to Warragul and follows the Strezlecki Ranges around to just south of Sale?

The catchment is more than 20,000 square kilometres – that’s about 11% of the total land surface of Victoria! This large around is home to thousands of people who live and work everyday without realising that their actions could have an impact on the Gippsland Lakes.

Helping the lakes

Here are a few helpful tips that you can use to keep the lakes healthy.

  • Around the home or office, try and recycle glass, plastics, paper, oils and metals whenever you can as this reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
  • Save water by setting up systems to reuse grey water, fix dripping taps and washing your car, bike or boat on the lawn.
  • Use biodegradable detergents in the house, office and on the car. Biodegradable products are very common and they are identified by an NP (No Phosphorus) symbol on the packaging.
  • Remember to put your rubbish in the bin or, if there isn’t a bin near you, take you rubbish home and then put it in the bin – use your brain and not the drain!
  • If you’re going fishing, then make sure you stick to bag and size limits so that you can enjoy more fishing trips in the future.

Want to make more of an impact?

You can join one of the many Community Groups that are active in an around the Gippsland Lakes.

Do you have a great project that will help the Gippsland Lakes?

The Victorian State Government has provided funding for the health of the Gippsland Lakes. Check out our Community Grants page to see when the next available round of funds are open.