At its monthly committee meeting on Tuesday, June 9, the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ODCCI) discussed several pressing community matters,
highlighted by progress on returning the historic replica Paddle Steamer Curlip to Orbost and frustrations regarding water infrastructure at Cape Conran.
The Bring the Curlip Home committee briefed the chamber on its successful bid to salvage the replica Paddle Steamer Curlip from its current storage at the Bairnsdale transfer station.
East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC) recently approved the committee’s Expression of Interest (EOI).
However, the approval came with strict conditions: the vessel must not be relocated to shire property, and the shire will bear no ongoing financial or operational responsibility for it.
To comply with these conditions, the local committee is currently negotiating the purchase of a private parcel of land.
Key hurdles remaining for the project include:
– Land ownership: Deciding whether the land will be held by the chamber, an independent incorporated body, or another entity.
– Ongoing costs: Securing long-term funding for council rates, water, power and public liability insurance.
– Relocation and infrastructure: Funding the transport of the vessel from Bairnsdale to Orbost, setting it up on-site, completing extensive maintenance and painting, and constructing a protective roof.
Possible funding avenues being explored include crowdfunding, Regional Development Victoria (RDV) grants, community raffles, and in-kind equipment support.
The long-term vision for the project includes establishing historical interpretive displays, selling district merchandise and hosting “steam days” utilising the vessel’s operational boiler.
The chamber resolved to formally consider its position once the land acquisition is finalised.
The chamber also discussed the ongoing infrastructure upgrades at Cape Conran.
While 10 relocated cabins from Bairnsdale are currently being fitted out with power, sewerage and water, chamber members expressed disappointment regarding the planned water supply model.
Under current plans, potable water will be trucked into a storage tank on-site rather than delivered via a pipeline.
Furthermore, the water supply is slated only to service the cabins and office, leaving the camping grounds with no direct potable water supply.
In response, the chamber carried a motion to formally request that Parks Victoria (PV) install a tap at the office precinct or near campsites so that campers can fill water containers.
Several other local initiatives were progressed during the meeting:
– Pool strategy: Members noted strong
local engagement with the East Gippsland Shire pool strategy survey, with Orbost residents accounting for 17 per cent of the 1046 total responses.
A productive online meeting was recently held with the shire’s consultant to discuss local feedback.
– Town beautification and infrastructure: The chamber resolved to request that the shire implement a tree pruning program along Nicholson and Lochiel Streets before spring.
Additionally, works completed on Nicholson Street (between B Road and Clarke Street) were praised for improving the local landscape while minimising disruption to local traders.
The next ODCCI meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at the CFA meeting room, featuring a guest presentation on business scams.
