RICA meeting with the Shire

The Raymond Island Community Association Committee met with Councillors and staff from the East Gippsland Shire last Tuesday 29 July at the Raymond Island Hall. 

The Councillors expressed a desire to keep open communication going between themselves and the residents of Raymond Island and once again welcomed the input on the Draft Shire Budget, particularly those aspects which affected the Ferry fees.

RICA President, Warwick Hall, made two important points – what “vision” does the Shire have for the Island as part of the greater East Gippsland Shire  and as a tourism destination and how can we work towards making the residents’ vision consistent with this and work together to achieve it.  The Urban Design Framework document prepared in 2007 was referred to as still containing the most relevant directions for Raymond Island.  An extract summary from the document follows.

Secondly Warwick stressed the need for access to the island to not become an annual issue and ways should be found so we can work together with the Shire to maximise the benefits of the ferry and eliminate the conflicts over cost and cost recovery.

The Shire President, Mark Reeves, responded positively and invited Fiona Weigall, Manager for Strategic Planning, to expand on the next step.  Fiona advised that Community Plans which had been drawn up for the smaller communities such as Metung, Eagle Point and Paynesville were now in various stages of implementation or completion and that Raymond Island was next.  She advised that she would be back in touch with RICA to review the Community Plan for the Island and seek residents’ views on the most important issues which needed to be addressed by the Shire in its 2015/2016 Budget.

The Councillors complemented the Committee on the Community Hall and enjoyed looking at all the local items on display as well as enjoying afternoon tea supplied largely by Fay Joshua.   

Raymond Island Urban Design Framework - 2007

THE VISION FOR RAYMOND ISLAND

“Raymond Island will be acknowledged as a unique village and rural residential

locality set within the heart of the Gippsland Lakes.

Its bushland setting, natural values and quiet lifestyle will be maintained and it will

be recognised as a destination where sustainability is a key element in all activities

conducted on the Island.

Limited new low intensity development, consistent with this vision will be provided for and the Island will be seen as an attractive visitor destination for nature based tourism experiences. Non-car based circulation on the Island will be well provided for and promoted.

Raymond Island will be conveniently accessed from adjacent Paynesville, which will also provide most essential goods and services for Raymond Island residents and visitors.”

Report by Di Reynolds