Wet, windy cold winter, general doom and gloom, Co-Vid19 restrictions, shops closed, businesses struggling to survive, and lack of jobs, not the best of times. Do we want this to continue? Obviously a resounding NO.
So, what can we do to improve our lot, to revitalise our town, to renew enthusiasm into our community and businesses? We have to look on the bright side, think positive, plan an assault on the downturn in trade, support locals, maintain jobs, create sustainable jobs, and new jobs! We have to encourage new and increased visitation to our town which will improve cash flows and overall business. More visitations will meet this positive outcome we all seek!
This will not happen on its own, Lakes Entrance needs a plan which will provide for all, we need to think outside the square, think smart, and think quick. Have a vision and long-term plan for Lakes Entrance!
Whatever is done needs to be done now, projects need to be fast tracked to completion. Spending needs to be re-considered as to its impact on the economy of the town, for without that economy this town will die. Get the message? It’s short and sweet, get up, get going, get creative.
Currently plans are before the community where Council is asking for feedback. One is the Master Plan at Bullock Island, the other is the Lookout at Jemmy's Point, (not the excuse for a lookout at Kalimna Hill which is still incomplete!).
Provide your thoughts to Council, don't hold back, if you say nothing we will get nothing, (or what they give us) we all have a chance to improve our town. Feedback links are on the Shire website and as follows.
https://yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/jemmys-point-lookout/widgets/256841/key_dates#132805
Whatever you are doing in the next few days provide your feedback and while you are at it please send a copy to B.I.D. Inc. at bidicom20@gmail.com so we can also consider new possibilities and voice your thoughts.
Background on both Bullock Island and Jemmy's Point, is available on previous blogs. Now as a member of B.I.D. Inc., we are asking for your ideas, your views, we are open to change, open to discussion, but most important we need these ideas so that projects can be finalised and completed asap, providing short and long-term economic benefit to our town.
Our town has so much to offer, not just walking trails and cycle paths, these are all well and good, but unless people use them they do nothing for the town. We need attractions, interest, education, fun, enjoyment and great experiences and especially some all-weather activities for those rainy days.
We have the locations, we have the natural environment, we have the flora and fauna, but we also have stories to tell. Let's tell these stories, showcase our region, display our wildlife to the full.
Imagine telling the stories of our fishing industry past and present, the indigenous peoples of this area, their stories, their craft, the wildlife our dolphins seals sea eagles and the like, Create interest and education, the exploration of oil and gas both on and offshore, the management of the lakes themselves, the sand management plan, how the lakes were formed, the building of the entrance. Wonder at the history which built our town, the shipping, bullock trains and transportation. It is all there but we need an “outlet” (Centre) to tell our story.
We have the locations but don't use them to full advantage, Bullock Island (we are working on that one), Jemmy's Point (have your say now as above), SEMEC, (can we better use the space?), LEFCOL and there are more, the old Slipway site, Forestech, Harbecks Wharf, to name some. Can we not plan to tell these stories and link all these sites with regular transport (a community visitor coach/bus)?
It is done elsewhere so why not in Lakes Entrance? This does not mean a few signs dotted around a pathway, it means professional, enclosed, integrated, interactive, interpretation centres that make the best use of our senses, to see and hear, to smell and to taste, to touch, and to relax and enjoy the experiences that are Lakes Entrance and its surrounding region.
BID Inc. has come up with a Bullock Island concept, far from perfect but it has attracted much interest, it has led us to realise that an overall plan is needed and we are willing to collate ideas from you the community and present them to our leaders. We have met with Shire staff and with other representatives for the betterment of OUR town!
Provide your thoughts to BID Inc at bidicom20@gmail.com and BIDI will push them as alternatives with those foisting mediocrity on us!
Talk within your own groups, raise the profile of our town, community pressure can challenge, can change, can win best value for our dollar in Lakes Entrance.
Words on behalf of BID Inc. Photos copyright John Munns
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