The seventh annual Gippsland Integrated Natural Resources Forum (GINRF) Report Card was launched by GINRF Chair Mr Keith Hamilton on Friday 9th October, and hosted by the South Gippsland Secondary College.

The 2009 Report Card presents 20 environmental assets covering all of Gippsland, ranging from Wonthaggi to Mallacoota. Each asset is rated individually for both environmental condition and stewardship. These ratings are established by evaluating how well government, industry and community are responding to protect and enhance these regional assets.

Mr Hamilton explained that "Gippsland is blessed with a rich diversity of natural assets for which the Report Card provides a great opportunity to continually monitor improvement and refinement and monitor our combined efforts in protecting and enhancing these invaluable resources."

"The Report Card is also a key communication tool that allows the greater community to gain insight into how our natural assets are being managed and the condition they are currently in," Mr Hamilton added.

This year’s Report Card has undergone a major facelift in both look and methodology, resulting in refined definitions, standardised ratings and the addition of two new assets - the Redgum Plains and the Bunurong Marine National Park.

As a result, the ratings associated with many assets have altered due to the administrative change. However, the increase in condition associated with many of the assets is due to actual on ground improvements.

"It’s fantastic to see so many increased ratings due to the improved management and improved physical condition of Gippsland’s natural assets," said Mr Hamilton. "These results show that as a region, we are working well together to address challenges such as fire, drought and climate change to ensure the health and future of Gippsland."

Students from the South Gippsland Secondary College who generously hosted the Report Card Launch presented an exploration of the sustainability of Corner Inlet over time as sea levels rise through global warming. The students represented the College in the International Youth Coastal Conference in Townsville in 2008 and Lorne in 2009.

Ms Cheryl Glowrey, principal of the South Gippsland Secondary College explains that students at the College are involved in a number of activities with an environmental focus.

"Outdoor and Environmental Studies is a popular subject at Senior School. Year 8 and Year 9 students have participated in the CERES ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic Schools program, gaining accreditation in the Core and Waste Wise modules," Ms Glowrey said. "We are also entering into the Energy module of this exciting environmental program in 2010."

Mr Hamilton noted that the younger generation is one of the major reasons we need to work hard to protect our natural environment.

"These students highlight the need for us to protect our natural assets and ensure they are in the best condition possible for them to enjoy into the future. The South Gippsland Secondary College’s environmental program really shows us that the future of our natural environment is in good hands," Mr Hamilton said.

"The publication of the Report Card is a significant tool in the strategic management of our many wonderful natural resources - its preparation involves the support of many organisations and individuals across Gippsland and their efforts are gratefully appreciated."

"Gippsland continues to make positive progress every 12 months and I look forward to seeing how, as a region, we can improve even further in 2010," Mr Hamilton concluded.

For a hard copy of the 2009 Report Card please contact Adam Miller on adamm@wgcma.vic.gov.au or call 1300 094 262. Electronic copies can be found in the Report Card section oof this website.