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Advocacy

We speak up for the environment when decisions affect the Mallacoota district.

Our aim is to be constructive, evidence-based and focused on long-term environmental health.

What we do

We take part in decision-making processes that affect the local environment.

This includes:

  • reviewing planning proposals and policy changes
  • preparing written submissions
  • meeting with agencies and decision-makers
  • sharing information with our members and the community

How we approach advocacy

We aim to:

  • base our views on evidence and local knowledge
  • work constructively with government and other organisations
  • focus on practical outcomes
  • represent the long-term interests of the environment and community

Why this matters

Decisions about land use, development and environmental management can have lasting impacts.

Community input helps ensure these decisions are well-informed and consider local knowledge.

Recent advocacy work

Below are examples of recent submissions and advocacy activities.

 

Get involved

Members and supporters can contribute by:

  • staying informed about local issues
  • providing input on draft submissions
  • attending meetings or information sessions
  • supporting our advocacy work
Get involved
Eroded gully after fire
Betka Bottlebrush

 

Great Outdoors Taskforce

Friends of Mallacoota submitted a response to the Great Outdoors Taskforce. Our key recommendations are:

  1. Conservation as an Economic Asset
    We emphasise the intrinsic value of East Gippsland’s forests, highlighting their role in biodiversity, carbon storage, and water conservation. We advocate for:
    • Carbon density assessments for climate change mitigation.
    • Protection of the Betka River Catchment, especially post-2020 fires.
    • Increased focus on passive recreation, like bushwalking and birdwatching.
  2. Forest Protection
    We call for:
    • Legal protections against industrial logging and mining.
    • Increased conservation funding for restoration and management of damaged ecosystems.
    • Restrictions on damaging activities like off-roading and hunting.
  3. Funding & Support for Conservation
    We urge a boost in funding, staff training, and public education for conservation efforts. We also recommend creating a dedicated Ministry for the Environment, separate from tourism.
  4. World Heritage Listing
    We support the combined assessment of East Gippsland’s parks for World Heritage status, which would bring significant environmental and economic benefits.
  5. First Nations Consultation
    We strongly advocate for the involvement of Aboriginal groups in the management and consultation processes for local environmental stewardship.

Our submission calls for a balance between conservation, sustainable tourism, and stronger protections to ensure the long-term health of East Gippsland’s natural environments.

Read the full submission: Friends of Mallacoota Submission to the Great Outdoors Taskforce (PDF 277KB)

About Us

With a team of passionate locals and nature enthusiasts, we run hands-on programs like bushcare and coastcare, town clean-ups, and a local native plant nursery. Our work extends to advocacy efforts to ensure the voices of our natural habitats are heard in policy discussions.

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