Enjoying Gippsland’s magnificent lakes and waterways this Christmas holidays? EPA Victoria wants everyone to remember to take home whatever they took in.

“Gippsland Lakes are the largest navigable inland waterway in Australia and thousands of boaties enjoy it every year. But like anywhere, the environment needs protecting,” said EPA Chief Environmental Scientist Professor Mark Taylor.

“If you’re boating on the Gippsland Lakes in particular, you should make sure you take any litter or other waste home with you, or dispose of it in appropriate bins or disposal sites.

“That includes not throwing any human waste over the side of your boat or discharging it straight into the water from your onboard toilets. Water quality can be impacted by the sewage humans create which is why Gippsland Ports https://gippslandports.vic.gov.au/ has designated sites where sewage can be deposited at Lakes Entrance, Metung and Paynesville.

“We all have a part to play in protecting the environment; it’s a law and it’s known as the General Environmental Duty. ( https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/laws/laws-to-protect-the-environment-and-human-health/environmental-laws-for-all-victorians )

“As we get busier this Christmas and summer with thousands of tourists visiting the region, we want to see everyone enjoying what Gippsland has to offer and if you’re camping or boating, make sure you don’t leave your mess behind.”