The Paynesville foreshore is set for a major transformation following the announcement of a $6.35 million grant to develop a new Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub.

East Gippsland Shire Council has commenced planning for the redevelopment of the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club (GLYC).

This project was first identified in the development of strategic plans for Paynesville including the Paynesville Town Centre Structure Plan and the Paynesville Foreshore Management Plan 2017.

The current GLYC building includes a structure that was relocated to the site in the 1940’s from a former site of the GLYC and over the years extensions have been added. In recent years the foundations of the existing building have deteriorated to the extent that major repair work or redevelopment is required. The current facility due to its age and condition is no longer able to meet contemporary accessibility needs of the club or the wider community.

Economic

The benefit of the project includes the economic activity associated with the construction, establishment and maintenance of the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club and the improved health outcomes for the Paynesville community ensuring continued strong local economic growth through the tourism sector.

Social

The completion of the project will see numerous health and social benefits for the East Gippsland community. The Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club in Paynesville is the region's largest yacht club, and one of the most active clubs in regional Victoria, hosting state and national sailing regattas on an annual basis.

The site is the biggest venue in Paynesville (100 seats) and also provides a centralised venue to host a number of annual/bi-annual events such as the Paynesville Music Festival, the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally, and Marlay Point Overnight Race and a range of community events.

Some of the social benefits of the project include:

• better support and enable world class sailing events for the next 50 to 75 years.
• expand the offer and ability to attract yachting events (including World Championships) to Paynesville.

• maximise the commercial and visitor economy opportunities of a unique waterside location.

Project Reference Group

A Project Reference Group (PRG) was established to help guide this project moving forward. Assembled on a voluntary basis, PRG members support and co-operate with all parties in the spirit of goodwill and working towards the common purpose.

Submissions to join the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club Renewal PRG were welcome from 25 May 2023 to 30 June 2023. Twenty-two (22) expressions of interest to join the PRG were submitted through the application form available on YourSay, and several more were received via email and post. Eleven (11) letters of offer were extended and accepted. Once the PRG was established, a Project Working Group was also set up to support the development of the initial design brief for the architect.

Members of both Groups have contributed their knowledge about relevant issues on behalf of the key stakeholder groups they represent; these include the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club, Kingfisher Dragon Boat Club, Paynesville Business and Tourism Association, local community, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Paynesville Coast Guard, and Gippsland Ports.

The PRG has been meeting frequently with the Council Managers, the Project Supervisor, and the architect to discuss design options and specifications needed for their specific usage, such as boat heights, widths, turning circles, weights, and storage needs. As you can imagine, there are many specifications and requirements for each different vessel needs, as well as and elements for wider community usage.

Community Engagement

Community engagement will be undertaken throughout the planning process, with communications and consultation at each stage of the project, as outlined in the Project Lifecycle.

Funding

Funding from Regional Development Victoria and East Gippsland Shire Council has been provided for the project planning only at this stage. Construction is subject to future funding applications.

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