Today I was informed that works at Bullock Island Bridge were still continuing, despite being assured that the bridge would be completed before Christmas. (I forgot to ask which one !)
I took a drive to see for myself, what follows is a brief assessment,
• Indeed, the works are still going on,
• the traffic lights have returned, and alternate one-way traffic operating.
• The entire area is a restricted work site
• the new concrete footpath partially laid before Christmas has been jack hammered up.
• holes are being dug at various points despite the guard rails on North Arm side, having replaced the very temporary fencing left during the Festive season.
• The works area is still well in use and nowhere near returned as a passive recreational area and previously used and enjoyed by many.
Is this what our contractors and our Shire called finished?
• Why is the work not finished on time as advised by Christmas
• What are these extra works costing us the ratepayers
• Is there an expected completion date for the works.
• See extract from media release 15.4.21 The new development will support Bullock Island’s transformation as a major tourism attraction and help the region recover from recent challenges associated with drought, bushfires and, more recently, the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Both the café and masterplan work are expected to be completed in 2022.
The bridge isn’t even finished leave alone the proposed Café! 
As for the Toilet Block we are still supplied with a smelly portable whilst the new beaut block stands deteriorating and not even connected I am advised. The weeds are now higher than the surrounding fence.
Have the required pipes been fitted under the new bridge or any other links to main sewerage and water systems?
I wonder if the project managers (one of the many) have even thought about that?
There are other issues relating to the island which I asked in November 22 but I continue to ask
1. Are we the ratepayers getting value for our dollar from our Council?
2. Are Council Officers (Public Servants) competent to, and providing us with that value?
3. Are our elected representatives (Councillors) aware of these matters and being kept up to date with cost over runs, time overruns and contract staging by delegations?
4. What is being actioned to reduce cost over runs and overall running costs?
5. Where are the answers to questions posed below from last November and are
Was the Bridge ever really needed?
Was it ever planned or projected in forward estimates of Council?
Why weren’t the apparent problems estimated in original design work?
What will be, as not completed yet it’s final cost?
What was the initial total budget estimate?
What was the contract value?
Where are we now with budget expenditure on this contract number and from which part of the 22/23 budget is this overspend being drawn?
When will it finally be finished? Previous advised completion dates have passed
Why has it taken so long?
Now of course the infamous Toilet Block.
Is it sited as per last plan for the island?
What was cost to build such a complicated structure for such a simple use?
Could the cost have been reduced with a simple structure, (similar to at Slipway)?
Why is it still not in use? Is it connected to power and water? Is the sewer connection complete? Were these aspects included in the plans. If not, why were the plans approved?
Given the apparent issues with connection surely water supply for toilet could be by rain water tank and power by solar. Were these matters considered?
When is it likely to be opened ?
What is the ongoing cost of the portable WC on site?
Council made great issue of taking over the management of Bullock Island 3+ Years ago . This was said to remove the unworkable issue of joint management that existed for many years. Maintenance it was said would be rostered on a regular basis. The net result is no change, no improvement.
Now the projected and apparently publicly funded Restaurant
There is evidence of some progress on this claimed fully funded project.
Is it going to happen, if so when?
Is there a blow-out of costs due to delays?
LEFTRADE stated that piling was complete, is this the case?
What is Council contribution to project?
What is Federal and/or State funding for project?
If the project is funded by public funds, who will operate the business.
Where will the profits go? If it was funded by public funds profits should be returned, seems only fair.
Is the plan ever going to be enacted? It was commenced on 2014/15!
If the plan is going ahead, what is the extent of the work to be completed when and at what cost?
Is it going to be split into stages, (like other projects) so as to allow for financial delegation without going before Council?
Why have other projects been started when this has been left?
The following projects have been started but are still not completed
Hotel Rd Lookout incomplete,
Jemmy’s Point incomplete,
Slipway incomplete,
Marine Parade incomplete,
Myer St Improvements incomplete 2016 /17 budget included $2m
Bullock Bridge incomplete,
Bullock Island upgrade -incomplete,
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas “These investments will help Bullock Island to capitalise on its unique maritime traditions, attracting thousands of new visitors by improving tourism infrastructure and at the same time, creating local jobs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett “The Gippsland Lakes are a jewel in Victoria’s east and it’s exciting to see progress underway in this region – including at Bullock Island which is the gateway to Lakes Entrance.”
Unless this town can attract more visitors businesses will fail and our economy lost
So, there we have it, it is about time we the public had some answers to the use of our ratepayer dollars and value for our ratepayer dollar and especially in and around Bullock Island.
If you agree contact your Councillor of choice.
Too many chiefs it seems
ReplyDeleteYou also left out the free campers.
ReplyDeleteOne almost camped under the sign.
Bush has grown over the when you go to the fishing jetty. Total joke.
Public works are everyone's business, especially when they run overtime/budget.
ReplyDeleteI am alwayb sopen to all points of view but, If you cannot be civil I cannot be bothered responding to you.
ReplyDeletePollies making promises Council can't keep? Cafe state-funded (contribution), bridge federally-funded (contribution). Yet both Timmy and Dazza strangely silent on lack of progress.
ReplyDeleteIts always the case that there is somebody who has a different view and perspective or even a chip on their shoulder. If the case is weak or reduced to generalities then why not throw in a few expletives.
ReplyDeleteHowever there are also ratepayer/residents in the community who spent a lifetime in the civils and building industry ( over 50 years) and have an in depth appreciation of the way it works for least cost and timely project delivery. What we have witnessed in Lakes Entrance capital works planning and execution by the Shire over the 9 years has been less than cost efficient and the financial burden of delays and reworks have to be borne by the ratepayers and residents. We await the delivery of the draft 23/24 budget which once again will advise the necessity to fork out the maximum rates increase while making no effort to make expenditure reductions through operating efficiencies . Not even prepared to try or discuss and debate the real issues.