East Gippsland residents and ratepayers are having their say on the future of their region as part of
community consultation on the East Gippsland Shire Council's Housing and Settlement and Rural Land Use
strategies.
East Gippsland is expected to accommodate another 10,000 people in the next 20 years and the existing
population is ageing. There is also a need to preserve rural land for food and fibre production and avoid the
well-known risks of fire and flood. This presents many challenges to ensure that people have the right
housing in the right places.
The two strategies aim to accommodate predicted population growth in the Shire, while retaining productive
farmland, retaining landscape and environmental values and making our towns better and safer places to
live.
The strategies also aim to ensure that current and future generations can have access to facilities and
services and that Council and other organisations can deliver the services efficiently to minimise costs to
community.
Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said: "We were pleased to see that there was general support for the key principles
of both strategies."
More than 100 people gave feedback on the strategies, highlighting a broad range of issues for the future of
settlements, housing and rural areas, including access to services and infrastructure and the character of
towns.
Many of the submissions emphasised the need to protect rural areas and the natural environment.
"The submissions also highlighted the complex issues facing our community, including access to services,
affordable housing, climate change and natural hazards, and the character of the places we call home," Cr
Reeves said.
Council is currently working through the feedback as it finalises the Rural Land Use Strategy - scheduled to
be considered by Council for adoption in May.
Further consultation is planned for the Housing and Settlement Strategy during April and May so that
community members can provide further input on the future of our towns and settlements.
"The feedback we've received places Council in a strong position to understand local issues and
opportunities and refine the strategies to deliver a prosperous and sustainable future for East Gippsland," Cr
Reeves said.
