The district comprises of the following localities: Bairnsdale, East Bairnsdale, Wy Yung, Eastwood, Lucknow, Clifton Creek, Flaggy Creek, Sarsfield, Forge Creek, Goon Nure, Wattle Point, Bengworden, Mount Taylor, Granite Rock, Ellaswood, Bullumwaal, Melwood, Waterholes, Deptford and Banksia Peninsula.
Once home to steam boats and traders who arrived in the area in the 1850s, Bairnsdale is now the commercial and administrative hub of the region offering history, the arts, culture and retail.
The town’s rich heritage can be found throughout the town, including the rotunda in the centre of town, the spectacular murals and architecture of St Mary’s Church, and Bairnsdale Court House, which is noted for its 19th century architecture.
It is the largest town in East Gippsland by both population and business size.
The overall aim of the Bairnsdale Sporting Facilities Plan (The Plan) is to provide a strategic and evidence-based approach to the provision of sporting facilities in Bairnsdale that will actively encourage and support increased participation in sport by East Gippsland Shire residents.
Council worked with its sporting clubs, reserve committees of management, State Sporting Associations, local leagues and associations and other partner organisations to ensure that Bairnsdale’s sporting facilities are fit for purpose, compliant and meet the needs of the local sporting community now and into the future.
The Plan is divided into four volumes:
Council is continuing to work with key partners to deliver the highest priority recommendations as outlined in Volume 1.
The Bairnsdale CBD Master Plan, ‘Re-imagining Bairnsdale’, sets out a framework for the CBD's revitalisation from 2013 to 2023. The Master Plan shows how the Bairnsdale CBD will be improved over time and sets out a consistent approach to design elements and infrastructure.
Actions include proposals for the improved design of important public spaces, a street tree planting program, public realm design guidelines, and a program for increasing the range of activities in core areas.
The Draft Bairnsdale Growth Strategy has been prepared for Council by consultants to guide the growth and development of Bairnsdale over the next 20 years.
It contains recommendations for a growth boundary, future residential growth areas, improvements to existing neighbourhoods, revitalisation of the central business district, commercial and industrial growth and a range of other matters.
Council, in collaboration with the Victorian Government, has finalised a Structure Plan for the East Bairnsdale and Lucknow precinct. This work outlines how the precinct should develop over time, including the existing industrial areas along the Princes Highway and McMillan Street and the farming/vacant land north of the highway.
The Bairnsdale CBD Car Parking Strategy aims to better use the existing car parking spaces and ensure future parking demands are met and appropriately funded. It also aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve pedestrian accessibility.
The strategy will, among other things, help the Shire identify preferred locations for additional on street and off street parking. It will also help determine where changes may need to be made to parking restrictions, and identify priority locations for additional parking enforcement and streetscape upgrades.
Council has developed an easy to read parking map to help motorists in understanding the various parking locations in the Bairnsdale CBD and the restrictions that apply.
The Howitt Park Master Plan provides a framework to guide planning over the coming 10 years and to also strengthen the links between council and the community.
Council is working to improve drainage in the Lucknow area south of the Princes Highway. This will address the area’s needs and considers the future development of the McMillan Street and Phillips Lane industrial area.
Download the Fact Sheet.