Bairnsdale 2050

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Bairnsdale has the opportunity to position itself as an iconic regional centre for sustainable growth; providing jobs for the future and unrivalled liveability; where our culture, heritage, environment and lifestyle are the envy of regional Victoria.

Over the next 25 years, Bairnsdale will face a range of complex challenges including sustaining population growth, generating new employment opportunities, supporting liveability and inclusivity, and planning for a changing climate. Bairnsdale needs a new vision for the future that responds to these challenges and provides clear directions to support urban development and economic vitality.

To develop this vision, Council is embarking on an exciting new project - Bairnsdale 2050. The project will replace the previous Bairnsdale Growth Strategy (prepared in 2009) and will provide the direction needed to guide a sustainable and prosperous future for our city.

We are working with a team of planning, design, and economic experts to develop the new strategy and we need involvement of community members to inform a new vision and future directions for Bairnsdale.

Expressions of interest - ‘Bairnsdale 2050’ project

Council is seeking community expressions of interest in shaping the future of Bairnsdale in a new project to guide the development of our main commercial, residential, community and cultural centre to 2050 and beyond.

We invite community members to register their interest in the project, either by being part of a Community Panel or a Community Online Forum.

Community Panel – we are seeking individuals with a strong personal, professional or community connection with Bairnsdale and surrounds to work with us to help guide the project. Expressions of interest are now closed, thank you to those who submitted.

We are looking for knowledge and experience in a relevant field (land development, business and industry, health, education, community services, culture, recreation, environment, etc.).

Community Online Forum – anyone can register an e-mail address to participate in providing ideas and feedback during the project.

There will also be many other opportunities for community participation.


Bairnsdale has the opportunity to position itself as an iconic regional centre for sustainable growth; providing jobs for the future and unrivalled liveability; where our culture, heritage, environment and lifestyle are the envy of regional Victoria.

Over the next 25 years, Bairnsdale will face a range of complex challenges including sustaining population growth, generating new employment opportunities, supporting liveability and inclusivity, and planning for a changing climate. Bairnsdale needs a new vision for the future that responds to these challenges and provides clear directions to support urban development and economic vitality.

To develop this vision, Council is embarking on an exciting new project - Bairnsdale 2050. The project will replace the previous Bairnsdale Growth Strategy (prepared in 2009) and will provide the direction needed to guide a sustainable and prosperous future for our city.

We are working with a team of planning, design, and economic experts to develop the new strategy and we need involvement of community members to inform a new vision and future directions for Bairnsdale.

Expressions of interest - ‘Bairnsdale 2050’ project

Council is seeking community expressions of interest in shaping the future of Bairnsdale in a new project to guide the development of our main commercial, residential, community and cultural centre to 2050 and beyond.

We invite community members to register their interest in the project, either by being part of a Community Panel or a Community Online Forum.

Community Panel – we are seeking individuals with a strong personal, professional or community connection with Bairnsdale and surrounds to work with us to help guide the project. Expressions of interest are now closed, thank you to those who submitted.

We are looking for knowledge and experience in a relevant field (land development, business and industry, health, education, community services, culture, recreation, environment, etc.).

Community Online Forum – anyone can register an e-mail address to participate in providing ideas and feedback during the project.

There will also be many other opportunities for community participation.

  • Community Forum registration

    Become a member of the Community Online Forum

    Anyone with access to email and the internet can join the Community Online Forum, all you have to do is register your interest and provide an email address. 

    You will then be able to participate as part of an online group to share your thoughts and ideas for the future of Bairnsdale. 

    Register here
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  • CLOSED: This EOI has concluded, thank you to those who expressed interest in being part of the Community Panel for Bairnsdale 2050.

    EOI Community Panel

    Thank you for your interest in the Bairnsdale 2050 Community Panel 

    Please complete the short application questionnaire to tell us a bit about yourself and why you would like to be a member of the Panel. You can review the draft Terms of Reference for the Panel here https://yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/86378/widgets/412884/documents/269581 or via the Document library.

    What is the role of the Panel?

    As a panel member, you will:

    • Have the opportunity to directly shape the development of the Bairnsdale Growth Strategy.
    • Attend up to four (4) panel meetings between November 2023 – June 2024. The first Community Panel meeting will be held in–person with subsequent meetings being held online.
    • Be invited to attend a half day Codesign Workshop where you will collaborate with the broader Bairnsdale community to develop solutions that respond to future challenges and opportunities for Bairnsdale.

    The Community Panel does not have any decision-making authority.

     What are the Selection Criteria?

    • A strong personal, professional or community connection with Bairnsdale and surrounds.
    • Knowledge and/or experience in a field relevant to the project (e.g. land and urban development, business and industry, health, education, community services, culture, recreation, environment, etc.)
    • Willingness to work with others to share ideas and arrive at consensus
    • Availability to attend approximately four 2-hour meetings and read background material.

     What are the Panel Member obligations?

    • Members will be required to declare any conflicts of interest and not participate in panel discussion on matters where a direct conflict exists.
    • Members may be required to maintain confidentiality on some matters.
    • Members are encouraged to use their local networks to share and gather information about the project and promote community involvement.

    Who can apply?

    Anyone who has a strong local connection to Bairnsdale is encouraged to apply. Up to 12 positions will be available and we are seeking applications from individuals who are willing to actively contribute to the engagement process and leverage their own local networks and associations to encourage broader participation in the development of the project.  We will also be assessing applications against areas of interest and knowledge, skills and demographic representation.

    Who will appoint the Panel Members?

    Members will be formally appointed by Council.

    Complete Form
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Page last updated: 20 Nov 2023, 09:26 AM