Jemmy's Point Lookout Stage 2 community engagement online survey results are in.

Strong support is held for an upgrade of Rotary Park that preserves its natural values, Lookout Road viewing platform and passive recreation and enjoyment, such as barbecues, walking paths and picnic facilities.

Multiple concept designs for a new viewing experience at the Lookout Road site were developed and the community was invited to comment on these designs during August and September.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Mendy Urie said more than 1100 people visited the project page on our YourSay website.

“524 people dug deeper to look at project details (photos, project description, photos and frequently asked questions. 317 people opened the survey and 212 contributed via a response,” Cr Urie said.

“Of the 212 contributions, 75 per cent of respondents live in Lakes Entrance (including Kalimna).

“Thank you to everyone who had their say through this survey (online due to COVID-19 restrictions) on this iconic project for Lakes Entrance.”

The survey also gathered feedback from our various stakeholder groups including the Project Control Group, Community Panel and residents close to the site on Lookout Road and the immediate vicinity.

“The natural values of Rotary Park are highly regarded by the community and there is a high level of feedback that these should be retained,” Cr Urie said.

Survey feedback summary:

• There is strong community support for improvements to Rotary Park at Jemmy’s Point in a modest way that preserves the natural values of the site.
• There are very high levels of support for the construction an all-abilities viewing platform at the top of Jemmy’s Point in Apex Park.
• The concept viewing platform presented to the community has been generally well received by most.
• Views are mixed with respect to commercial development, with more support for no or only very modest levels of commercial activity.
• Some stakeholders, including many residents of Kalimna who reside near the project site, are in strong opposition to any large-scale development of the parkland or any commercial activities.
• There is strong support to improve attributes that will complement passive recreation and enjoyment, such as barbecues, walking paths and picnic facilities.
• Attributes such as formalised children’s play equipment or sporting equipment are not well supported by the community.  

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“Following the consultation process and in light of the feedback received by the community, we have instructed the design team to continue design development of the all-abilities viewing platform and site master plan taking into account community wishes,” Cr Urie said.

“These include barbecues, walking paths, and picnic facilities, an all-weather protected viewing area will be incorporated into the viewing platform, taking into account existing natural assets of the Lookout Road site.”

Community feedback results include the following:

• No commercial space will be incorporated into the viewing platform, however there will be the ability to develop commercial opportunities in the future.
• An area for all-weather protection viewing will be incorporated into the viewing platform.
• Peripheral landscaping is to provide protection and celebration of the historic tree.
• New amenities along with passive recreation and enjoyment such as barbecues, walking paths, and picnic facilities are to be included in site planning.
• All development of the parkland including access and parking will be done in a manner that minimises impact on the existing natural assets. The intent is for most parking to be at the Hotel Road site, but with some provision for parking at the Lookout Road site.

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Council’s design team is now conducting detailed site investigation work including geotechnical and topographical surveys and cultural heritage, flora and fauna assessments to support the design and approvals process.

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