Lunch with a view

Visitors to Bullock Island will soon be able to watch the fishing fleet come and go through the entrance while sitting down at one of two new picnic tables, built by East Gippsland Specialist School students.

Last week contractors were preparing the site to pour concrete slabs to accommodate the new picnic tables that will command uninterrupted views of the entrance and Gippsland Lakes.

East Gippsland Shire Council has worked with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to realign the road and carpark in the south-west corner of the island. Earlier this year parking was moved away from the seawall, separating vehicles and pedestrians and making the area safer for both.

The realignment of the road and carpark was identified in the Bullock Island Master Plan.

East Gippsland Shire Mayor Cr Joe Rettino acknowledged the contribution to the project by East Gippsland Specialist School.

“Two picnic tables built by the school students school will be installed in the corner of the Island in early September, to further enhance visitor's experience,” Cr Rettino said.

DELWP Program Manager Land and Built Environment Rod Croft said: “We would like to recognise the community's input and feedback over the past few months to help us redesign works on this corner of the island. This is a small step, as part of the overall redevelopment of Bullock Island.”

“We're confident we've achieved our aim to increase safety for all users, protect important underground infrastructure and ensure everyone can continue to the enjoy the amazing views," Mr Croft said.

East Gippsland Shire Council, Gippsland Ports and DELWP will together continue to pursue funding opportunities to implement the next stages of the Bullock Island Masterplan.