East Gippsland Shire Council has made the Raymond Island Ferry pass system simpler for residents.
The decision was made at Council's 23 June meeting after consultation with the Raymond Island Community Association, residents and other stakeholders. It follows a decision by Council in September last year to progress changes to the pass system - in place since 2022.
Council said the changes were shaped by feedback from island residents and reflect the ferry's importance as an essential service connecting Raymond Island with the mainland. To better understand how the existing pass system was operating in practice, Council undertook extensive consultation with residents, which identified concerns around access for larger households, renters and carers. The resulting changes are intended to create a simpler and more flexible pass system.
The revised pass system:
· Retains the existing lifetime portable pass currently in circulation for owners of developed land.
· Allows eligible residents and developed-land owners - including renters - to apply for additional portable passes at no cost, with one additional pass available per eligible driver. These will have a three-year lifespan.
· Supports residents who rely on carers through access to additional passes in defined circumstances. Simplifies the system with a three-year validity period for additional passes.
· Ensures emergency services and eligible not-for-profit organisations providing regular services to Raymond Island continue to be exempt from fees for access to the ferry.
The new arrangements and updated ferry charter will come into effect in September 2026, coinciding with the scheduled renewal of passes.
Community engagement in the lead-up to the changes included a resident survey, written submissions, and direct discussion through a Councillor community meeting on Raymond Island.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the changes reflect strong community input.
"This outcome is a great example of community engagement working as it should - residents spoke up, we listened, and we made a decision that better reflects what the community needs and how Council can provide the service," Cr Ashworth said.
"We appreciate the time and care people have taken to share their experiences and perspectives. Residents told us they wanted a system that remained flexible but was also simpler to use.
"Access to the ferry is fundamental to life on Raymond Island. We thank the community for engaging with us and helping shape an approach that better reflects how people live and use the service.
"Importantly, we're maintaining the flexibility residents rely on, while improving access and usability across different household types and making the system easier to understand and administer. These changes not only support residents, but also our staff operating the ferry."
Key issues raised through consultation included access for renters, the practical challenges of using shared passes in larger households, and the need for a simple system that supports everyday travel - including the flexibility to deal with lost or forgotten passes.
Before the changes take effect, all Raymond Island households will receive detailed information outlining how the new system will operate and how to apply for and collect additional passes.
