A Liberal Nationals Government will breathe new life into Paynesville’s boat yard precinct, kick-starting a major redevelopment plan if elected in November.

 

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Decentralisation Peter Walsh and The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull today announced an elected Liberal Nationals Government would provide a $200,000 grant to Gippsland Ports to establish the Paynesville Foreshore Redevelopment Plan.

 

“This funding will go towards a detailed redevelopment plan for the Paynesville boatyard precinct, to provide for a new integrated Gippsland Water Police, Paynesville Coast Guard and Gippsland Ports headquarters together with a charter operation facility, amenities and customer lounge,” Mr Bull said.

 

“I think most people would agree the site is currently an eyesore, particularly given its location in the heart of the iconic Gippsland Lakes and this is why we are here today making this significant announcement.

 

“Currently Ports and Water Police occupy the site, but Coast Guard is without a dedicated facility and that needs to be part of the discussion, as well as the retention of a hire boat facility.

 

“And with plans to develop a dedicated charter operation facility and amenities, it will mean more reasons visitors will be drawn to the Paynesville area, supporting our local economy.”

 

Bairnsdale’s Gippsland Ports office will also be relocated to the Paynesville site.

 

Gippsland Ports proposed the plan with the support of East Gippsland Shire Council and it will be developed with input from the Water Police and, most importantly, the community.

 

“The Nationals believe in backing projects, like the Paynesville foreshore redevelopment,” Mr Walsh said.

 

“Planning for a better Paynesville foreshore will bring more tourists to town, providing a boost for local accommodation providers, cafés and tourism operators.”

 

Mr Bull said today’s news followed the announcement all boating fee proceeds will be allocated to improving the facilities for the boating community, if the Liberal Nationals are elected in November, with the establishment of the Blue Infrastructure Fund.

 

As part of his visit, Mr Walsh, who is also Shadow Minister for Agriculture, had numerous discussions about the drought with farmers from right across the region with visits planned for Bairnsdale, Orbost and Briagolong.

 

 

Caption: The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull and Shadow Minister for Decentralisation Peter Walsh make the announcement with Gippsland Squadron Coast Guard commodore Wyn Bloomer, Paynesville Coast Guard’s Jeff Williams and Fred Andrews and East Gippsland Shire Council’s Chris Waites.