Gippsland Lakes Forum: A Ramsar Wetland at a Crossroads

A free community forum on the future of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site, with keynote speaker Dr Bruce Lindsay and the agencies and committee that manage the system.

The Gippsland Lakes have been recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention since 1982. What does that listing oblige governments to do, how is it holding up in a changing climate, and what should the next decade look like?

Proceedings open at 6.30pm with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Marjorie Thorpe, a senior Tjapwurrung woman and Elder of the Gunaikurnai peoples of Gippsland.

Keynote speaker Dr Bruce Lindsay, Nature Lead and Senior Specialist Lawyer at Environmental Justice Australia, opens the evening on the challenges facing the Lakes and what the law requires in response.

He is followed by three 15 minute presentations from the people responsible for managing the system: Sean Phillipson (East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority), Eleisha Keogh (West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority) and Eric Sjerp (Chair, Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee). Each will set out their vision for the Lakes, the challenges they face, and their priorities in responding to climate change.

The evening closes with a 30 minute audience Q&A panel, moderated by Cr Tom Crook, Deputy Mayor of East Gippsland Shire.

Refreshments from 6.00pm. The program starts at 6.30pm sharp and closes at 8.45pm.

The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Presented by Friends of Gippsland Lakes, Parks and Reserves Inc.