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Raymond Island Foreshore Management Plan completed, ensuring ecological protection and sustainable community use

East Gippsland Shire Council completes Raymond Island Foreshore Management Plan, balancing ecological protection with community use, enhancing accessibility, and addressing concerns over vegetation, bushfire risk, and boardwalk amenities.

By news@gippsland - 3rd January 2025 - Back to News

The plan to guide management of a key section of Raymond Island foreshore is complete. Developed in collaboration with the community, the plan presents a management approach that provides balanced solutions to guide the future management of the south-western area of the Raymond Island foreshore.

Council aims to provide clear, evidence-based guidance for managing Raymond Island's sensitive foreshore, preserving ecological values while enhancing community use and visitor experience

Foreshore management plan

Mayor Cr John White said the development of the Raymond Island Foreshore Landscape Plan (South Western Area) began in December 2023, with community consultation undertaken in mid-2024. "The purpose of this plan is to provide a very clear approach to how this section of foreshore is used, developed, and protected."

"The area has a high ecological value but is also a much used and loved area for community use. The management plan identifies specific zones for protection, conservation, as well as supporting responsible use. It aims to safeguard the unique environmental values of the foreshore while improving resident and visitor experiences," John said.

Key actions include increasing community awareness of the foreshore's ecological significance and facilitating activities that align with its environmental priorities, while also seeking to enhance the area as a place that the community and visitors can use and enjoy.

Raymond Island preservation

John also said, "Through community input, this plan ensures the foreshore remains a treasured environmental asset while also creating spaces for recreation and enjoyment. Raymond Island is one of our region's gems, and this plan will help preserve its beauty and biodiversity for generations to come."

"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," John said.

Community consultation insights

Among the key concerns raised during community consultation were:

Degradation of native and protected vegetation, and community access

We have undertaken an environmental assessment and mapping, and the plan identifies areas of protected vegetation, and where public use can take place.

Foreshore boardwalk is well used and a major attraction

The plan has a strong focus on upgrades to existing and supporting amenities to improve the resident and visitor experience and enhance accessibility. This includes increased seating, viewing platforms, and a rationalisation and inclusion of interpretive signage along the boardwalk.

Revegetation may impact on water/coastal views

Revegetation will be low-growing plants no higher than 30cm.

‍Some activity and community use impacting native and protected vegetation

Mapping has clarified areas of protected vegetation. These areas will be delineated from public use areas to ensure they are protected, while also providing clarity over areas that can be used for community activity.

Existing vegetation poses a bushfire risk

Risk-focussed bushfire management assessments are updated and reviewed annually with Forest Fire Management Victoria, the CFA and traditional owners. These assessments provide evidence-based advice to public and private landowners.

Fencing should not be a visual barrier

Fencing will be avoided as much as possible, only installed where necessary and if required will be minimal and temporary and not present a visual barrier.

More information and to view the plans and associated documents please visit our YourSay website.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com