My last report was written back in early October 2022, and I talked about Lake Eildon being at 98% of Capacity. It is incredulous that now in mid February 2023 we are still at 98% of Capacity.
This has ensured Lake Eildon has looked its magical best all Summer with the forests blending into the water.
The Lake was certainly busy over the holiday season with many families enjoying the magic of Lake Eildon whilst creating those special memories that will last a lifetime.
Due to the high water levels, the upper levels of many houseboats were in amongst the tree canopy, which resulted in the houseboats being more spread out; every year is different on Lake Eildon.
A side benefit of the constant water levels was backing off the houseboat from the bank and retying the mooring ropes was kept to a minimum.
Whilst enjoying the high water levels, we know the weather cycle will change, however, understanding the rules of how the water is used we can be reassured that there will be good water levels for recreation for at least five years and most probably longer.
We are a land of drought and flooding rains, this has not changed and this is why our forefathers built Lake Eildon.
Something important began to emerge this year around Lake Eildon. The various communities, the special events and the love of Lake Eildon began to be shared. This has evolved on Lakeeildon.com.
As the houseboat industry knows, when we respect our differences and work together, we all win.
Hopefully, what has begun this year can grow and the Lake Eildon Region will have a vehicle where it can finally work together and deliver the benefits to all our different special communities that surround our great Lake.
I have been here too long and have seen all the different Tourism Organizations and expensive Marketing Plans come and go. This time, I am actually getting excited about what is unfolding.
As I have mentioned previously our communities and events are not in competition with each other, our competition are places like Noosa, Port Douglas, Bali, etc., etc. We need to become a “Destination of Choice”, a world class destination which provides many local jobs.
Working together, whilst respecting each other, we can make it happen. Lakeeildon.com provides a vehicle for this culture to grow.
After a busy 2022 the houseboat Industry is back to work with all businesses reporting they are busy with significant orders for new builds, renovations and extensions and maintenance. A positive year ahead.
LEHIA has been working positively with DELWP for some time. The person who we have had most contact with has been Toni Radcliff. Toni recently announced she is moving on from DELWP. LEHIA wishes to thank Toni and wishes her well in the next part of her journey. Toni’s work with us has been greatly appreciated.
The relationship between the Houseboat Industry and DELWP was not good after the issues with Grey Water Treatment. Toni was instrumental in turning this around. Having been around for too long, I would have to go back to the 1970’s when Ted Lech was in charge locally and we were dealing with the SR&WSC to when the relationship was equivalent.
Upon leaving DELWP, Toni put together a changeover, where not only did she introduce Greg Fletcher to the Industry but also a new name for DELWP, now known as DEECA. Welcome Greg.
A thankyou to Paul Williams for making his houseboat available to introduce Greg to houseboating and Lindsay Barber at EBC for welcoming Greg as well.
Recently LEHIA hosted Journalists from the Australian Newspaper as they wished to write a positive article on a Full Lake Eildon. Over the years, we have been critical when the water is down a bit and all we see in the media are negative stories.
It was most pleasant to host the Australian as they had photos on file when the Lake was really down and they wanted to show photos of some of the same spots at full supply. We did happen to bump into Daryl & Jackie out on the Lake and we thank them for being so hospitable to the Journalists.
To receive this type of exposure in a National Newspaper is fantastic; we could never afford to pay for it. I know there are people out there that want to keep the magic of Lake Eildon a secret; you know it is not going to happen with me as I am passionate about the benefits that Recreation & Tourism can deliver to the local communities which desperately need it.
The Lake Eildon Houseboat Regulations are due to be replaced on the 1st July, 2023. With the very positive advancements in finding a solution for the management of Grey Water, DEECA is requesting State Government that the current Houseboat Regulations stay in place until 1st July 2024.
LEHIA has supported this.
A solution to the treatment of Grey Water on houseboats has taken a major step forward, not from expensive consultants but from two highly intelligent and very experienced local plumbers that work on the houseboats. John Gysberts from Status and Aiden Gale from Faster Plumbers have combined their knowledge and experience and have put together a viable solution and it works.
This solution underwent Laboratory tests late last year and the results were most positive. We look forward to working with DEECA to progress this viable solution and the process of roll out and maintenance.
The biggest challenge facing the Houseboat Industry currently is the lack of available houseboat licenses to build new houseboats. With all the new builds over recent years there is under ten Category 3 houseboats left on the Lake. These are where most of the houseboat licenses have come from, and the supply is drying up.
With the importance of the Houseboat Industry to the local economy and jobs there needs to be serious conversations with DEECA, Murrindindi Shire Council, GMW and the Industry as to how we make this happen. With the State Government Policy on winding down Native Forestry, this area needs jobs.
LEHIA is requesting 10 new Houseboat Licenses per year for 10 years to ensure the jobs the houseboat industry currently provides are not only maintained but continue to grow.
LEHIA has a solution to make this happen and raise significant valuable funds for houseboat infrastructure without having to raise the annual houseboat fees. We are asking for a similar positive mindset from the Government Authorities. The Industry with a positive mindset has solved the Grey Water Management issue, with this same positive mindset the Industry believes it has a solution for issuing new Houseboat Licenses enabling the Industry to make a significant contribution to houseboat infrastructure without having to call on Government funding.
The Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry producing world class environmentally friendly houseboats whilst providing many local jobs.
Love Lake Eildon
Mike Dalmau
President LEHIA
14-02-2023