Strengthening East Gippsland Through Forests

From our beginnings, Emerald Link demonstrates how conservation creates opportunity for East Gippsland.

A young girl and woman, wearing warm hats and jackets, are in a forest. The girl is pointing at a small insect on a tree trunk while the woman looks on, surrounded by greenery.

The Story So Far

Emerald Link is born from a deep love for the forests. From the people of East Gippsland who have come to truly appreciate the value of these ancient landscapes, their unique wildlife, and their immense potential in the mission to tackle climate change.

We need to see our forests as a place of enjoyment, nurturing, and long-term care for all who depend on these ecosystems.

After the devastating bushfires, the global pandemic, and the end of native forest logging, East Gippsland's communities need investment more than ever. We must sensibly build up the visitor economy, restore and regenerate forests, and secure proper resourcing for thriving forests.

Emerald Link has already secured $1,6M for nature-based infrastructure projects in partnership with local groups in Emerald Link towns.

Guided by First Nations aspirations for Country, we are focused on ensuring the voices of our communities are at the heart of our future.

Dense rainforest with tall trees and lush green foliage.

The Vision

Emerald Link envisions East Gippsland as a region where forests, culture and communities thrive together. Protecting and restoring the last unbroken forest from the Alps to the sea will safeguard biodiversity and cultural heritage, while creating meaningful opportunities for local people.

Through investment in conservation, restoration and world-class visitor experiences, the Emerald Link will strengthen regional livelihoods, inspire pride in our natural heritage, and ensure that future generations can build their lives in a flourishing East Gippsland.

The People

  • A smiling man wearing a white T-shirt, red shorts, a watch, and a straw hat standing on a grassy mountain trail with green hills and rocky peaks in the background under a clear blue sky.

    Isaac Carné

    Emerald Link Coordinator

  • A smiling woman with short gray hair wearing sunglasses and a purple hoodie standing in front of large green fern leaves.

    Marjorie Thorpe

    Emerald Link Partner

  • An elderly woman outdoors with a gentle smile, wearing a patterned cream and black top and turquoise earrings, set against a background of trees and greenery.

    Helen Sheil

    Emerald Link Champion

  • A smiling elderly woman with long blonde hair, standing outdoors in front of pink flowering bushes, wearing a colorful patterned jacket.

    Suzanne Davies

    Emerald Link Champion - Nunniong

  • A person with long, blonde hair smiling next to a black and white dog, on a boat with water and cloudy sky in the background.

    Elfi Schieren

    Emerald Link Champion - Nunniong / Errinundra

  • A man with a beard wearing a dark blue sweater and a black cap, sitting outdoors on a rocky area near water with trees in the background.

    Matt Stephenson

    Emerald Link Champion

  • A woman in a white blouse sitting outdoors on the ground with trees and dry grass in the background.

    Birgit Schaedler

    Emerald Link Champion - Errinundra

  • Close-up of a smiling older woman with short, silver hair, wearing feather earrings, and a light-colored shawl against a plain background.

    Julie Wainwright

    Emerald Link Champion - Coopracambra to Coast

Map showing the proposed Sea to Summit Forest Trail with camping sites, proposed walk sections, roads, and parks in a forested coastal region, including Goulenook and Kuark Forests, and notable locations like Cabbage Tree Creek and Bemm River.

The original multi-day Sea to Summit Trail, linking the Alpine forests to the rugged coast of East Gippsland.

Forests For Everyone

Emerald Link is committed to creating diverse job opportunities that ensure East Gippsland’s communities remain healthy, vibrant, and resilient for generations.

At the heart of our vision lies increased investment for the better protection and enjoyment of our forests, positioning our region as a premier conservation destination.

In collaboration with local communities, we envisioned an iconic hiking trail, which became the Sea to Summit Trail proposal. In 2018, we celebrated the State Government’s endorsement of this vision, including a $1.5 million investment toward its planning. Market research findings, released by Minister D’Ambrosio in February 2022, confirmed strong support from stakeholders and the local community and the potential of nature and cultural tourism as one of the pillars of East Gippsland’s sustainable future.

With the feasibility study now available, we continue to advocate for the further investment recommended within it—specifically in the Errinundra to Snowy District, identified as the best location for exploring a nature rich destination experience.

This area, home to the ancient and ecologically diverse Errinundra Plateau, represents one of Australia’s most precious natural environments, deserving of thoughtful investment and collaborative management to secure its future for generations to come.

A Vision for East Gippsland

Emerald Link is a partnership between Goongerah Environment Centre and The Wilderness Society.

Logo for Emerald Link, East Gippland's community organization with a scenic background of trees, hills, and a lake, and the slogan 'Make a Connection'.