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In December an algal-bloom was identified by DSE in some parts of the Gippsland Lakes. DSE confirm that the Algal Bloom remains in many parts of the Gippsland Lakes including waters off the key tourism centres of Metung and Paynesville. Recent testing has confirmed the algal bloom has spread throughout Lake Victoria and into Lake Wellington. Please note Lakes Tyers and the area around Lakes Entrance, the river system and the ocean beaches are all considered unaffected at this point in time.
For the latest information, please refer to the latest Industry update and DSE fact sheet below.
We are aware that the algal bloom has the potential to impact tourism business. It is important to convey positive but factual messages about holidaying in East Gippsland. Please click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions that you may be asked by potential visitors.
Assist guests in understanding that there is still much to do in the Lakes precinct, including boating and sailing, coastal swimming, fishing in the rivers, food and wine experiences and the area’s many walking and cycling trails.
A new brochure, '20 reasons to expore the Gippsland Lakes' has been produced to help educate visitors about the myriad of activities that are safe to enjoy. This brochure is available from Visitor Information Centres over the 2011/12 summer.
Click on the adjacent picture to view the brochure.
Destination Gippsland has created a Facebook App dedicated to supporting tourism on the Gippsland Lakes. To view click here.
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The Algal Bloom Tourism Response Group has been formed to support the tourism industry and visitors to the region. The group will work together with stakeholders and provide regular updates.
The latest information for industry:
Industry Update #6 - 30 Jan 2012
Or to view past updates:
Industry Update #5 - 6 January 2012
Industry Update #4 - December 2012
Industry Update #3 - December 2012
Industry Update #2 - December 2012
Industry Update #1 - December 2012
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) have released a fact sheet about the current status of the algal bloom. View it here. (6 Feb 2012)
To view the latest Media Relaease from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) click here. (6 Feb 2012)
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) have released a flyer with Information about the blue-green algae in the Gippsland Lakes. View it here. (Dec 2011)
Dealing with Cancellations
Every business should determine their own cancellation policy. Remember that a customer who cancels now may be a customer in the future, so part on good terms if possible. Consider credit notes, or transferring the booking, or referring them to another business/region that is unaffected. Being flexible is important to retain goodwill.
For further advice on cancellation policies for tourism businesses click here.
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•Convey positive messages about holidaying in East Gippsland
• Assist guests in understanding that there is still much to do in the Lakes precinct, including boating and sailing, coastal swimming, food and wine experiences and the area’s many walking and cycling trails
• Whilst it is important to minimise the impact on your business by conveying the above messages, the following Tourism Victoria resource can help prepare your business for any potential cancellations (www.tourism.vic.gov.au/industry-resources/industry-resources/protecting-bookings-and-deal-with-cancellations/) or click here.
• Measuring any impacts: If you experience any decrease in bookings please let us know so we can aggregate the results and document a co-ordinated response on your behalf. Please follow the following link to a survey tool to assist this process: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/algalbloomimpacts
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• Media enquiries: To ensure we have one consistent voice representing the tourism industry, all media enquiries should be referred to Destination Gippsland’s Chief Executive Officer, Terry Robinson on 0428 595 634.
The Algal Bloom Tourism Response Group members are:
-John Munns, East Gippsland Shire Council:
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-Karly McCaskill, East Gippsland Marketing Inc.:
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-Ian Harrison, East Gippsland Regional Business and Tourism Association:
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-Terry Robinson, Destination Gippsland:
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We will continue to provide the industry with any new information as we receive it.
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