Current and future planned works, and more detailed planning around some of the public areas of one of Lakes Entrance’s most recognisable landmarks have been captured in a refreshed Bullock Island Master Plan.

The plan refresh, led by East Gippsland Shire Council and with significant reference group input, will guide the investment into upgrades on the island. The work follows Council taking control of a large portion of the management of Bullock Island in late 2019.

The reference group comprises representatives from the local community (including Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association), Lakes Entrance Fishing Limited (LEFL), Gippsland Ports, TAFE Gippsland, Regional Development Victoria, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), Destination Gippsland, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, local Members of Parliament and Council.

Council’s General Manager Assets and Environment said the reference group recognised that much of the original master plan was sound and needed updating rather than replacing.

“We are pleased to be able to release the refreshed Bullock Island Master Plan to the community. The master plan confirms that the vision for Bullock Island and any upgrade to the island should be to enhance the visitor experience, maximise visitation, and contribute to the visitor economy of Lakes Entrance and the broader region,” Ms Weigall said.

“The intention to develop a passive recreational area for public use by locals and visitors to Lakes Entrance alike remains. Development will be sensitively undertaken befitting the Ramsar-listed Gippsland Lakes, entrance to Bass Strait, and scenic surroundings.”

The draft Bullock Island Master Plan Addendum is available to view on Council’s website and feedback is welcome by email to feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au or by phoning the project supervisor on 5153 9500. Council will formally consider the refreshed master plan in September.

In 2015, the Bullock Island Master Plan was jointly developed by Council, Gippsland Ports and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), and adopted by Council. The plan was extensive and involved significant consultation with other landowners, island users and the community.

“This community input has been honoured as much as possible. As part of drafting this refresh tourism operators, visitors, fishing industry representatives, community members and reference group representatives have been engaged for their input,” Ms Weigall said.

Ms Weigall said it was an appropriate time to refresh the master plan to progress improvements on Bullock Island, with recent changes including:

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• The transfer of management of a large portion of the island to Council in late 2019.
• The advancement of plans and funding for a Fish Café by Lakes Entrance Fishing Limited (LEFL).
• The growth of fishing and crabbing on the island.
• Planned extension of Reeves Jetty by Gippsland Ports.
• Identified need to replace the Bullock Island Bridge.
• Funding for other improvements to Bullock Island by both the Victorian and Australian governments.

“Approximately $9 million is currently committed to the projects detailed in the refreshed master plan. These projects will be implemented over the next two years. We will also continue seek additional funds to implement the unfunded aspects,” Ms Weigall said.

The maintenance and replacement of the seawalls remains the responsibility of DELWP and will be incrementally addressed over time.

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