Member for Eastern Region, Harriet Shing today congratulated the outstanding achievements of the Gippslanders who were recognised at the Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence.

The Awards, held by the Victorian Coastal Council, celebrate the outstanding work of individuals and groups in enhancing and protecting Victoria’s coastal and marine environments.

The following Gippslanders were awarded for their significant contribution in a variety of categories:

Outstanding Individual Achievement
Winner Bob Semmens (Mallacoota)

Community Engagement
Winner Friends of Beware Reef – Community Engagement & Marine Species Monitoring (Perry Bridge)

Natural Environment
Winner Sea Search Program, Parks Victoria – Ten Years of Corner Inlet Community Seagrass Monitoring

Planning and Management
Finalist Seaspray Reserves Committee of Management – Relocation of the Seaspray Caravan Park
Finalist East Gippsland Water – Importance of Covering your ASS (Acid Sulfate Soils)
Finalist Corinella Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management Inc – Corinella Coastal Reserve Management Plan

There are more than 2500 kilometres of coastline in Victoria, with 96% being publically accessible. The Awards support and showcase the important work happening on the coast, with projects ranging from local weed removal to the use of cutting-edge technology.

Speaking at the Awards, Minister for Environment Lisa Neville introduced the newly-appointed Victorian Coastal Council Chair, Cathy Whelan; and members Belinda Ainley, Anthony Boxshall, Michelle Croughan, Stacey Daniel, Cr Richard Ellis, Rob Gell AM, Ross Kilborn, Cr Jill Parker and David Provis.

The Council will play an integral role in the implementation of the Victorian Coastal Strategy and support the Victorian Government in delivering a range of initiatives for the protection and enhancement of marine and coastal environments.

More information about the Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence is available at: www.vcc.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victorian Region Harriet Shing:

“The Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence recognise outstanding efforts by individuals, groups, businesses and schools in protecting Victoria’s coastal and marine environments,”

“I congratulate the Gippslanders who have done incredibly well to be recognised in an exemplary field of finalists.”

“It is important we understand the threats to our coastal and marine environments, and the ways in which communities are taking action to preserve our coasts.”