Gippsland, Victoria, is known for its diverse wetlands and swamps that provide vital habitats for various plant and animal species. One significant area is the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site, located along the coast, which serves as a refuge for these species, especially in times of drought.
The Gippsland Lakes Wetlands Project focuses on identifying and safeguarding these fringing wetlands in the region. Collaborating with landowners and organizations like the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, the project aims to protect three properties with a total wetland area of around 120 hectares, anticipating these areas to become wildlife hubs. Additionally, the Sale Common Wetlands, covering approximately 300 hectares with a majority being freshwater marsh, is a notable wetland in the area.
Within the Gippsland Lakes, there are eleven Ramsar wetland habitat types, including freshwater marshes near river mouths and coastal lagoons. The lower Latrobe wetlands form a diverse and complementary ecological system that supports colonial nesting waterbirds nesting among swamp paperbark and other vegetation. Conservation efforts such as the Gippsland Lakes Wetlands Project are crucial for preserving these distinctive habitats for the benefit of future generations.