East Gippsland Shire Council has released its draft Housing and Settlement Strategy for public consultation. The draft strategy will form part of Council's ongoing efforts to support the sustainable growth and development of East Gippsland communities to 2041.   

Council is seeking further community feedback about planning for our existing and future communities, and will take that feedback on board in finalising the strategy. 

Acknowledging that population growth will result in increased demand for housing in our towns and settlements, the draft strategy aims to protect and enhance what makes East Gippsland a special place to live by planning for the right type of housing in the right locations.   

The draft strategy was developed following community input into the Housing and Settlement Strategy Discussion Paper, which was open for comment between November 2022 and February 2023 and uses evidence linked to the 2021 Census to guide policy development.  

Currently, 49,760 people live in East Gippsland Shire, but this population is forecast to grow to 63,859 by 2041. In addition, age structure and household types are forecast to change.

Based on this information, the draft strategy focuses on a range of housing issues and challenges facing our community. These include the need for affordable housing, diverse housing options for an ageing population and smaller households, responding to increasing natural hazards, and the need for sustainable housing that considers the environment and climate.

The draft strategy also seeks to ensure that growth is directed to areas where communities can have access to the services and infrastructure needed to support them. 

Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves, said the draft strategy is an important step in ensuring that Council can support communities in the long term. 

"We know that availability of diverse and affordable housing, and access to services and infrastructure are significant issues for many people in East Gippsland, and this strategy is an important step in addressing this challenge," Cr Reeves said.

"We have listened to feedback and developed a strategy that reflects community needs and aspirations. This includes identifying growth pressures, risks from natural hazards, and supporting development of sustainable homes as well as managing the impact of housing demands on the natural environment." 

Cr Reeves encouraged the community to provide feedback on the draft strategy during the public consultation period from 26 April to 27 May 2023. 

"We want to hear from the community about their thoughts on the draft strategy and how we can best support our region's housing and settlement needs," he said. 

Feedback can be provided through Council's website, at one of the nine drop-in sessions being held across the shire in May, or in writing. 

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Session times and locations:

· Buchan Recreation Reserve 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm, Tuesday 2 May 2023

· Omeo Recreation Reserve 4.30 - 6.30 pm, Wednesday 3 May

· Paynesville Service Centre 4.30 - 6.30 pm, Monday 8 May

· Bairnsdale Library 4.30 pm - 6.30pm, Thursday 11 May

· Mallacoota Mud Brick Pavilion 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm, Tuesday 16 May

· Cann River Community Centre 12.00 pm - 2.00 pm, Wednesday 17 May

· Orbost Service Centre 4.30 pm - 6.30 pm, Wednesday 17 May

· Lakes Entrance Mechanics Hall 4.30 pm - 6.30pm, Monday 22 May

· Goongerah Hall 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm, Friday 26 May

For more information and to have your say, visit Draft Housing and Settlement Strategy.

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