East Gippsland Shire Council hopes to create a vibrant regional performing arts and culture precinct on a prime river-facing site.

Council is seeking a federal election commitment to support the planning and design of a new arts precinct and asks that land occupied by the post office be reallocated for the purpose.

The request is on a list of election priorities Council has been promoting to candidates standing in the Gippsland electorate in the 3 May federal election.

“Art delivers numerous community benefits, promoting creativity and self-expression, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation, and reflecting our culture and history,” Mayor Cr John White said.

“It allows people to learn about different perspectives, traditions, and beliefs and has also been found to improve mental health and wellbeing while bringing people together and strengthening communities.”

In late 2022, the Council commissioned the Bairnsdale Arts Precinct Plan to investigate the benefits an arts and cultural precinct could bring.

“The Bairnsdale Arts Precinct would transform Bairnsdale’s central business district by creating an exciting new community space. It would also generate innovative experiences for our growing domestic and international tourism markets,” John said.

“The precinct would increase year-round visitation, stimulate local economies, support the development of Aboriginal tourism offerings, strengthen the local arts, creative and cultural sectors and complement creative activity across the shire.”