Lakes Entrance – Then and Now

Bullock Island Developments Inc., a group of proactive local residents, in association with Lakes Entrance Volunteer Coastguard Flotilla are pleased to announce the presentation of Lakes Entrance – Then and Now.  A 40 minute audio/video compilation of historical photographs and paintings dating back over 100 years and telling the story of the Lakes Entrance area. Many of the old black and white images have been colourised and then compared with the locations as they stand today.

Lakes Entrance – Then and Now is the first of its kind to be presented to the public over the summer period and will be held at the Lakes Entrance Coastguard Rooms on The Esplanade commencing Friday 17^th December at 1pm. Entry by Gold Coin donation & QR registration.  Double Vaccination certification may be requested at any time.                                                 Any Proceeds donated to the local Coastguard and a copy of video donated to Local Historical Society.

 Opening times are from 1pm until 4pm Friday 17^th to Monday 20^th December; 

Then from 31^st December every Friday to Monday until January 26^th

Static displays including information on the local Dolphin population, a promotion of the Lakes Entrance Coastguard and some photographic displays/sales are also on show during the presentation. 

Quotes:

‘The history of Lakes Entrance is so rich and needs to be told, this is hopefully the start of a number of similar presentations’. Peter Jones

This is something new and different for visitors and locals to immerse themselves in our abundant local history . Perhaps just for an easy afternoon or an hour out of the weather. This hits the mark and tells the story of our town as well as featuring our local wildlife’.  John Butler-Cole

‘ I have always wanted to colourise some of the old photographs around the town and present them in some way. All the recent restrictions have allowed me the time to do just that. I hope it does the town and its history justice’.    John Munns

“Something new and positive for our visitors and locals, and promoting our local volunteer Coastguard too”    Peter Jones

“A series on varying subjects would be a great way to promote the town and provide entertainment”

John Munns

 

The Jab - to have or not to have, that is the question?

We have all suffered in one way or another from the Pandemic and CO-Vid 19. Whether it be from lack of business, lockdowns, too many to mention, closure of business, lack of employment and subsequent financial strain, family stress and strain or just plain frustration and boredom. It has hit us all in one way or another. So then it was so pleasing last Thursday to go to an event closely linked with the pandemic which ran like clockwork. Yes I went to have THE JAB!

Krauatangalung Walk Proposal - a response

 

Krauatangalung Walk Proposal – Response                        

 

In response to a request for feedback on the above-mentioned concept, below a brief resume of our combined thoughts and opinions.

The concept plan for Krauatangalung Walk appears to be a litany of oversights in community consultation, economic recovery impact, viability, detailed design and cost.

Lockdown & Co-Vid Restrictions - not excuses for inactivity & lack of preparation.

This week, if we had not realised it, the prospect of eased restrictions advised by the Premier and CMO’s are with us. The net result of all this for Victorian tourism reliant businesses, and especially in the south east, is the loss of a full year’s income generation, from the commercial damage caused by a succession of disasters Drought, Fires, and CoVid19. 

Further, the ongoing prospects of Coronavirus(es) epidemics into the future are real. This is predicted, containment has missed the mark, recovery strategies have missed the targets. Doubling what we are told to expect, gets us to 3-5 years and the establishment of the “new normal” which will be very different to the past!

Hibernation

When can we in East Gippsland come out of hibernation? How good will it be?

Help to Survive in Business during and after CO- Vid19

In a past life I operated the family business for over 16 years. We went through the highs and lows of business including the recession we "had to have", 20% plus interest rates, high bank overdrafts, high level local unemployment, and the realisation that insolvency was at the door.

One of the lessons learnt from surviving those days, and we did, was to seek professional help and to stick to what you are good at. We stuck (on advice) to what we were good at and sought that much needed professional help. That help got us through some very torrid times, in fact without that advice, help, and ongoing support, we would have been just another number in the bankrupt court listings.

Co-Vid19 and what I see around our area is a similar business scenario and I reproduce the following with links, in an effort to perhaps help local business through these testing days and beyond into recovery. The information comes from the very same professional advisor that saw us through those torrid days years ago, and who still is our financial advisor/accountant etc. 

On agreeing for their booklet to be shared the company principal said  "I am more than happy for you to reproduce the information – if it helps just one small business survive these extremely difficult times."  Reading this will cost you nothing but it might just save your business.

Jemmy's Point Lookout Stage 2 - BID Inc's opinion

Only days remain for the community to provide feedback to the Shire on the planned projects at Jemmy's Point.

Here are the thoughts of BID Inc. please consider, don't let this opportunity pass us by.

BIDI believes EGSC has taken a long time to put forward any project proposal for the “top” of Jemmy’s Point (JP) and welcomes the idea of its development. However, BIDI sees the JP site as PRIME REAL ESTATE, the best in Lakes Entrance, for an exceptional and much needed tourist/visitor attraction to the region. In BIDI’s opinion any development of this site should be COMMERCIAL and complement the Bullock Island (BI) project!

Your Opinions - Bullock Island Jemmy's Point and beyond.

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!

Saving our Town - Who and what are BID Inc.?

A little over a week ago I published a concept plan for Bullock Island. The readership of the blog article is considerable and very pleasing. The extended comments on a number of Facebook sites again was a very clear positive indication of the community feelings and what could in fact be achieved.

Each of those suggestions has been recorded and will be considered and I thank each and every one of you for your interest. It is taken seriously and I will continue to use this medium to keep you the community informed of progress. Perhaps a good idea to explain more as to who is B.I.D. Inc and what we are about.

75th Anniversary VP day - a short recognition of service

A few short days before the 75 years since VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day on 15th August, and only a matter of weeks until the 75 anniversary of the official end of WW2 on 2nd September when the Japanese delegation formally signed the instrument of surrender on board the USS Missouri. 

I am proud to write a brief record of service of my late father who, although serving in Royal Marines, was seconded as an NCO with the 2nd/2nd Field Artillery on Crete and later a POW. Here then is a brief extract of service of Cpl. Stanley A Munns RM.

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.