Twilight trips – a great way to see the Lakes

More than two hundred guests have learnt more about the Gippsland Lakes and their environment through the twilight boat trips hosted as part of the Love our Lakes project.

The trips, funded by the Victorian State Government, have run from the Port of Sale to Flooding Creek and from Post Office Jetty in Lakes Entrance.

Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee Co-Chair, Peter Jennings, said the trips were designed to highlight some of the projects underway to help address high priority areas around the Gippsland Lakes.

“Speakers have highlighted challenges that are facing the Lakes as well as the projects underway to address them,” said Mr Jennings.

“This includes details about the fringing wetlands projects and reducing nutrients and sediments to the Gippsland Lakes through the CORE 4 project.

“On the Lakes Entrance trip speakers included Friends of Beware Reef, BirdLife East Gippsland, the Marine Mammal Foundation, Parks Victoria, Greening Australia and East Gippsland CMA.”

Mr Jennings said that spotting wildlife had been a highlight of the trips.

“We’ve seen a tiger snake swimming in the canal near the Port of Sale, amazing bird life as well as dolphins and seals on our Lakes Entrance trip.”

The boat trips were run in partnership with Summer by the Sea. There are about 300 activities that ran across Victoria during January giving people the opportunity to learn about their local marine and coastal environments.

Summer by the Sea, now in its 24th year, allows people of all ages and interests to take part in fun, interactive activities, while showcasing all that Victoria’s coastline has to offer.

“Our four trips all booked out quickly,” continued Mr Jennings. “We are planning more events and future trips, which will hopefully help cater for those who missed out this time.”

To be notified about future events and news through the Love our Lakes program email hello@loveourlakes.net.au or visit www.loveourlakes.net.au to sign up.