FAQs

The Old Slipway site is on Crown land and was managed by Gippsland Ports up until 2019. Because the site was identified for community/commercial redevelopment, Gippsland Ports was no longer considered the most appropriate manager of the site. In 2019, East Gippsland Shire Council accepted Committee of Management responsibility for the site in order to support and benefit the East Gippsland Community.

This project will increase the capacity of the business community by creating employment and economic opportunities that focus on tourism and primary industries. It will enable economic recovery to address the impact of the bushfires and subsequent COVID-19 restrictions on East Gippsland. It will support initiatives which address the socio-economic disadvantage identified in towns such as Lakes Entrance.

It is envisaged that the Slipway Collective will activate the site through pop-up food and beverage outlets, the transformation of the winch sheds into an art precinct, and by utilising public spaces to facilitate COVID-safe outdoor dining, events and markets.

The perimeter fence will be removed as part of the redevelopment and outdoor spaces at the site will be publicly accessible year-round.

The total budget for this project is $630,000 with contributions of:

• $562,000 from the Federal and Victorian State Government under the Local Economic Recovery program. 
• $40,000 from the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. 
• $28,000 from East Gippsland Shire Council.

Construction is expected to commence during the final quarter of 2021 and be complete by May 2022. At this stage no tenders have been let for the project.

The Expression of Interest process had a key evaluation criterion that the proposed usage of the site must not negatively impact on other local businesses. The Slipway Collective’s submission has been evaluated as unique and not competing with existing established businesses in the area.

Throughout the Expression of Interest process, the local community, businesses and organisations were provided with opportunities to provide input during the consultative process. The overwhelming feedback reflected a high level of support for redevelopment of the site.