17 December 2024

The final Raymond Island Foreshore Landscape Plan (South Western Area) has been completed.

The development of this Plan commenced in December 2023 with community consultation throughout May - June 2024. The Plan considers community and resident needs primarily from recreational and conservation perspectives, and presents a united approach that aligns with community goals, and provides balanced solutions to guide the future management of the southwestern area of the Raymond Island Foreshore.

Thank you to those who participated in the community consultation. All feedback was instrumental in creating a Management Plan that thoughtfully considers and reflects the interests of our community.

The Plan is now available in the document section.

View the Raymond Island Foreshore Landscape Plan (S-W Area)

What we heard has been summarised into key themes below:

What we heard	How have we addressed?
Concern about degradation of native and protected vegetation.	We have undertaken an environmental assessment/mapping to identify areas of protected vegetation, and area where public use can take place.
Concern that access to areas historically used by the community for access paths, use of watercraft and community gathering with little to no environmental value would be prevented.
The foreshore boardwalk is visited by many residents and tourists, and is a major attraction for those visiting East Gippsland.	Strong focus on upgrades to existing and additional supporting amenity to improve the resident and visitor experience and accessibility, including increased seating areas and viewing platforms for users to stop and enjoy the view, rationalisation and inclusion of interpretive signage along the boardwalk.
Concern that revegetation of particular areas with shrubs/trees may impact on property views that have been in place for decades.	Revegetation conducted as a result of this plan to consist of low growing vegetation, no higher than 30cm.
Unauthorised mowing of foreshore areas is impacting on native and protected vegetation.	Mapping has identified areas of protected vegetation. These areas will be delineated from public use areas. The commitment to maximum heights of revegetation will provide assurance that view lines will be maintained removing the incentive to mow. Consequences of unauthorised actions will be promoted and acted upon, as per Council’s General Local Laws.
The existing vegetation poses a bushfire risk.	Risk-focused bushfire management assessments are updated and reviewed annually in partnership with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) CFA, and Traditional Owners. These assessments are conducted to provide evidence based advice to public and private landowners.
Fencing should not present a visual barrier.	Fencing will be avoided where possible, installed where necessary and if required be temporary and minimal, and not present a visual barrier.