The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) was thrilled to be part of the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival in Mallacoota last week.
The East Gippsland CMA was able to contribute to the festival’s activities by hosting a walk and talk, boat tours and a presence at the popular market in the township of Mallacoota.
On the first evening of the event, the East Gippsland CMA led the walk and talk session. Participants explored the bushland of the Casuarina Walk and coastal area of Davis Creek. Guided by East Gippsland CMA staff, who shared insights into the region’s unique flora and fauna, with a focus on bushfire recovery and the resilience of local ecosystems. Attendees learned about native plant regeneration, habitat restoration, and the vital role of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance.
The following day, East Gippsland CMA hosted a boat tour on the Mallacoota Lake. Aboard the MV Loch Ard participants were treated to the beautiful scenery of Mallacoota from the water. The tour highlighted the importance of keeping our catchments healthy to protect the best in Far East Gippsland. An absolute highlight was seeing a pair of sea eagles circling above and being treated to watching one of them feeding off the water.
The market, showcasing local seafood and wares, was held with perfect weather for an outdoor activity. With many partner agencies and community groups set up together with Black Snake Productions and their array of native wildlife, market participants got to learn about wildlife of the local area and at the same time able to chat to agency staff and volunteers about their environmental initiatives.
The grand finale was a boat tour along the Wallagaraugh and Genoa rivers. Participants were enthralled by the diverse birdlife that call these waterways home. From graceful pelicans to vibrant kingfishers, fish-feeding cormorants, and soaring eagles, the experience was made even more exciting by the thrilling sight and distinctive sound of a glossy black cockatoo as it flew overhead.
“We are thrilled to be part of this community event,” said East Gippsland CMA’s CEO, Bec Hemming.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with local Mallacoota residents, the broader East Gippsland community and visitors from Victoria and NSW to highlight the great work undertaken by landholders, community members and agencies to preserve this precious far east region.”
