BULLOCK ISLAND NEGLECTED SAYS HALL

The Nationals' Member for Gippsland Province, Peter Hall, has today called on the State Government to release details of its plans for Bullock Island in Lakes Entrance.

Mr Hall said the Department of Sustainability and Environment was meant to release a report on the future use of the island seven months ago, yet the community was still waiting.

"Bullock Island is a landmark site in Lakes Entrance and there is a great deal of interest within the community about the future use of this parcel of crown land," Mr Hall said.

"It is my understanding that DSE has prepared a report which outlines how the island can be split up for use by Gippsland Ports and other agencies, but the document has not seen the light of day.

"I am calling on the State Government to live up to its claims of openness and transparency and publicly release its plans for Bullock Island."

Mr Hall said the island was currently in a state of neglect and under-utilised by the community.

"Bullock Island has enormous potential but nothing will be achieved while it is being neglected by the State Government," Mr Hall said.

"My view is that part of the island should be set aside for maritime activities such as dry boat storage and associated industries, while the remainder should be redeveloped to allow for more public use.

"The island is already very popular with recreational anglers and if it was properly cared for it would become another significant attraction for locals and visitors to the Gippsland Lakes."

Photograph attached. Caption: Nationals Member for Gippsland Hall overlooking Bullock Island, which he says is being neglected by the State Government.

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066 or 0427 747 066