As we are now into the cooler Winter Months, it is most satisfying to report that all the Houseboat Builders/Maintenance Members of LEHIA are all extremely busy, with many bookings for the rest of the year and beyond.
Recently, I had the opportunity to introduce the newly appointed BIA Vic Manager Education & Industry Skills, Dan Brown to all the LEHIA businesses at their workplaces. Dan certainly came away with a very enlightened understanding of the range and quality of work undertaken in the houseboat industry at Lake Eildon.
Feedback was consistent from all Members; they could certainly employ more people, and most are keen to train apprentices. One of the biggest drawbacks to employing more people was the availability of good quality housing to purchase or rent in this district.
The majority of Eildon Township Housing stock was built 70 years ago to build the Dam and it is now not meeting the expectations of today’s families. Recent Census Figures indicate that over 50% of houses in the Eildon Township are owned by weekenders. A number of those working in the houseboat industry have purchased in Rural Living Estates like the new estate this side of Alexandra.
Unfortunately, there is not any of this type of zoned land available around Eildon. The frustrating thing is there is land highlighted in the Lake Eildon Master Plan which is Private Title State Government owned land that could be sold to enable this to happen.
The recent State Government decision to cease Native Forestry in seven months and not over 7 years as previously stated is causing serious concern as this Industry not only provided many jobs locally it also provided serious equipment and people with knowledge to fight bushfires.
This decision whilst creating significant angst locally, makes the future of the Houseboat Industry even more important in supplying jobs for this community to survive. LEHIA will keep advocating for a gradual release of new Houseboat Licenses over the next 10 years. The supply of Category Three Houseboat Licenses has all but dried up with under 10 left on the Lake. The Houseboat Industry requires certainty to enable it to invest in upgrading factories, equipment and to invest in its most important asset, its people.
Hopefully, the Native Forestry decision will bring into focus the opportunities identified in the Lake Eildon Master Plan that can provide many jobs for this Lake Eildon Region. I am aware of people willing to make significant investments that will create many jobs but can’t due to Government Red Tape.
LEHIA supported and attended the recent Jobs Expo in Alexandra put on by the Murrindindi Food & Wine Association. It is a challenge to compete for the interests of students to attract them to our Industry as they have so many choices. We have a great story to tell to attract young people to a career in our Industry; we have to be pro-active to gain their interest. LEHIA will be working with the CRLLEN to put on another Immersion Day later this year.
LEHIA continues to work positively with DEECA (formerly DELWP) on finding a viable solution for the management of Grey Water discharged from Houseboats. We are waiting on further trials of the system developed by Aiden Gale & John Gysberts. This system has had preliminary tests which were most positive. However, the trials have to satisfy the exacting requirements of the EPA and Department of
Health. Hopefully, will have more positive good news soon. Our understanding is the Lake Eildon Houseboat Regulations, which includes management of Grey Water Discharges, were to be reviewed with new regulations to be implemented on 1st July 2023 will be delayed until 1st July 2024.
In the meantime, LEHIA is encouraging everyone to do their bit to minimize pollution of our beautiful Lake by using Eco-Friendly Detergents on their Houseboats. Plus, instead of just putting greasy dishes into the sink or dishwasher could you please wipe them with paper towels first and put the greasy paper towel into the rubbish bin. LEHIA is working on trying to make Eco-Friendly Detergents more available to houseboat Owners. Under the recent EPA Act we all have a responsibility to minimize pollution, however, regardless of the EPA Act, we all want to ensure the Lake remains as the magical place we love for future generations.
LEHIA recently attended the BIA Vic AGM at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club. It was good to represent the Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry at this important meeting. If you are not involved, they can quickly forget you exist. The BIA Vic is an important peak Recreational Boating Association for all Victoria. They have very good relationships with Better Boating Victoria and the Victorian Fishing Authority and their Minister for Boating & Fishing. The BIA Vic has elected a new Chairperson of their Board of Management. LEHIA would like to congratulate Scott O’Hare on his appointment. Scott and his wife Dani operate Aussie Boat Sales in Williamstown and enjoy time at Lake Eildon on their houseboat.
The BIA Vic announced they will be holding the Melbourne Boat Show this year at the end of October and it will be held again at Docklands. They trailed it at Docklands last year and were pleased with the way it ran and have big plans to make it bigger and better this year. Looking forward to seeing it happen. We have not given up on a Lake Eildon Water Festival incorporating a Boat Show; a work in progress.
Early June and the Lake is still at 93% of capacity with only 7% of airspace to fill. An average recharge during Winter & Spring is 30%. GMW have instituted a filling curve to manage the inflows of water with the intent to have the Lake at full supply on the 1st November. Many stressful months ahead for those responsible at GMW, glad it is them and not me. However, as you would expect many people below Lake Eildon are extremely nervous. From a Recreation Perspective on Lake Eildon, we do not have to be stressed as we know the Lake will be full or as good as full for next season.
We are in a Wet Cycle and we will go into a Dry Cycle, nothing more surer; that is why Lake Eildon was built. I arrived in Eildon in 1975 and this current cycle is very reminiscent of what happened in 1974 & 1975. However, understanding how the usage of irrigation water is managed, levels should be great for Recreation for at least 5 years if not longer on the Lake.
A positive note to finish. Lake Eildon is so beautiful during the Winter, hope you come up to experience the magic.
Love Lake Eildon
Mike Dalmau
President LEHIA
29-05-2023