Media Statement - 5th November 2007
A Rudd Labor Government will invest $11 million in Gippsland Lakes communities to protect the environment and create new job opportunities in the marine, tourism, recreation and seafood industries of east Gippsland.
Labor’s Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Forestry, Kerry O’Brien made the announcement today with ALP candidate for Gippsland Jane Rowe.
The Lakes Entrance fishing industry suffered a major reduction in the fishing fleet in 2007 following the Commonwealth concession buyback under the ‘Securing Our Fishing Future’ Program. East Gippsland Shire estimate that the fishing restructure resulted in the loss of 91 full time jobs, with an economic impact of approximately $35 million in lost output, wages and value-added opportunity.
A Rudd Labor Government will invest $5.75 million from unallocated funds within the onshore component of the Fishing Structural Adjustment Package in partnership with the Gippsland Ports and Lakes Entrance Fishermen’s Cooperative to create an attractive and functional harbour precinct in the heart of Lakes Entrance. This includes:
- $2.85m to Gippsland Ports for the on-water development component of the 'Cunninghame Arm Quay Precinct'.
- $1.6m to East Gippsland Shire for the foreshore development component of the 'Cunninghame Arm Quay Precinct'.
- $1.3m to Lakes Entrance Fishermen’s Cooperative Ltd to fund the $500,000 shortfall to replace the existing iceworks and the $800,000 shortfall to construct a heavy-duty deepwater jetty.
The Gippsland Lakes are one of Victoria's major environmental and tourism destinations. Spanning an area of 340 km², the Lakes form the largest navigable network of inland waterways in Australia.
Labor will work with East Gippsland Shire and the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce to invest $5.25 million from unallocated funds within the Natural Heritage Trust to address water quality and flooding.
This includes:
- $2.25 to East Gippsland Shire for the Eastern Creek Wetlands and Flood Mitigation program to help secure current housing and minimise flooding problems for future development. This is in partnership with the East Gippsland Shire which will provide an additional $750,000 for this program.
- $3 million to the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce for the Gippsland Lakes Enhancement program to improve water quality and reduce nutrient inputs into the Gippsland Lakes from public and private land.
This commitment will help secure the local fishing industry and community and protect the environment of the Gippsland Lakes.