Saving our Town - New Concept for Bullock Island

Bullock Island has long been a favourite in our town and long may that continue. But what if it was a location with 'Wow' factor a 'Must See', it would re-invigorate our town and its economy. Together with some other forward thinkers, we have come up with this concept. Please consider its potential and support us in our aim to make it happen.

It has been well documented that our Shire has produced a Master Plan for Bullock Island. This is all well and good, we as a group are not about delaying this much needed and long overdue plan, we are about working with our Shire to make it even better and plan from the outset to be able make the best possible use of the site for the benefit of the town as a whole. More especially, we want to make it happen.

What we don't want, and what the town, our town, doesn't need is for the plan to languish along with no clear direction for years and never reach the true potential of what is before us. We need to act now while the plan is able to allow for positive, proactive, augmentation, addition, and opportunity.

This concept has been brought before Council by Cr. Dick Ellis and both our MP's State and Federal have been advised or its detail.

Concept:

Provision of long-term visitor attractions in the passive open spaces, together with viewing opportunities of the Gippsland Lakes and Ocean vista to provide increased visitation, economic opportunity, physical activity, relaxation, education and historical information.

Locations: 

Bullock Island and Jemmy’s Point

Part 1:  Bullock Island. Utilise the open space at Bullock Island (and suitably shield the Gippsland Ports fenced facilities) as a landscaped passive open space with pathways, toilet facilities and suitable low-level salt surviving shrubs/trees. 

In North Arm at the deep-water mooring just west of the fuel depot, moor an out of commission naval vessel which can be accessed by the public, and at the deep-water mooring adjacent to LEFCOL in Cunninghame Arm moor a second out of commission naval vessel or similar interest vessel (e.g. Minesweeper/Frigate of similar), again open to the public. 

In North Arm there is room to moor/anchor the vessel a distance from the bank and allow moorings (long term rental) for smaller craft between the bank and larger vessel (i.e. a small marina which would be protected by the larger vessel)  Allow/lease hospitality businesses to utilise appropriate areas of vessels for trade. The Shire Master plan has already highlighted a Maritime theme playground, we have the opportunity to make it so much more.

In the open space site out of service mid-sized aircraft or other equipment of interest (civil and/or military) within the open space to provide shade and shelter and as an attraction. It is suggested that aircraft like a Pilates PC-9, C130 Hercules, Boeing 747SP, Helicopter etc. The larger aircraft have the capacity to act as a stage area for events. These will require concrete pads to ensure safety and security, pads which can be installed from the outset to save costs, and be included in the necessary earthworks from the outset.

The park could be a dedication to our veterans both past and present and provide a piece of living history and education to our youth and community at large. It also has the opportunity to tell the story of the towns history, its heritage, its industry etc. in basic form linking to a more detailed facility as part of Stage 2 (below).

The concept extends from the current Playground/BBQ area (opposite the Visitor Centre) and Skateboard area (adjacent to the Fishing Club) and the pathway along the Esplanade! and forms a unique journey for visitors and locals alike.

Part 2: Jemmy's Point: Construct a purpose-built viewing facility at Jemmy’s Point (same location as light tower), which not only provides views of the Gippsland Lakes but of the Ocean, (including Bass St. oil/gas fields) and East over the township, towards Lake Tyers and Bullock Island. This must be another 'Wow"factor construction people need to want to go there. It must be good enough and significant enough to be added to maps and itineraries for the region, as significant as Buchan Caves, 90 Mile Beach etc.

Integral at this site is provision of an educational/historical facility telling the story of Lakes Entrance, its Fishing Industry, Exploration (Oil and Gas Fields), Sand Management and Ecological (dolphins and other wildlife, together with Indigenous Heritage stories (Borun the Pelican etc)

Large parking space and/or Arboretum possibility.

This project area has been a matter of much discussion, what is needed is Wow Factor, not just another lookout. The opportunity is there staring us all in the face.

Both Jemmy’s Point and Bullock Island will grow to a “Must See” attraction in an Iconic location.

• The concept is new, different, and believed to be unique.
• It has a ready-made market being on the Sydney to Melbourne Coastal route and a destination for Canberra and SE NSW based visitors. This provides for year-round tourism traffic. 
• Extensive opportunities exist for historical, museum, activity and hospitality trades in one concept able to be individually operated each with its own appeal and target market. Even a small Marina is possible in North Arm.
• Increased visitation and interest increases economic activity. 
• This provides jobs for locals and a more vibrant township.
• Would benefit East Gippsland and draw visitors from Canberra Sydney and Melbourne.
• Has scope to attract funding from a large number or sources once support is demonstrated. 

This concept/proposal:

• Combines a number of very necessary and vital projects to regenerate Lakes Entrance after the economic devastation of recent months.
• Is promoted for serious consideration before finalisation of plans for both locations and/or commencement of works.
• Could be started quickly, cheaply, and simply by levelling and landscaping the Bullock Island area. This will be recognised by the local community as a positive action, so desperately needed, and something tangible which will instigate interest and support.
• Is at grass roots level and will attract both local and visitors alike with minimal marketing.    
• Provides multiple opportunities, for business to generate and maintain economic activity and employment in the area.
• Provides for multiple uses of an area for recreation, information and educational aspects as well as artistic interpretation.
• Will be a fitting recognition of military and peace time service to our country and the history of that service.
• Is a strategic and relevant use of funding to enhance the town in the long term and one which can be augmented.
• A shovel ready project

Brief Explanation:

In preparing this concept we have worked on the published Master Plan from our Shire, simply we believe, making better use of the area and opportunities. 

• The passive open space area is bounded by an all abilities walking trail.
• The edges of the area bounded by trees and shrubs indicative of the area and there to provide some protection from the prevailing SW wind. These could be bird attracting species.
• Gaps in trees are designed to highlight the vessels/static exhibits on site.
• The area adjacent to Reeves Channel and looking out over the Entrance is existing but the grassed area could be landscaped into a sloping bank with seating towards the top facilitating a raised view over the marine vista. 
• A toilet facility should be provided in this area already well used by visitors, anglers and crabbers.
• Static exhibits could be used as a stage area for events, fishing vessels as a coffee shop etc., aircraft internals as an interpretive area.
• Well placed seating to make the best use of views and passive recreation for all ages and abilities.
• Parking (incl. disability) and some long vehicle parking is provided. 
• Bus parking will be required as well as a turn round point. A further toilet facility provided in this area.
• The existing fishing and crabbing area maintained and the existing jetty also maintained.
• Fencing to the Gippsland Ports site/storage areas enhanced by visual camouflage, for example images printed onto shade-net disguising the industrial landscape. 
• BBQ and picnic tables at various locations not compromising its feeling of space and freedom. 
• Artworks (e.g.sculptures) along pathways and information boards at strategic locations providing history and information.

Bullock Island Developments Inc:

The proposal is being developed by Bullock Island Developments Inc., a not for profit group of experienced individuals, with a bent for getting things done! The idea of developing Bullock Island has been on the cards since at least the late 90s, but with numerous delays until matters that were resolved until earlier this year, when the Shire took it over. 

Its position overlooking the only man-made ocean “entrance” in Victoria, should be addressed sooner rather than later and after much procrastination! 

The multi million dollar grant to the Fishing co-op, road surfacing and the connecting “bridge” offers an opportunity, with works in progress, to get something constructive and beneficial to the community of Lakes Entrance and East Gippsland.

BID Inc. is open to variations and changes to our theme, but not delays, missing the funding opportunities that present themselves resulting from the bushfires and CoViD19 catastrophes which have impacted severely on East Gippsland, and our town.

The Shire our State representatives and Federal member have been individually requested to get behind this exciting and comprehensive development proposal.

Our town need revitalising, it needs an all-weather, all year round attraction to bring in visitation. The Bullock Island Master Plan is a start, this concept sits on top the work already done and will bring visitation, jobs, and increased prosperity to our town.

This project has huge potential but it needs support of the community, it can be done, it can and will revitalize our town. Like this page, make a comment and keep an eye out for news on it's progress.