Errinundra to Snowy District Community Plan 2019
Community Vision: A remote district of exceptional natural beauty, which has the infrastructure and support to provide for a safe, healthy, productive and culturally diverse experience for its community, its businesses, its visitors and environment.
Bendoc Bonang Cabanandra Deddick Valley Delegate River Dellicknora Goongerah Haydens Bog Tubbut
eastgippsland.vic.gov.au Acknowledgements Contents
East Gippsland Shire Council and undertake a pilot of the place Key Terms: Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: the community of the Errinundra based district planning process. Development of Errinundra Community Profile Implementing to Snowy District acknowledges Council officers from the ABS: to Snowy District The Plan the Gunaikurnai, Monero and the Community Planning team Australian Bureau of Statistics Community Plan 05 11 28 Bidawel people as the Traditional and across a range of other CFA: Custodians of the land that departments have supported Country Fire Authority A guide to reading this plan 04 Vision & Values 11 Future Challenges & encompasses East Gippsland the district community planning Opportunities 29 Shire, and their enduring process including the facilitation Council: Introduction: The District 12 relationship with country. The of workshops and providing East Gippsland Shire Council Purpose 06 Outcomes & Priorities: Traditional Custodians have cared information to community. District Map 13 DCRG: Healthy & Sustainable and nurtured East Gippsland for Place Planning 06 1 District Community Representative Environments 30 tens of thousands of years . We Minds@Work, an independent District Assets 14 pay our respects to all Aboriginal consultancy group, facilitated Group Building & Learning Thriving Economy 31 and Torres Strait Islander people sessions and skilled up staff and DELWP: from the Past 07 People 15 living in East Gippsland, their community around the IDEA Department of Environment, Land, Safe & Healthy Communities 32 Elders past and present. Model. Water & Planning How the Plan was Created 08 Healthy & Sustainable Environments 16 Resilient & Connected The community members of the The importance of our partner DET: Process & IDEA Model 10 Communities 33 Errinundra to Snowy District have agencies and local service Department of Education & Thriving Economy 17 made a significant contribution providers in being involved in the Training Ideas Bank 34 in the development of this plan process and the delivery of Safe & Healthy in terms of time and kilometres information workshops has been DHHS: Communities 19 Implementing the Plan 35 travelled to meetings, in addition critical in understanding how we Department of Health & Human to the completion of the community are and can all ‘work in place’. Services Resilient & survey. The commitment of the Connected Communities 22 community to the process is The One Place One Plan Project ORH: testament to their passion for the was funded by the Australian Orbost Regional Health future of the District. Government through the Building RRV: Better Regions Fund and has been Regional Roads Victoria Place Planning is a major initiative run across the Cann Valley District, within the East Gippsland Shire Errinundra to Snowy District and SES: Council Plan 2017 – 20212 . Twin Rivers District. State Emergency Service Resources were committed to
Other Visual Action Plan Community Summary of Toolkit the District documents Community References: Plan 1 East Gippsland Shire Council Reconciliation Action Plan related to 2015 – 2018
Brown Mountain at sunrise 2 East Gippsland Shire Council (Photo: Judy Deland) Plan 2017 – 2021 this plan:
02 03 A Guide to Reading Section 1: this Plan Development of Errinundra to Snowy District Community Plan The Errinundra to Snowy District Community Plan (the Plan) provides a strategic direction for the people living and working in this community and the agencies that support them. A separate Action Plan will accompany this document and be updated to reflect the achievements and changes that occur over time.
Section 1: Section 2: Section 3:
Introduces community and place Provides a detailed community Focuses on the implementation planning, the purpose of this profile of the people living in of the Plan and how this will be community plan and the previous this community, drawing on undertaken. It does not have planning work undertaken in this demographic data and the findings specific details about each district. It provides details about from the community survey and priority and timeframe, this will timeline of the project, engagement community workshops. The history be captured in the Action Plan activities and community and geographical location of that will be developed by the participation in the journey to the district is explored, providing community and agencies. It will be develop the Plan. It includes an the context to the key assets that reviewed and refined regularly to overview of the process used to were mapped in the district. The implement this District Community develop the Plan and the IDEA community profile provides insight Plan. The future challenges and model used to support community into the people that live in the opportunities for each of the four thinking from ideas to actions. district and what is important to outcome areas are explored. them. Four outcome areas are (see pages 30 to 33). Through identified and discussed in detail the workshops, the community with the support of data gathered prioritised the 61 ideas from through the community their Ideas Bank (see page 34) to seven ideas that were worthy 1. Healthy & Sustainable of further development. These Environments are highlighted and outlined in 2. Thriving Economy this section. Described as priority 3. Safe & Healthy Communities ideas, the role of the community, 4. Resilient & Connected Council and partner agencies is Communities included for each. It outlines the formation and role of a District Community Representative Group (DCRG) in monitoring and implementing the Plan.
Developing the Plan at Bonang Hall
04 05 Introduction Building & Learning from the Past
Purpose of the District Separate documents accompany exchange ideas that will enable The Errinundra to Snowy District Achievements from 2012 to 2018 in the past from achieving their Community Plan the Plan including an action plan informed decision making about was known previously as the include: outcomes in the community plan. To provide a comprehensive that will be revisited by community, how best to meet identified needs. Mountain Rivers District. The The issues included: insight into the community of the Council and partners on an annual members of these communities • A new hall in Goongerah Errinundra to Snowy District, and basis (the Annual Action Plan), and Developing a comprehensive decided that the name Errinundra • Community driven fire wood • Lack of follow up by both the people who call this ‘place’ a toolkit with a range of resources understanding of the needs of to Snowy was a better reflection of collections supporting local community and agencies home. It will give community and information to support the people that live in this district the environment that they live in. residents • Lack of community ownership of members, East Gippsland Shire community, Council and partner is central to Place Planning. The • Continued advocacy to the plan Council (Council) and partner agencies in implementing the Plan. District Community Plan brings The Errinundra to Snowy District Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) • Distracted by other priorities agencies an understanding of: together detailed demographic Community Plan builds on previous regarding sealing of Bonang and challenges of daily living This district now has a District information about who the people community planning undertaken Rd • Outcomes not identified and no • The people who live in this Community Representative Group are that make up this district, why in the district. The Mountain Rivers • New printer at Tubbut quick wins/small victories district and their needs (DCRG) to work together on the they live where they live, what Community Plan 2012 – 2017 set Neighbourhood House • Lack of commitment • The vision the community has priorities within the Plan on behalf is important to them, their future out the values of the community • Streetscape funding invested • Lack of real consultation for itself and what it values of all people in the district. The aspiration for their communities and the key priorities for the five in community facilities in • How the community currently DCRG enables the community and how they will work together years which have been revisited Goongerah, Tubbut & Bonang To overcome the issues that have operates and supports services to coordinate and cooperate and with key stakeholders to and revised. • Water crossings improved prevented the implementation of • The assets, resources and to achieve their outcomes and achieve this. • New satellite, 3G and 4G previous plans, the community felt strengths available in this provide a means for Council and A bushfire in 2014 had a mobile phone coverage and it would be important to develop community agencies to engage with and The priorities within the Plan significant impact in the district internet in some areas a plan which is clear and outlines • The top priorities the community work alongside a group that is are not a ‘wish list’, they are and subsequently affected the • Health and other agencies the roles and responsibilities of wants to work on over the next representative of this district. ideas that were identified by community’s ability to implement continued support of the annual the community and agencies. The five years the community that have been the Mountain Rivers Community Big Bonang Arvo community also indicated it would • The roles and responsibilities Place Planning prioritised using the ‘IDEA’ Model Plan. Following the bushfire, a • Tubbut Neighbourhood House be helpful for a group to lead the of community, Council, and Some, but not all communities (see page 10). Prioritisation is project, ‘Adaption to Recovery’ led the creation and distribution District Community Plan through partner agencies in making the in East Gippsland have had based on the evidence gathered was implemented between 2014 of a tourist map of the district the establishment of the District plan happen Community Plans for nearly a around the issues, challenges and - 2016 which concentrated on and group wood collection Community Representative Group • An Ideas Bank, that community decade. A review of the previous opportunities within the district. building the resilience of the working bees and Working Groups. Breaking the can draw on throughout the life Community Plans identified the communities to recover after plan down into an Annual Action of the District Community Plan. need to change the way Council The process of creating the the fire event and focused on The community members Plan was also identified to make it works with the community. This Plan has focused on building the health and wellbeing of the involved in the development of more achievable and to have an This plan provides a new direction new approach is called Place relationships and trust between community members. the Errinundra to Snowy District opportunity for small victories to be for how community, Council Planning. Twelve districts were community members and groups, Community Plan reflected on the celebrated along and partner agencies can work identified across East Gippsland, Council and other key agencies. things that have stopped them the way. together to achieve positive each with its own distinctive It outlines how the community will outcomes for the people who have history, culture, people and natural work together and live their values. chosen this district as their home. environments. The Plan establishes an agreed set of local priorities and provides Council and other agencies have Council was successful in obtaining evidence of local investment a number of strategies and plans a grant from the Australian needs. It will inform future planning which underpin and inform what Government through the Building decisions and where resources they do. The District Community Better Regions Fund, to pilot the can most effectively be targeted Plan (the Plan) provides a platform development and delivery of a around services and infrastructure. at a place-based level to integrate place-based planning approach in It aims to help clarify the roles and Council and agency strategies and some of the most remote districts responsibilities of the community, plans with the local community within the Shire. This project has Council and other agencies around priorities to achieve the best brought together community and the identified priorities in the Plan. outcomes. agencies to share information, Locals at Big Bonang Arvo 2018
06 07 hours collectively contributed by the How the Plan 366hrs community to the process 44 people involved in workshops was Created of workshop attendees met new 69% members of their community improved their existing relationships 94% with their fellow community members
Adaptation to Mountain Rivers of workshop attendees felt the workshops Recovery Project Community Plan 100% were worthwhile 2014 – 2016 2012 – 2017
Community Survey Community Information Identify the Assets Workshop Build an understanding of who makes up the Expertise Sessions August Develop a shared awareness and understanding of the districts assets and strengths community and provided an opportunity for those Provide further information around a number 2018 including: environmental, built, cultural, social, human and economic. 7 who couldn’t participate in the workshops to have of topics that had been identified to inform the input into the planning process. development of the District Community Plan. • DELWP & Parks Victoria 6 37 surveys completed representing 10.95% of district (338 people in district taken from 2016 census) • Department of Education & Training 16
November October November and December February 2018 2018 December 2018 2019 2018
Big Bonang Arvo - Our 30 Our Community Our Vision – Bendoc The Plan – What’s Changed? Workshop Community Our Vision Workshop An opportunity to discuss the Reflect on what had changed; review the goals An opportunity to review the District Community Planning process and to and actions identified in previous plans and district’s shared values and vision. review the district’s shared values and vision. documents and brainstorm new ideas. 9 16
March March February 2019 2019 2019
Skill Building Workshops Making it Happen Workshop Creating the Build the skills and knowledge of the community Further develop the selected ideas and establish Plan Workshop to support the implementation of the District which ideas will be driven by community, Selecting ideas to Community Plan. government or other service providers to create the vision • Place Branding, Marketing & Tourism 12 achieve the plan. 14 the community • Social Enterprise 8 want to see and to assess these based on value and effort. April September December Annual 21 2019 2019 2019
Kick Start Workshop Draft District Final District Annual Action Identify how the community will make the District Community Community Plan Community Plan and Plan happen - Governance, Resources & Action Plan. – Community Plan to East Plan Report 9 Feedback Gippsland Shire Card KEY: Council = Attendees
08 09 The IDEA Model is a way of helping people to think through Process & IDEA Model their ideas and develop something Section 2: from an idea into well thought out and planned actions. Community Profile
Community Vision: ...... A remote district of exceptional natural beauty, which has the infrastructure and support to provide for a safe, healthy, productive and Research Imagine Develop culturally diverse experience for its community, its businesses, its visitors • Collect evidence of what is • Create the Ideas Bank • Sort the Ideas Bank - and environment. happening and where the • Gather as many ideas as identify priority and community wants to be possible popular ideas within the • Understand the issues the Any idea can go in the community community is facing Ideas Bank - a idea is never • Design the idea • Map the assets blocked or removed • Look into the feasibility • Understand the of multiple ideas for each opportunities the community Environment issue (leave the options can leverage Community spirit and nature open) • Look at existing plans and & mateship Natural beauty, activities and consider if Supporting each connection to nature they are still relevant other, working – forests, mountains together, putting & rivers Process & IDEA Model on social and other events
Community Values: Safety Peacefulness/ We must acknowledge the tension including healthy isolation with our greatest asset, our lifestyle Act Evaluate Calmer lifestyle/ environment and the future role escape from the city it has for growth in our district. • Set the timeframe to achieve the idea in full • Evaluate the ideas against each other • Break it down into bite sized pieces • Consider the current capacity of community, if it’s not the right time for an idea put the idea • Source the additional resources needed WELCOME! back into the Idea Bank - in the future things • Set the first Annual Action Plan might change If things aren’t going to plan return to the • Refer back to the Ideas Bank to pull out and Diversity/ evaluate stage, it may be necessary to put the develop another idea if needed tolerance idea back in the bank and grab another one Resourcefulness We acknowledge to develop Resilience/meeting our differences but the challenges of the understand that we bush are stronger together and are welcoming
A Community Toolkit that includes tools as well as data collected through the research stage is available by contacting Council, contact details are on the back of this document. Community dinner at Big Bonang Arvo 2018 10 11 The District District Map HALL HALL DELEGATE 13KM 10MIN
TAVERN BOMBALA 50KM 40MIN Errinundra to The Errinundra to Snowy sub- The first European settlers came district is an important part of the south from the Monaro to establish BAIRNSDALE Snowy is a Orbost District. Mail deliveries, sheep and cattle runs in the 156KM 2HR 30MIN PUB McKillop Rd sub-district of the health and other services operate 1830s. Farming is one of the Delegate River from Orbost into Errinundra to area’s major economic activities. Deddick Valley NSW VICTORIA BORDER Orbost District. Snowy. The Orbost District has its Local residents have shared stories HALL The northern edge own existing District Community of the early 1900’s when gold McKillop Bridge Tubbut Plan, which when reviewed, will and silver mining was prevalent of the district is the revisit the relationship between across the district. The Mayfair Bendoc border between these two places. and Victoria Star mines are two Bonang Bonang Rd examples. Small settlements were Victoria and New This sub-district will be referred created to support this economic Snowy River South Wales and to throughout the plan and is activity. The remnants of these can National Park The Gap known by the community as a still be seen today. Scenic Reserve the East Gippsland district. Access to services is and Snowy determined by the road network Forestry was the next major and the distance required to industry which brought large Monaro Shires. travel. Due to poor road access to numbers of people to the area Goongerah The sub-district Orbost, residents in the northern for work. Timber saw mills were settlements travel across the border established in Bendoc, Haydens was created given for essential services including Bog, Bonang, Goongerah, and Errinundra food, petrol, health services and Sardine Creek and operated for National Park its remoteness HALL other necessities. Residents of several decades. At the height of from the Orbost Goongerah predominantly travel the industry there were 10 mills ORBOST township and its to Orbost for services. cutting hardwood timber. The bulk 69KM 1HR of timber cut was transported to BAIRNSDALE strong relationship History Canberra and Sydney. Today no 160KM 2HR10MIN with the NSW This area has seen significant mills are commercially operational changes in human settlement in the district. *Distances from district boundary townships of patterns, with people attracted to Delegate and this place for its natural resources A large number of privately owned Travel within the district and beauty. A range of industries plantations were established in (all are unsealed roads) Bombala, which have developed over time that the late 1980s near Tubbut and Bonang to: KM TIME are the practical have created boom periods of Bendoc. There was community employment followed by periods opposition to further plantations Bendoc 40 55min service towns for of economic decline. These have proposed in the Deddick Valley. Goongerah 33 39min impacted the people that live in Some plantations were supported East Gippsland Shire these communities. Deddick Valley 47 1hr 20min these communities, and changed through government tax incentives Errinundra to Snowy the way they relate to each other for investors, which enabled Tubbut 13 18min Sub-District across the district. agricultural land to be planted Delegate River 25 28min Orbost District with soft and hard wood. This Prior to European settlement, the development saw a further decline Bidwell people occupied what is in the community’s population, Errinundra to Snowy District East Gippsland now the border area of Victoria/ with farm houses that once homed Population 338 (ABS 2016) 46,142 (ABS 2017) New South Wales, while the families and supported community Krauatungalung people’s range services, left vacant. Many of Land area TOTAL 207,170 ha 2,093,053 ha (20,931 Km2) included the Goongerah (Egg the residents in this community Council Land Area 1 ha References: Rock) area. opposed and continue to oppose 3 Bendoc Centenary Souvenir Publication Crown Land Area 165,274 ha (1973) cited on Bendoc Resource Centre clear felling of old growth forests. Website 2019 Private Land Area 41,895 ha
12 13 District Assets People
This section of the plan summarises and agencies to have a good The assets have been grouped As of 2016, 338 people chose A community survey was used to the assets in the Errinundra to understanding of the assets in the under the outcomes of the District to live in this district (ABS help to build an understanding Snowy District along with issues district and to use this to guide Community Plan. 2016 census). Due to the small of the people that make up the and opportunities. It is important planning. population size of the district, Errinundra to Snowy District. for the community, Council there are limitations to the census A total of 37 surveys were demographic data available. completed representing 10.95% of district.
ABS Census Demographic representation Population of each 2016 of the community survey town & settlement Place of residence Goongerah 25% Bendoc 22% Tubbut 6% 21 17 Bonang 14% People Healthy & Sustainable Thriving Economy Cabanandra 8% Environments Provides a snapshot of those Economic assets include Tubbut Deddick Valley Deddick Valley 14% living in the district based Environmental assets include current and future industries, Haydens Bog 3% on the community survey. air, land, water, plants, and employment opportunities Delegate River 3% animals, mineral and energy to support people to live Dellicknora 3% Others 3% resources that support all life in the district. 79 144 Gender and human activity. Male 36% Bonang Bendoc Female 56% Not disclosed 8% Age 11% 49 31 25 to 34 35 to 49 6% 50 to 59 50% Goongerah Delegate River 60 to 69 25% 70 to 84 8%
Safe & Healthy Communities Resilient & Connected Communities The top five things that Living in the district Assets relating to health and wellbeing include Built, social and cultural assets relate to how personal and community safety and the district connects and communicates and the people value about Have lived in the district for more 60% than 10 years access to services. facilities which bring the community together. the district 74% Definitely will stay in the district Probably won’t stay or are unsure due to the safety of the roads and 15% access to employment 1. Peace & Quiet 2. Enviroment 3. Wildlife Were not sure that their children 77% would return to the district ... Agreed that they were happy about 86% their housing situation 4. Beauty 5. Community (Community Survey 2018)
14 15 Healthy & Sustainable Thriving Economy Environments
The natural environment is one types, rainforests and old growth The local economy is made up underemployment is common. Tourism in the Errinundra to Snowy of the most significant assets for forests.4 of a number of small businesses Half of the survey respondents go District would take advantage of the community in the Errinundra including a few large-scale farms, outside of the district, including over the region’s remoteness, isolation Wombat at Greens Road Kuark to Snowy District. The community The natural ecosystems are machinery contractors and builders, the border to access employment. and largely untouched wilderness Forest (Photo: Judy Deland) value its beauty and recognises its experiencing strain from feral accommodation providers and small 15% of the survey respondents as a drawcard for people seeking importance to their future. animals such as deer, pigs, dogs niche produce growers. Services were unsure if they would stay in to ‘unplug’ and have nature and cats, and invasive grass and located in Bendoc include the post the district or probably wouldn’t based experiences. A number of The Errinundra to Snowy District is other species. office, police station, Department stay due to access to employment underutilised existing campgrounds, named for the many streams that of Environment, Land, Water and and the safety of the roads. Half tracks and roads could be mapped trickle out of the springs and soaks Additionally, East Gippsland Planning (DELWP) offices and pub. of the survey respondents also felt and maintained as car touring routes of the Errinundra Plateau, shaping Shire is vulnerable to inundation, Delegate River has a tavern offering that they don’t have access to work and walking tracks. Upgraded the valleys and eventually joining fire and extreme natural events food and accommodation. The opportunities in the district that camp facilities, interpretive signage the Snowy River. The settlements and climate change has potential provision of two Neighbourhood support the lifestyle they want. Some and mapping of points of interest are nestled in river valleys and to increase vulnerability. “East House services in the district community members use the NBN would be required. A variety separated by grassy plains and Gippsland’s economy and also provides some part time satellite access at their homes to of accommodation options and mountainous woodlands as diverse communities are heavily reliant employment. Government agencies work remote. tour activities would be needed as the rainforests of the Errinundra on the natural environment, both including Parks Victoria, DELWP and which would create opportunities and the dry white box and Cypress directly and indirectly. As well VicForests base their operations for An industry that has been present in for individuals to operate small Pine woodlands of Deddick. as supporting primary industries this district from Bendoc and remain the district for a long time is forestry, businesses based on sharing their such as fishing, forestry and the main employer in this area. which previously created a large place, skills and knowledge. number of local jobs. Local foresters The Snowy River National Park farming, the environment is a Lace Monitor at Snowy River DELWP Forest Fire Management have commented on the gradual There are currently no commercial/ area features some of the most key component of the appeal National Park (Photo: Judy have a seasonal crew of working decline of this industry over the last retail zones within the settlements stunning forest and river gorge of the area for tourism and Deland) on 6-9 month contracts based in scenery in the state, as well as the makes a major contribution to Bendoc. Council provides local 30 years. Limited local employment of Goongerah, Tubbut or Bonang. heritage-listed McKillop’s Bridge. the lifestyle of residents. East contracts for waste management opportunities have been created Landuse is something that the Said to be at the time the longest Gippsland is also a key reservoir services. from the establishment of the pine community has identified a need to arc-welded steel truss road bridge of biodiversity in temperate and eucalypt plantations. explore and understand further to be in the world, the 255-metre bridge mainland Australia.5 Achieving The majority of people travel outside able to optimise future opportunities Employment opportunities are a is one of the standing wonders of environmental sustainability in the the district to do grocery shopping around economic development in challenge for the district in terms Australian road-bridge engineering broadest sense; that is, allowing – residents travel as widely as the district. of attracting new people. A total and is a popular launching place society and economy to flourish Canberra, Cooma, Merimbula, of 77% of the community survey for experienced canoeists and four- within the capacity of the natural Bombala, Delegate, Orbost, respondents were not confident their wheel drivers who wish to explore environment to support them, will Bairnsdale. Most try to combine their Income children would return to the district, the area. require continual change to the shopping with another monthly or One third of the in large part due to the employment way community lives and conducts fortnightly trip (medical or social) respondents are unsure situation. or think that they do not 5 and shop in Bombala, Delegate The Errinundra National Park is business. ” have adequate income. one of Victoria’s unique natural and Orbost weekly. Residents in Both the survey and the workshop environments. The Errinundra The Victorian Government has Goongerah have formed a food participants saw nature based Employment Plateau forms the southern also identified that Gippsland will cooperative based out of the tourism as an important opportunity extension of the Monaro be warmer and drier in the future, community centre. for the district, and selected 41% Tablelands that stretch south from which will impact the ecosystems of the respondents don’t have the Employment opportunities within the development of a strategy, the Snowy Mountains of New and waterways of the district. type & access employment they district have declined over recent identification of infrastructure would like South Wales. Errinundra’s high When asked what the community years. Professional, educational, and repurposing of underutilised rainfall zone is cloaked in old felt would be the impacts of retail and hospitality jobs are limited, assets as one of their top priorities. 54% growth forests and rainforests and climate change within the district, don’t have access to work References: and the recent school closures has In 2019 the Victorian State is home to some of the largest trees survey respondents thought 4 Goongerah Environment Centre (GECO), opportunities in the community resulted in eight local job losses. The Government has a number of in Victoria. The Errinundra Plateau increased bushfire danger and The Wilderness Society & Environment that support the lifestyle they want unemployment rate is contained due funding opportunities to support is ranked as a major Site of water insecurity would be the most East Gippsland (2017) to many in the community having nature based tourism. (Community Survey 2018) Significance due to the presence of significant impacts. 5 East Gippsland Environmental reached retirement age, although rare plants, richness of vegetation Sustainability Strategy 2014 – 2017
16 17 “I want to see more locals living in the Safe & Healthy community, more accommodation leading to more locals, Communities leading to more shops, businesses and opportunities for the community”
Local Resident Safety age or older. The proportion Doctor service, and Council. The The Errinundra to Snowy District of older adults (60+ years) in hall committee provides a cooked has experienced a number of East Gippsland is higher than dinner. “I want to live significant bush fires which will regional Victoria (ABS 2016) and in a vibrant, remain an ongoing challenge for whilst there is not ABS Census The Big Bonang Arvo is well the district into the future, affecting demographic information available attended and receives very financially the safety of the community. The at a district level due to the small positive feedback. In 2018, 90% sustainable community has demonstrated population size, it is likely that this of attendees highly rated the strength in coming together and is reflective of the population in health & welfare advice and 70% community supporting each other during Errinundra to Snowy District. highly rated the social contact with with safe disasters. The strength of the locals. Following strong interest at district lies in people willing to The ageing population in the the event, the Royal Flying Doctor roads and help each other out (78% in the district also raises concerns around increased the number of visiting community survey) and there being the ability of the community to dental and optometry services. The services that “Ability to live in trust in neighbours looking out for continue to sustain the functions community would like to extend my community, not attract visitors each other (84%). The community and governance required for all visiting services outside of a somewhere else, takes bushfire risk seriously and the 17 community groups in the yearly event and are interested and future because there are actively working together to district, particularly the physical in accessing private rooms and are no jobs” residents” ensure that the community is ready components required for groups reliable internet connections in Local Resident Local Resident for future fire events in the district. such as CFA and SES. existing buildings to facilitate this. This would improve continuity of Anecdotal evidence along with Health care. Orbost Regional Health is feedback in the community survey Whilst 78% of the survey currently leading a review of the indicates that there is still an respondents agreed that in general current health services provided issue with residents accessing they personally had excellent across the district. “Tourism with “I want to see information to prepare for and general health, only 23% of the sensitivity the community manage an unexpected event. survey respondents agreed that Library This is of concern given the recent the health and wellbeing of their Council runs a library service and heart” working with impact of fires and ongoing risk community was strong. One in five to these remote communities on Local Resident government in the area. Following the 2014 respondents agreed that they had a fortnightly basis. The service bush fires, there were a number adequate access to health services comes directly from the Bairnsdale departments of systems implemented which in the district, with a significant Library and offers access to and were enacted in the most recent proportion (78%) of the community informational, recreational and fire. This highlighted the need for travelling outside the district for education resources. A total “Rebuilt a organisations further development as they didn’t health and medical services. of 80% of survey respondents to develop address the issues previously use the Council Library Bus. community, identified by the community to Orbost Regional Health (ORH) Approximately 60% believe the through a lively maintain safety during a fire is the main provider of health service is very important with educational, event i.e. telecommunications. services across the district. They a further 83% of respondents ecological and The ongoing limitations around also have arrangements in place rating the service as excellent to economy” innovative, existing telecommunications with the Delegate Multi-purpose satisfactory. This library service econ tourism infrastructure poses a threat to service for a visiting nurse to the is critical in connecting these Local Residents community members and visitors northern communities. ORH runs a remote communities back into industry based personal safety during fire events annual health check/information other Council services. The Council on research and emergencies such as road day called the Big Bonang Officer providing this service accidents. Arvo at Bonang Hall. Attendees has valuable relationships with and activities” include emergency services, these communities and is seen Local Resident Ageing Population health services from Delegate as ‘the face’ of the Council. The Result Creek, Bendoc A total of 83% of the survey Multi-purpose, ORH and dental/ community is open to exploring a (Photo: Judy Deland) respondents were 50 years of optometry through the Royal Flying variety of ideas for the future use of
18 19 Safe & Healthy Safe & Healthy Communities Communities
the Library Bus including a grocery purpose of this service is to first aid, crafting and firearms use. Roads and road related contract area. Council employs an run for non-perishables - or as a provide information about Council infrastructure Area Supervisor who is based in Safety mobile ‘pantry’ (as per free food services, planning permits, rate Following the closure of the Road infrastructure is critical in Orbost to undertake inspections shop in Orbost) and could bring information, and upcoming events Tubbut-Goongerah P-8 school this remote district. Both RRV and and community liaison and 71% agreed that the other services - Council, health, or activities from across the shire in late 2018, the remaining 11 Council are the primary road contract oversight. community is a food deliveries from further afield. to people living in this district children who live in the district managers, with other roads in the safe place to live and an opportunity to provide travel to Delegate and Bombala to district managed by DELWP, Parks Waste Neighbourhood Houses input on Council initiatives. The attend primary school. Secondary Victoria or private plantations. Council provides a range of 71% There are two neighbourhood Tubbut Neighbourhood house also schooling is accessed either in RRV are the coordinating road waste management services. agreed that the . .. community has houses funded across this district, provides support and information Bombala or Orbost but in recent authority for all arterial roads, e.g Orbost Waste Transfer station ... a reputation for one in Bendoc and one in Tubbut. around council services. years families have increasingly Bonang Road, McKillops Road. is the primary facility for the being a safe The Department of Health and been leaving the district in their Under the Road Management Act, district, providing waste services place Human Services (DHHS) provide The Place Planning process has secondary years. Home schooling they are responsible for planned including hard waste, Ewaste, ongoing funding to employ staff at identified that people in different has been a popular alternative inspections, response times and green waste, and other recycling. 63% Bendoc for 15 hours per week and parts of this district don’t travel in some families in recent years, maintenance of these roads. The A number of significant changes agreed that they can access at Tubbut, 25 hours per week. In between the communities largely although numbers have declined Road Management Act outlines have taken place within the ...... 2019, the Goongerah community due to the road infrastructure being with declining population in how road authorities discharge waste management industry, with information to prepare for ...... applied for funding to develop a poor and the distances between the children and young adult their obligations and duties. the shire responding with the and manage neighbourhood house at the hall, the communities. Feedback from demographics. Council is responsible for local introduction of recycling services an unexpected however were unsuccessful. the community survey indicate access roads and limited access across the district. event that the provision of information roads and related infrastructure Neighbourhood Houses bring regarding Council services and including: bridges, culverts, drains, Waste Transfer Stations are people together to connect, support could be improved. There signage and road delineation. located in Bendoc and Bonang. Health learn and contribute in their is an opportunity to explore more Council also has responsibilities These stations operate on a pay 78% local community through social, flexible models of service delivery “Community safety for certain assets and parts of the as you go system and are open agreed that in educational, recreational and to meet the needs of these different and environmental, road reserve. nine hours across three days of the general, they support activities, using a unique remote communities. week. This service is contracted have excellent cultural education health community development approach. to others from this Council has an obligation to out, providing local employment Community development is about Education natural resource provide ‘inspection, maintenance opportunities. Only 1 in 5 enabling communities to identify Over one third of the survey rich area” and repair’ on Council roads in respondents and address their own needs. respondents travel outside of line with the Road Management The Deddick, Dellicknora, Tubbut, agreed that they Local Resident have adequate the district for education. The Plan. This is a statutory requirement and Goongerah communities are access to health As the population has changed Neighbourhood Houses in Bendoc reviewed every four years, within serviced with split trailers offering services in the across this district, so has the and Tubbut and the Goongerah six months of the new Council waste and recycling services. district role of the Neighbourhood Community Hall some training being elected. Council has a road This service is contracted out to Houses. These Houses provide opportunities for adults such as maintenance service contract a district-based contractor and is 23% vital community resources such as for the whole of the shire, with funded through an annual rural agreed that the health and information and internet services the Errinundra to Snowy District waste charge. wellbeing of and support to these isolated covered under the north east their community communities. The future challenge is strong for both these services will be their (Community Survey 2018) ability to service all of the district.
Outreach/Information Services “I want a sustainable, Council currently provides an safe future for our outreach service to this district area” through a service agreement on Orbost Regional Health Locals at Big Bonang Local Resident an annual basis to the Bendoc at Big Bonang Arvo 2018 Arvo 2018 Neighbourhood House. The
20 21 Resilient & Connected Resilient & Connected Communities Communities
Safety and Connectivity The provision of safe and reliable The two Neighbourhood Houses Community Identity Communication across Three different community For the people living in the district, road infrastructure is also critical and the community centre in the Whilst the survey identified that the District newsletters are produced on their way of life, health and for tourism. district play an important role in there is a feeling that the district Communication systems in remote a monthly basis, with copies livelihood relies on roads that connecting the community. There is has a defined identity (75%), the communities are critical to connect distributed via email and the postal are safe and usable. There is no Social Connection a desire by some to strengthen the feeling that there is a diversity of with each other and effectively service. Tubbut Neighbourhood public transport within the district. Opportunities to come together links and connections within the culture and tradition present (19%) distribute information throughout House produce the Tubbut Tattler, Bendoc Neighbourhood House socially across the district have distinct communities that make up and that the community is culturally the community. This can be a the Bendoc Neighbourhood house provides the only community bus declined as the numbers of the this district. rich and inclusive (14%) was quite challenge when systems such as produces the Bendoc Wheel and and organises shopping and people living in the area has low in the community survey. telecommunications and postal the Delegate Progress Association regular trips. Roads are the life reduced. Only 41% agreed in deliveries are limited. produces the Delegate Doings. blood of this community; they the community survey that the Access to connect people to their places of community was connected and Identity & The roadside postal service for People in the Errinundra to Snowy work, schools, businesses, friends inclusive and that everyone felt activities this district comes via Orbost District have a preference for and family. The provision of a safe welcome. diversity three times a week, on a Monday, finding out about things through road network is an essential part 65% CELEBRATING Wednesday and Friday. Two the local community newsletters agreed that they had access to a OUR HISTORY of any community’s infrastructure. Sporting competitions such as range of arts and cultural activities subcontractors, one from Orbost Bendoc Wheel and Tubbut Tattler These remote communities tennis were once a popular way within the district and one from Bonang, coordinate (25%), email (20%), Flyers (16%) are highly mobile due to their for communities to socialise – the mail delivery service across the and a letter addressed to the geographical location to undertake communities playing against each 51% district and to Delegate and back. resident (12%). their daily living. other, however with the decline in agreed that they had access to a 75% Residents in the Bendoc area have the district population, the tennis range of sports and leisure activities agreed that the district has a access to a post office and there is within the district defined identity The deterioration of the road courts are now rarely utilised. a community noticeboard. network, in particular the Bonang There are limited opportunities for 81% 42% Road, has had a significant impact organised sport within the district agreed that they had access to agreed that the community’s local on this community’s ability to with one in five of the survey participate in social activities history is being preserved and Community & relationships travel safely beyond their homes respondents travelling outside of promoted to access essential services. The the area for sport and leisure. The 84% commencement of logging of fishing club in Bendoc has a large Community 47% agreed that they could trust their ...... private plantations across the membership and runs a range agreed that the community neighbours to look out for their involvement acknowledges traditions and property district has significantly impacted of activities throughout the year. celebrations the road surface. This issue has Given the size of properties in the 65% 65% ... been prioritised by the community, area, many children have their agreed that they felt valued by their 19% agreed that if a stranger, someone ... with a working group established own horses and some children local community agreed that a diversity of culture different to them, moved into their WELCOME! to collect information and advocate participate in the Delegate Pony and tradition is present community they would be accepted and welcomed for appropriate maintenance of the Club. 76% Bonang Road. agreed that they were proud to live 14% Almost half of the survey agreed that their community is 41% in the community culturally rich and inclusive agreed that the community Services travelling to the area respondents travel outside of the is connected and inclusive; WELCOME! from Orbost on this road include: district for social activities. People everyone feels welcome mail delivery, ambulance, mobile will travel interstate and to ‘where 44% library and health professionals. ever there is something on’. agreed that they could change the things they cared about in their 78% All are dependent on this road to Survey respondents indicated that agreed that people in their community community are very willing to be of a standard to support two- they more often go to Delegate, help each other out wheel drive vehicles. In early June Bombala, Orbost and coastal 49% 2019, the mail delivery service towns in NSW and sometimes also agreed that they got involved with 73% was suspended due to the state of go to Canberra, Melbourne and most community issues agreed that the local the Bonang Road surface. Bairnsdale. (Community Survey 2018) community feels like home Locals cooking up the BBQ (Community Survey 2018) at Big Bonang Arvo 2018
22 23 Mt Delegate CFA Friends Of Goongerah Bonang Hall Approx members: Errinundra Inc Landcare Group Committee Resilient & Connected 30-40 members Approx members: 19 Approx members: 19 Approx members: 6 Crews – Bonang, Number of meetings Number of meetings Number of meetings Communities Goonergah, Bendoc per year: 2 formal per year: 4 plus 4 per year: 4 meetings annually, working bees Number of meetings 2 working bee / per year: Multiple meetings meetings and training
Digital communication via they had access to information of the population. A total of 60% Facebook has also proved to be to prepare for and manage an of survey respondents volunteer an important avenue for locals unexpected event. an average of 20 hours a month to get information about what is (not including wildlife carers who Goongerah Bendoc Hall happening in their community. The provision of internet services volunteer 24/7). In the past, Environment & Recreation at the Tubbut and Bendoc there hasn’t been an opportunity Centre Committee Reserve Inc. Both the Tubbut and Bendoc Neighbourhood Houses and the for the separate community and Approx members: 5 Neighbourhood Houses have Goongerah Hall have proved service groups to come together Number of meetings Facebook pages to keep the valuable to enable community to plan and coordinate efforts at per year: 4 community informed about members to stay connected. The a district level. The creation of the Tubbut Hall & upcoming events. Goongerah has former two school campuses representative group for this district Development a private Facebook group which at Tubbut and Goongerah had will enable this coordination to Association Inc community members access. high speed telecommunication occur. Approx members: 4 Bendoc access. The community has Number of meetings Cemetery Trust Telecommunications identified an opportunity to utilise Community per year: Meets when Reliable mobile phone reception this infrastructure to address the groups provide needed continues to be an issue for people ongoing telecommunications issues Community & living and visiting the district. experienced in these communities. an essential Bendoc Progress Although mobile phone services service to the Service Groups Association Inc. were upgraded in 2018 across Community Groups in the Errinundra Approx members: 13 Deddick Tubbut, Bonang and Cabanandra Community groups provide an district and Number of meetings Valley Isolated to Snowy District there remain a number of black essential service to the district an important per year: 4 spots across the district. Many and an important opportunity Community June 2019 residents still do not have mobile for people to connect with each opportunity Group Inc phone access. The ongoing issue other. There are 17 separate Approx members: 7 for people to Bendoc Fishing of communication was identified in community and service groups Number of meetings the survey as a significant number operating in this district which is a connect with Club per year: 4+ Approx members: 30 of respondents didn’t agree that significant number given the size each other. Number of meetings per year: 3-5 In the past 5 years, Delegate Progress respondents of the Association Inc (NSW) Bendoc survey had Cross Border Sub Memorial Park “To better the Committee Approx members: 5 joined in a local community action to Approx members: 6 deal with an emergency 48% community, Number of meetings Number of meetings per year: Meets when to see more per year: 6 needed taken part in a local community project or working bee 77% people using the Tubbut hall and facilities” Goongerah Hall Deddick River Borderliners Bendoc SES Transport Reserve Landcare Group No formal Approx members: 12 Local Resident Approx members: 7 Inc membership or Number of meetings Approx members: 3 committee 60% Number of meetings per year: 12 agreed that they have OK access to transport to allow them to do the things they want per year: Meets when Number of meetings within the district needed per year: Meets when needed (Community Survey 2018)
24 25 Resilient & Connected Resilient & Connected Communities Communities
Facility Current facilities and use Ideas for future use Community Facilities & Social facilities, but that many were used within their communities whilst Bendoc Tennis Council Committee of Management • Social tennis evenings Infrastructure rarely or never by the respondents maximising the use of existing Court Disused Tennis Courts • Converted to a volleyball/basketball/badminton With the changes across the district of the survey. Whilst used to a assets to maintain them for the use Large area of Open Space court • Inter district mini competitions and the declining population, there limited degree by the majority of of the community. The Tubbut and • Vegetable garden and hot house has been a reduction in the use survey respondents, the halls and Goongerah communities are in • Level ground out behind toilet block so tourists can of the community facilities. Four public toilets across the district conversation with the Department camp of the communities have a hall were identified as important or of Education & Training (DET) with different ancillary amenities. very important by approximately through Council to explore future Bendoc Public DELWP Committee of Management park Picnic tables, signage, tourist These halls continue to provide two thirds of the respondents. The use of the school buildings. A information important public space, offering same amount of people felt that summary of the ideas captured in a range of facilities for social the facilities were in satisfactory or the community survey are outlined Goongerah DELWP Committee of Management • More social activities, workshops, market, share, events using BBQ and pizza oven excellent condition. The exception in the table below. Hall Hall, Outdoor Verandah, flat open swap, sell meets etc. facilities, kitchens and public was the tennis courts in the district, Community space and outdoor chess set. • Ecological education centre bathrooms. Halls are still places seen as less important by the There is a significant body of work Centre Public phone box. • Consulting room with heating for visiting health where people gather and come respondents of the survey and not needed to review the needs of Goongerah Good Food, GECO services Kitchen, Volunteer Community Centre • Commercial kitchen for food preparation and sales together, however the function of in a satisfactory condition. the community with the existing Community meetings • Information for visitors these facilities has changed from community facilities, to develop the historical use for dances and The community survey results plans for development and future Goongerah Closure 2018 • Office buildings used as meeting spaces and badminton, to new uses such as identified a strong desire to re-purposing. Council is currently School Site Transition from DET community hub food cooperatives, Neighbourhood repurpose the halls and public working with the DET around their DELWP land Playground, Small • Art room used as workshops and to free up classrooms and offices. storage space in the hall Houses and internet access hubs. land to offer camping and tourism timeframes for removal of facilities Separate house previously used as • School house/residence be run as short-term activities. Survey respondents see and land tenure. teachers residency accommodation/bnb social enterprise The survey results reveal that the this as an opportunity to leverage • Tourism activities for those visiting the district community highly value these funds and economic development Tubbut School Closure 2018 • Keep children’s play equipment Community Facilities Site Transition from DET • Connect to fibre-optic internet for access to online Facility Current facilities and use Ideas for future use DELWP land learning and health services Small classrooms, playground and • Use old classrooms as medical consulting suites Bonang Hall, DELWP Committee of Management • Central for a multi-campus neighbourhood outdoor toilet block when medical practitioners visit (provide level of Public Toilets Playground, outdoor pizza oven, Public house to be located that services the privacy not currently possible elsewhere) or use as & Playground toilets, notice board, public phone box whole district meeting and activity rooms Meeting venue for Representative Group, • Casual/basic accommodation for groups • Develop the hall and old school complex into a Big Bonang Arvo • Consulting room with heating for visiting wilderness camp health services • Run the old teachers residence on Willis Road as • Community Social Functions – dances, CFA Shed next door to Bonang Hall accommodation (possible social enterprise model) visiting shows, information sessions • A driver/rider revival rest point Tubbut Hall DELWP Committee of Management • Community social activities (sport activities, • Electric BBQ beside the existing picnic Hall and Supper Room cooking classes, art classes, education) tables Public phone box • RV Stop Pizza Oven and outdoor eating • Camping and tourism opportunity if there were Bendoc Hall & Council Committee of Management • Community social activities - movie shelters showers and cleared river access Public Toilets Hall and Supper Room nights, badminton, table tennis, markets, Kiln Community lunches • Mini market Adjacent public toilets and showers, park cooking classes, community dinners, with basic playground with minimum usage education, speakers, yoga, gymnastics, Tubbut Tennis Disused Tennis courts • Community garden/greenhouse currently health and wellbeing Court • Camping space with outdoor kitchen as good • Hosting music, arts and cultural events barbecue and pizza oven nearby • Accommodation for tourists Tubbut Auspiced by Deddick Valley Isolated • Education, information Bendoc Auspiced by Bendoc Progress Association • A meeting place and learning space Neighbour- Community Group Inc • Use of internet Resource Staffed Neighbourhood House- 10 hrs p/w • Site for U3A courses hood Utilises building beside hall and • Could become one of a multi-campus Centre Internet Access • Skype facilities for medical or specialist hood House supper room neighbourhood house with activities in every Community bus that provides monthly trips appointments Staffed Neighbourhood House 25 community to Merimbula • Local tourist information hrs p/w
26 27 Section 3: Future Challenges Implementing The Plan & Opportunities
Whether it is change to the Social Opportunities Outcomes & Priorities Determining the Working Together: economy, environment or the Top Challenges: The changes around economic This section outlines the four Outcomes Roles & Responsibilities community, the reality is that people 1. Climate Change & Environmental activity and industry have mirrored outcomes the Errinundra to A total of 61 ideas Not all ideas can be will experience an increased Sustainability – including Natural changes in the social fabric of Snowy community wants to were harvested from delivered by community, rate and impact of change. The Disasters/Events, Water Security these communities. The social 2. Service Access & Population achieve and their priority the workshops, previous many ideas need the capacity of communities in East Decline – including Ageing opportunities to bring community ideas. A separate Annual community plan and support of agencies (i.e. Gippsland to respond and adapt Population, Unemployment, members together have changed. Action Plan accompanies community survey to create government land managers) to these changes will be critical Isolation Structured sporting opportunities this District Community Plan an Ideas Banks for the and services (i.e. health in order for them to achieve their 3. Road Infrastructure & Plantation which once connected all the Forestry and will be reviewed and community to draw upon providers). Each of the vision for their communities and is communities, no longer exist. Social updated regularly. (See page 34). The ideas priority ideas have the the primary purpose in developing (Community survey, 2018) connection across the district is now were then refined to 18 roles and responsibilities this District Community Plan. through the Neighbourhood Houses interesting ideas. Work was identified: Bushfires and the various community and done to define what each • Where community can Timber Industry The area was greatly impacted service groups across the district. idea meant to the community do it themselves; The timber industry, both in 2014 by bush fires. The risk of The social infrastructure such as which was used to group • Where Community and government and private in the fire is an ongoing concern in the halls and tennis courts in the district the interesting ideas into the agencies work together Errinundra to Snowy District will district and is compounded by the isn’t reflective of this change and is four outcome areas: Healthy providing support, continue to change over the next limitations in telecommunications no longer fit for purpose. & Sustainable Environments, funding, resources or five years. VicForests have an across the district, although a recent Thriving Economy, Safe advocacy; allocation of timber within state black-spot program has seen mobile Economic Opportunities & Healthy Communities, • Where agencies take the forests to be logged over this time. coverage extended to some areas The significant environmental assets Resilient & Connected lead, keeping community Logging of the private plantations such as Bonang. DELWP continue located in the National Parks are Communities. informed about the when is continuing. The total land area to provide Forest Fire Management seen as the next wave of economic and how. of these private plantations is from their Bendoc offices and activity through nature based The community then estimated to be 5749 hectares depot. tourism. The presence of old growth identified the priorities that The remaining ideas which is approximately 14 % of the forests and the basic infrastructure they would concentrate their were not chosen for work private land available in the district. Education such as campsites and walking energy and resources on in the first 12 months of A number of different companies A dual-campus P-8 school at tracks provide opportunities the first 12 months, from 2020/2021. At the end of currently control these plantations. Goongerah and Tubbut closed for further development. When these interesting ideas. The this period the DCRG will in 2018. The district is part of asked in the community survey amount of time, resources, review the Annual Action Logging of the timber resources the Delegate Primary School’s suggestions for future opportunities skills, and availability were Plan and decide whether within these communities will designated enrolment area and in the district, respondents considered to ensure energy to continue with the priority present challenges to the existing in 2019 approx. 11 students overwhelmingly identified Nature for existing group activities projects they are working road infrastructure. The current lived in Victoria. The closure of Based Tourism. Local residents have was retained. on, or introduce additional logging activity in 2019 has seen the dual-campus school has had a embraced this with the provision projects from the interesting up to 32 movements of trucks a day significant impact on the community of a range of complementary ideas already defined or the using the Bonang Road to remove as it provided employment accommodation options to camping Priority projects are Ideas Bank. the timber, which has significantly opportunities in the area which are such as Airbnb and You Camp on represented with a star. impacted the road. The state of the limited, and the schools were a way private property. roads, some which have sections to bring together the communities. The challenge for people living in of unsealed road, is considered a Secondary school students access the Errinundra to Snowy District is to significant safety risk by residents either Bombala or Orbost, however use the assets they currently have, and visitors. long travel times and educational such as their people, environment preferences see families leave and built and social infrastructure to the district to access secondary develop a new economy. One that The Opportunity: education. Once children have left will create new social connections Nature Based Tourism the area, they rarely return to the through activities that will sustain Residents gather at Bonang Hall in district due to limited social and their communities into the future. 2017 to watch the Red Sunday film employment opportunities. documenting the 2014 bushfires
29 28 29 Outcome 2. Thriving Economy Outcomes & Priorities What this means to community: 2.1 Explore mobile • There are currently limited accommodation options available in the district. accommodation • Mobile accommodation provides a creative option which can move as needed. • Our unique environmental assets are an untapped resource that could provide economic growth to our district while maintaining the value of our natural 2.2 Develop nature environments. based tourism Outcome 1.Healthy & Sustainable Environments Roles and Responsibilities What community What community and What agencies do What this means to community: does partner agencies do 1.1 Protect the forest • The forests of the district are a natural resource and eco-system which sustains together human life. Establishment of a Development of a local Council: support the • It is a major tourism drawcard unrivalled on mainland Australia. working group to identify nature based tourism development of a local • It is threatened by climate change and harvesting activities. what the district currently plan. tourism plan. • Advocate for protection and minimisation of harm on the forests. offers by way of nature Council: advocate 1.2 Advocate for • In the past, community has experienced limitations to sub-division of land based tourism (July to State and Federal suitable zoning which has contributed to population growth and economic development. 2019). agencies, seek funding scheme • The community want to explore and understand the legislation with the intent opportunities, liaise with to advocate for change Destination Gippsland 1.3 Restore the • There are areas of existing damage to the environment which requires and EG Marketing. environment restoring in order to strengthen and improve the natural assets. Other agencies include Parks Vic, DELWP, 1.4 Care for wildlife • Feral animals are impacting the natural ecosystems and our native and Destination Gippsland, livestock animals. EG Marketing, Regional • Road incidents particularly from tourists and trucks are killing and injuring Roads Victoria, Regional wildlife Development Victoria 1.5 Environmental/ • We have the environment and the ability to learn more about our place and (RDV). cultural education to share it with visitors. • The facilities in our Parks are currently very limited – visitors need to be self- programs • Programs would be a way to get people to stop and stay, to connect us across sufficient. Will broaden our tourism market. the border, to explore, respect and protect our place. 2.3 Enhance public • To maintain the ecological health of our parks through provision of toilets for 1.6 Aboriginal • Recognition and inclusion of first people facilities in National people to use. language & place • Seek to rectify the public record and opportunities for Aboriginal people to Parks • There are also currently issues with the maintenance of existing facilities. names tell their stories and history. Roles and Responsibilities What community What community and What agencies do does partner agencies do together Community to identify Share information about DELWP/Parks Victoria: priority public facilities for the provision of priority fund, maintain and improvement in National facilities in National develop facilities within Parks across the district parks. National Parks and and inform nature based public camping areas tourism working group Community groups Provision of funding. (July 2019). maintain facilities in some parks via Friends of Errinundra. 2.4 Scope alternative • Currently there is no shop in the district, it would be important if there is options for a shop an increase in tourism to provide an opportunity for community to sell local produce. • Wait until demand is driven by other activities but there is an opportunity to scope alternative models e.g. mobile.
A young child sits in the DELWP fire fighting vehicle at the 2018 Big Bonang Arvo
30 31 Outcome 3. Safe & Healthy Communities Outcome 4. Resilient & Connected Communities What this means to community: What this means to community: 3.1 Ensure • Increase community safety. 4.1 Improve tele- • Not all residents have phone coverage which is a safety and wellbeing issue. fire protection • Research different fuel reduction techniques to understand current practice and potential communications • Telecommunications infrastructure remains inadequate during emergencies new practices. when power is lost. • Establish a standard of maintenance and management which reduces road safety issues, • Current satellite and mobile internet options are slow and expensive. vehicle maintenance costs, dust and noise and wildlife deaths. • Improved internet access provides new means of communication and can 3.2 Improve • Safe roads - clean culverts, pot-hole and puncture-free roads and removing trees that come 4.2 Access to the improve safety, as well as providing options for work and study. overall road down. existing fibre optic • Fibre Optic cables at the old school sites are an existing asset already in maintenance • Improve seasonal responsiveness cable (at School sites) place. • Improve directional signage and signage about road conditions and emergency events. Roles and Responsibilities Roles and Responsibilities What community What community and What agencies do What community does What community and What agencies do does partner agencies do partner agencies do together together Identify and document Identify the options DET: Complete transfer Provision of feedback Share information Provision of Safe Roads and needs of the community available for the public of land back to the on condition of road. about the current state timely maintenance as per Road and advocate to relevant use of the infrastructure. crown. DELWP: Work Collection of road safety of the road and road maintenance plan. authorities. with community to data and impact on maintenance issues RRV: Bonang Road identify most appropriate residents’ safety and scheduled works to Council: Local roads use of the crown land. Establish Working Group address maintenance DELWP: Other roads Council: Support and Action Plan (July issues. relationship between 2019). community and • Improve safety for residents that use the road to access key services in Orbost and agencies. beyond, and agencies that service the community. 4.3 Strengthen the Work with our NSW neighbours in Delegate and Bombala to advocate on issues 3.3 Sealing • Visitors and tourists feel safe to visit us and can contribute to our economy. links with bordering and services with a united voice. of the communities (Cross Bonang Road Border Committee) Roles and Responsibilities What community does What community and What agencies do • Review the facilities in the district and establish how community want to use partner agencies do them. together 4.4 Maximise use of • Activate community spaces. Provision of feedback Develop a plan for the Regional Roads Victoria: Build and community facilities • Make it easier to run community facilities. on condition of road. sealing of the remaining maintain safe roads. • Investigate creative enterprises and ideas for economic activity. Collection of road safety section of the road Funding, planning, design and • Community hubs. data. between Bonang and delivery of road infastructure. Goongerah. Roles and Responsibilities • Service provision that responds to the needs of our ageing community, people who are What community What community and What agencies do isolated, with disabilities and mental health issues. does partner agencies do 3.4 Improve • Make it easier for all agencies to provide services to us and for us to access services together service considering road safety, travel times and online and visiting options. provision • Resolve the equity issue – utilise existing resources to improve service provision and Identify and document Work in partnership to DELWP and Council channel funding to the areas that are needed. needs of the community understand policy and work together to review and advocate to relevant process and investigate facility management Roles and Responsibilities authorities. options. to meet the needs of What community does What community and What agencies do community. partner agencies do together Provide feedback and Build a shared Agencies provide service and complete surveys and understanding of how undertake service reviews to ensure share information about services are currently community needs are being met. This the need for service operating and explore includes: health, information, library, Establish a Working Group different service models to outreach services, ORH, Gippsland and Action Plan (July meet community needs. Primary Health Network, Council, 2019). Neighbourhood House, RRV, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Centrelink, DHHS, Job Providers etc.
32 33 Ideas Bank District Community Representative Group
A total of 61 Ideas were harvested Fire Prevention Services The establishment of the DCRG Time was spent through the Working Groups from the previous community plan, • Ecologically/scientifically • Improved service outreach provides a means for implementing community planning process Working groups have been workshops and the community based • Better health care the District Community Plan. working with participants in the established to take carriage survey to create this Ideas Bank for • Fire protection • Bendoc Neighbourhood House Council is committed to supporting workshops to develop standards of the delivery of the priority the community to draw upon in the outreach the community to establish this of behaviour that reflect the values projects. Working groups will have future. Industry • Add a Neighbourhood House group. The purpose of the DCRG that the community wish to realise. representation on the DCRG. • Tourism in Goongerah as identified by the community is The list below reflects how the Infrastructure • Eco-tourism to: community will work with each The membership of the working • Sealing last of Bonang road • Tension between logging & the Facilities other to implement their plan: groups may include partner • Roads natural environment • Sort out community facilities • Be a strong voice for the agencies and others in the • Improve telecommunications • More jobs perhaps under one committee community • Respect and won’t personalize community outside of the DCRG. • Improve electricity grid • Agricultural management • Public facilities in parks • Represent active groups/ things The Role of a Working Group is: • Open up fibre option • Promote area for recreation working groups • Loyalty and won’t judge people connections to wider community and camping Cultural • Drive the District Community • Trust • Do the doing • Roads strategy • Understanding and celebration Plan (strategic not operational) • Fun and a sense of humour • Report back to the • IT – comms Environment of local history • Coordinate, communicate and • Good communication, listen, representative group and to • Arts and cultural facilities • Restore environment • Recognition of the first people advocacy across the district be open minded and won’t talk work within the brief • Walking tracks • Protecting forests • Dances • Coordinate relationships with over each other • Don’t expand the brief beyond • Bike tracks • Manage wildlife • Arts agencies • Good, agreed upon processes/ the Annual Action Plan • Convert some community • Better utilise resources to • Be a sounding board and way efficiency • Make recommendations about infrastructure into manage the natural landscape Community to evaluate ideas that are put changes to approach or the accommodation • Sort out community facilities forward The District Representative Group brief • The school infrastructure to be Education perhaps under one committee includes representation of the maintained e.g. fibre optic • Environmental Education Centre • Cross border committee The DCRG is not an operational community groups across the Annual Action Plan • Life-long learning • Grant planning committee working group (not the doing/ district as well as geographic and An action plan will be developed • Activate our spaces action), nor a committee of Council demographic representation. The to outline the key projects and and does not tell established following groups were invited as areas of focus. The Working community groups what to do. active and to provide a nominated Groups will develop the action The role of the community representative to participate on the plan for each priority idea. The group nominated representative DCRG. action plan will outline: participating on the DCRG is to: • Mt Delegate CFA Group • Partners/stakeholders • Put a community group hat • Friends of Errinundra Group • Steps and actions on, representing views of the • Goongerah Environmental • Timing group when at the DCRG, not Centre (GECO) • Who is responsible and the individual views • Deddick Valley Isolated roles of different agencies or • Two-way information. Report Communities Group (DVICG) community to their community group • Bonang Hall Committee about what was discussed at • Cross Border Sub Committee It will then be reviewed and the DCRG and report to the • Goongerah Hall Committee accepted by DCRG. A report card DCRG about activities of the • Borderliners will be used to provide a way of community group they are • Bendoc Hall Committee measuring achievements. representing • Bendoc Fishing Club • The DCRG is focused on • Bendoc Progress Association the District Community Plan • Bendoc SES outcomes and implementation, • Goongerah Landcare coordinating district community • District Community Plan plan activities and relationships Working Groups Tree at Brown Mountain with agencies (Photo: Judy Deland)
34 35 Contact us in person Front Cover Image: Bairnsdale: 273 Main Street Friends of Errinundra at a working Lakes Entrance: 18 Mechanics Street bee in 2018 (Photo: Gary Belisini) Mallacoota: 70 Maurice Avenue Omeo: 179 Day Avenue Orbost: 1 Ruskin Street Paynesville: 55 The Esplanade Bendoc: 18 Dowling Street Buchan: 6 Centre Road Cann River: 13 Princes Highway
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