Since the 2007 Report Card was published, Gippsland has experienced extreme rainfall events that compounded the affects of the 2006/2007 fires and long term drought. Despite the often severe impacts of these events, Gippsland’s natural assets remain our regions cornerstones and the basis of our identity. Gippsland’s response to the events of the past 12 months has demonstrated the region’s cohesiveness and resilience. Government, industry and community have come together to work with the prevailing conditions.

The resilience and strength of partnerships within the Gippsland region are reflected in the assets’ ratings this year. Despite a succession of natural disasters and degradation of the environmental condition of some assets, a strengthening of stewardship is clearly demonstrated. Vegetation burnt during the 2006/2007 fires had not recovered prior to the extreme rainfall events of June 2007.

Hence there was significant erosion, sediment transport and siltation of waterways. The floods, which caused landscape-scale impacts to natural values, also caused immediate and localised damage to property and infrastructure, such as buildings, roads and visitor facilities. The algal bloom in the Gippsland Lakes is a poignant example of how impact across multiple catchments and individual assets culminated, causing significant impact on a downstream asset.

The lessons learnt while responding to the 2003 bush fires enabled agencies to respond quickly and appropriately to the 2006/2007 fires. We were therefore well versed in emergency response by June 2007 when the first flood event occurred. Agencies have recognised that their varying strengths can be complemented by others’.

Partnerships have been strengthened, in some cases allowing funds from one organisation to be utilised by another’s extension officers. These relationships are more than just symbiotic - both organisations and the natural assets have benefited.

There have been a number of steering committees, management teams, task forces and expert panels operating over the year, reflecting recognition of the benefits of involving all stakeholders in planning and implementation of projects - a maturation of relationships and relationship building.

The value of the strong stewardship demonstrated in our region becomes ever greater when viewed in light of the predicted affects of climate change. An increased frequency of ‘extreme’ weather conditions, sea level and temperature rises and the changed pressures on natural resources will all require a coordinated responses from experienced communities. The partnerships that exist and are being developed in our region, coupled with the experience of drought, fire and flood response, give reason for our region to face the future feeling well armed.

Preparation of the Gippsland Natural Resources Report Card involves the support of many organisations and individuals - their efforts are gratefully appreciated. The coming year will see a major review of the Report Card’s content, methodology and presentation. I welcome feedback on the Card’s role and content as part of this review.