In commencing this Report, it is important to recognize the Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry produces World Class Environmentally Friendly Houseboats whilst providing many Local Jobs.
As an Industry, we respect that we are in competition with each other, but when we work together, we all win. The evidence is everyone is extremely busy and the Industry has never been busier.
Further evidence is this year SIX Member Businesses were building at least one new houseboat with some building 2 to 3 houseboats. This is on top of all the maintenance, refurbishment, and extensions on the other houseboats in the fleet.
Attracting appropriately qualified staff can be an issue. In response, LEHIA together with CRLLEN and Alexandra Secondary College organized an Immersion Day where over 20 students and their teachers were shown the career opportunities available locally.
The learning from the day was we have a challenge, as an Industry, to capture the hearts and minds of these students as they have many other career choices. With this in mind, LEHIA is looking to have Apprentice Appreciation Awards next year.
Importantly earlier this year, LEHIA hosted a Director from DELWP, Mike Jensz. It was extremely important to have a Director of DELWP in Eildon and have the opportunity to provide him with an in-depth knowledge of the houseboat industry and the potential of Lake Eildon.
This relationship has been important as we work through solutions for Grey Water Management on houseboats and the new Lake Eildon Houseboat Regulations. Being involved, in a respectful manner, with DELWP Staff has seen positive progress. A big Thank You to Toni Radcliff from DELWP who has been great to work with.
After all the controversy previously with Grey Water Management, LEHIA Members Aiden Gale and John Gysberts have worked together to find a solution. With their knowledge and expertise, they have come up with what looks like a viable affordable solution. The early Laboratory tests are extremely positive.
It is a credit to Aiden and John but more importantly our Industry Members who work on and know houseboats have come up with a solution. We look forward to continuing to work with DELWP with the Grey Water Solution and also the new set of Lake Eildon Houseboat Regulations, which now appear like being delayed until July 2024.
Likewise, LEHIA looks forward to continuing to have a positive relationship with GMW as the appointed Waterways Manager of Lake Eildon. We look forward to getting to know Paul Beard and work with him in his new role.
LEHIA has continued its advocacy for Lake Eildon and the Houseboat Industry by inviting people in significant positions to Lake Eildon to view the Industry and understand the potential of Lake Eildon to create many more jobs in a rural area.
LEHIA hosted Eliza Brown, new Chairperson of the Hume Region Regional Development Australia Committee. Even though Eliza grew up in North East Victoria she was certainly most impressed with what she saw. One of her comments was Lake Eildon has the potential to be the Lake Como of Australia.
LEHIA also introduced the then new Murrindindi Shire Council CEO, Livia Bonazzi and new Shire Councillors to the Houseboat Industry and the Lake Eildon Master Plan.
LEHIA has greatly appreciated the support of Victoria’s peak Recreational Boating Organization, BIA Vic. The BIA Vic as a respected Association, has had and continues to have access to Ministers, Better Boating Victoria, Maritime Safety, Victorian Fishing Authority and others to advocate on behalf of their members and this includes Lake Eildon and LEHIA.
LEHIA also appreciates the BIA Vic role in promoting Recreational Boating which has seen the return of the Melbourne Boat Show and the new initiative of the Boat Owners Club. We look forward to continuing to work with the BIA Vic and to hopefully see the Lake Eildon Water Festival become an important part of the Boating Calendar in February 2024.
LEHIA has been working with the new owners of the Lake Eildon Industrial Park to produce new signage that will help present the Industry in a more professional manner. The corner of Sugarloaf Road and Eildon Road is a high-profile site with a great number of visitors passing. Looking forward to seeing the new signage.
Challenges to the future include the release of new houseboat licenses to ensure the business plans of members can continue to be positive to see new investment in plant and facilities and importantly the retention and expansion of staff numbers.
Further, the release of these new Licenses by DELWP & GMW working with LEHIA can see substantial funds raised which can be used to fund new infrastructure for houseboats without having to seek funds from Government and without having to raise fees to houseboat owners. LEHIA will continue these discussions with DELWP and will work positively for them to be included in the new Regulations due in July 2024.
LEHIA is currently working to create contacts to promote environmentally detergents and cleaning products for houseboats. LEHIA sees this as one way everyone can assist in minimizing pollution of our beautiful Lake. Hopefully, we will see progress on this in the New Year.
LEHIA will continue to seek opportunities to promote the Industry and Members. LEHIA Members, as part of their Membership, can promote their business on the LakeEildon.com website in the Business Directory and the Lakeeildon.com Facebook page. These are highly visited sites providing great exposure for Lake Eildon and local businesses.
The fast-approaching season will be extremely busy for Lake Eildon with a FULL Lake Eildon. Yes, equivalent to SIX Sydney Harbours.
Firstly, this ensures good water for Recreation for at least 5 years, if not longer.
Also, it will bring many people to Lake Eildon this Summer and an important role for not only the Houseboat Industry but all businesses associated with Lake Eildon is to do our best to ensure they have a good experience and want to come back again and again.
If you can support events like Opera On The Pondage; Eildon Twilight Market; The Carnival on the Coller Oval, all helps this experience.
As I have mentioned previously our competition is not each other but places like Noosa, Port Douglas, Bali, etc., etc. This is why it is important to continue to push to see results from the Lake Eildon Master Plan. This is to ensure this area not only produces World Class Environmentally Friendly Houseboats but becomes a “Destination of Choice”, a world class destination which provides many local jobs.
Thank you to Teena for your great work in making LEHIA happen, greatly appreciated.
Thank you to the LEHIA Executive for your council and support throughout the year and answering my many emails.
Thank you to the LEHIA Members because it is your businesses that have created this reputation of producing World Class Environmentally Friendly Houseboats whilst providing many Local Jobs.
Merry Christmas to you and your families.
A very Happy, Prosperous, Healthy and Safe New Year.
Love Lake Eildon, all year round.
Regards
Mike Dalmau
President LEHIA
15-12-2022