MEDIA RELEASE FROM CRAIG INGRAM MP - MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND EAST Issued: Friday, 10th November 2006

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Ingram remains committed to Gippsland Lakes health

Independent MP for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, today reaffirmed his commitment to the health of the Gippsland Lakes and its importance for the region’s tourism industry, as well as ensuring that major government commitment to sand management at Lakes Entrance delivered real outcomes.

“The health of the Gippsland Lakes is an issue that I have championed both prior to and after being elected in 1999,” Mr Ingram said.

“The establishment of the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce was as a direct result of work between myself and the (then) Minister for Environment and local natural resource bodies. I deliberately stepped back from this organisation to ensure that it was above politics to ensure it survived to address the long term issues of the Gippsland Lakes.”

Mr Ingram said there are no simple solutions to improving the health of the Gippsland Lakes.

“The problem is complex and is the result of 150 years of land and water use changes. There is unfortunately an amount of incorrect information that has been presented in relation to the solutions to the Lakes and Mitchell River.

“The argument put forward that a dam would assist the health of the river hardly deserves comment, but the 1999 LCC report -- which dealt with the issue in detail -- dismissed the suggestion that a dam on the Mitchell River would assist in dealing with issues such as the algal blooms.

“It is clear that it is not achievable or arguably desirable to return the lakes and its catchments back to pre-1770 conditions, but it is essential that we address the negative impacts so that the lakes remain a desirable place to live and enjoy.

“I remain committed to the health of the Gippsland Lakes and, if re-elected, will continue to work hard to ensure the system is preserved and improved for future generations.

“The $31 million investment in sand management at Lakes Entrance will deliver real and tangible improvements to the safety and usability of the entrance. This commitment will allow the trial of a hopper dredge to replace the April Hamer and the installation of a sand bypass system on the ocean groynes.

“A priority of my next term, if re elected, will be to ensure that this commitment is delivered, and the entrance is made safer for commercial and recreational boating at Lakes Entrance,” Mr Ingram concluded.