Buchan renewal projects progressing 

East Gippsland Shire Council was pleased to support the Buchan, Gelantipy and Districts Renewal Association annual general meeting and community fun day at Buchan Valley Golf Club on Sunday, April 2. 

Around 100 community members came together for a barbecue lunch, minigolf and supersized lawn games, including Connect Four and Jenga.

A local remedial therapist was on hand to give free massages to anyone who needed to unwind and loosen up.  The AGM was jointly funded by Council and Emergency Recovery Victoria, and Council provided support on the day.

It was also an opportunity for new Place Manager Rachel Eastman (see below) to meet community members (and take minutes at the AGM). 

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Streetscape works progressing

The Streetscape and Linkages Project is progressing well, with the John Flynn Reserve footpath 90 per cent complete. The path to the Buchan Caves is under way.

Design changes have had to be made to address environmental impacts. As a result, Council is waiting on approval from Parks Victoria before continuing with the path construction. The streetscape of the main street is still at the design stage and sealing and line-marking of the access road/carpark, bollards, solar lighting and installation of street furniture remain to be done. 

Project Reference Group (PRG) meetings will continue once the design drawings have been reviewed by Council. The project has not yet gone to tender. Reserve design The project reference group for the Buchan Recreation Reserve upgrade has been meeting with Loft Architecture and Council’s project manager to work through the design development of the reserve. 

The works will revitalise the recreational hub, providing improved facilities for local sporting groups. Separate meetings have been held with individual stakeholders including the pony, tennis, cricket, football and netball clubs. Members of the PRG are also contributing ideas to the development of the new reserve.  

The PRG is reviewing the development plan and is ensuring the community is kept updated on the progress of the project.

For more information on these projects, visit the Your Say East Gippsland website: Your Say East Gippsland. 

New Place Manager for Buchan

Rachel Eastman has been appointed Community Recovery Place Manager in the Buchan, Gelantipy and District after Rebecca Steenholdt moved to a new role as Economic Development Entrepreneur Facilitator, supporting Buchan and other districts.

Rachel has been part of Council’s Community Recovery Unit since January 2021, supporting many of the CRCs throughout the region. Contact Rachel at RachelE@egipps.vic.gov.au or phone 5153 9500.

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