Welcoming migratory birds – and a funding announcement!

Harriet Shing, Labour’s Member for Eastern Victoria, took the opportunity to confirm $10 million in funding for the Gippsland Lakes at yesterday’s Welcome Back the Birds event at Eagle Point.

Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee co-chair, Angus Hume, said this was an exciting boost for the health of the Gippsland Lakes.

“The $10 million grant will be allocated over four years in partnership with GLCC,” explained Angus.

“We’ve been doing a lot of work on the Gippsland Lakes priorities plan which gathers information from multiple sources and starts to rank where funding is needed to tackle some of the environmental threats to the Gippsland Lakes.

“We’re currently working with the State Government to allocate the first round of funding to some very important projects to help improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes.”

Yesterday, more than 50 local school children learnt more about migratory birds and how they use the Gippsland Lakes as an important resting ground after an epic migratory journey.

Greening Australia’s Martin Potts, one of the hosts of the event, said the day was a great success.

“The children had the opportunity to learn from BugBlitz about what migratory birds eat, they went out on a boat to look for birds and other animals with Wildlife Unlimited and Parks Victoria and they learnt about cultural connection to the land through dance with the GurnaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Council,” said Martin.

“It was fantastic to see the kids participating in a range of activities that helped improve their environmental knowledge, gain a better cultural understanding and have a lot of fun!”

The Gippsland Lakes are one of Victoria’s and indeed Australia’s most important natural assets. They are international recognised for their significant environmental values.

For more information on the Gippsland Lakes please visit www.loveourlakes.net.au