LEHIA Summer 2024 Newsletter
It is always a very busy time for the houseboat industry as we approach Christmas and the Summer Boating Season. Each of the five houseboat builders have recently launched one or two new houseboats or completed extensions and major refurbishments for their clients.
To me, it is incredible the level of craftsmanship that goes into the houseboats of today as our houseboat businesses bring peoples dreams and aspirations to reality to enable them to enjoy our magical Lake Eildon with their families and friends. We certainly build World Class Houseboat Holiday Homes.
To help support this claim, at the recent BIA Vic Melbourne Boat Show at Docklands, Anchorage Houseboats Apprentice, James Heritage, a final year apprentice, was awarded the KGM SsangYong Apprentice of the Year. Congratulations to James Heritage and a big positive for Anchorage Houseboats as well in supporting to such a high level apprentices which is not only a great investment in the future of houseboating but also speaks strongly to the positive learning culture at Anchorage Houseboats.
Also at the Melbourne Boat Show was LEHIA Member, Inferno Marine. Tim was exhibiting their new Inferno C422SE Ski Boat which was built at the Inferno Marine Factory at Eildon. It certainly compared very well against more established brands on display. We hope to see many Inferno Boats on Lake Eildon in the near future.
Whilst at the Melbourne Boat Show, discussions took place with the CEO of the Victorian Fishing Authority / Better Boating Victoria. The VFA is seriously looking at the possibility of releasing the Carp Virus into Victorian Streams and Lakes. Carp have a major impact on the quality and health of our Waterways and consequently on drinking water for all who rely on that waterway. Understanding the destructive habits of Carp, as mud suckers and stirring up sediment, they are a contributor to Blue Green Algae outbreaks. Blue Green Algae outbreaks are certainly not good for recreation at Lake Eildon; reducing their numbers can only be a good thing.
FYI the Carp Virus has undergone extensive testing which indicate it only impacts Carp and not other aquatic species. The Carp Virus is present overseas where it helps control Carp numbers. Carp have a much larger impact on our environment than Rabbits. With rabbits the myxomatosis and calcific viruses thankfully are now helping in keeping their numbers down. The Carp Virus is expected to achieve similar outcomes. The biggest issue with the release of the Carp Virus will be the clean-up. My understanding this is part of what the VFA are considering.
Can’t wait for the quality of water at Lake Eildon to return to what it was like before Carp were present in such numbers.
As President of LEHIA, an invitation was received to attend a GMW Stakeholders meeting recently in Shepparton. At this meeting the new GMW Strategic Plan was presented. It is titled “Water For a Thriving Northern Victoria / Achieving Together”. Further, under Water Services there is now a Box titled “Recreation”. These two statements are significant as previously Recreation was somewhere within Non-Core Business. Now there can be a conversation of how the top 3 feet of the water, no matter the level of the Lake, can contribute to a Thriving Future for the Northern Victorian Communities in the Lake Eildon Region. This is the LINK to the GMW Corporate Strategy if you wish to read it –
https://www.g-mwater.com.au/downloads/gmw/Corporate_Strategy/20240729_GMW_Corporate_Strategy_2028_DIGITAL.pdf
Whilst talking GMW, LEHIA has had good productive discussions regarding the status of the internal launching ramp at Lake Eildon Marina. After the recent works improving the access to the Ramp, LEHIA is advocating that this ramp should be officially recognized as the designated ramp for the launching and retrieval of houseboats and an appropriate plan should be put in place to ensure it meets the requirements of houseboats of today. Initial discussions have been positive.
GMW recently held a meeting with their GMW approved Competent Persons who they will accept a Compulsory Houseboat Inspection Report (CHIR) from. The industry was down to just three appointed persons. Recently a fourth person has been added to the list. LEHIA is aware of other persons interested in becoming an approved GMW Competent Person. LINK to GMW Web Site https://www.g-mwater.com.au/recreation/houseboats/houseboat-licence-terms-and-conditions.html
Recently LEHIA facilitated a meeting with representatives of the four marinas present. Guests during the meeting were Alan Shea, GMW General Manager Water Storage Services and Andrew Paxton, Director Community & Development at Murrindindi Shire Council. Excellent conversations took place with Alan and Andrew and the door was opened to establish positive relationships with both important organizations.
Marketing of Lake Eildon or lack of it was discussed. Each of the marinas indicated that they were prepared to consider supporting an appropriate long term Marketing Campaign. As a result of this and after discussions with the CEOs of Murrindindi & Mansfield Shires, we are now having positive discussions with the Regional Tourism Authority, Tourism North East.
This will see Lake Eildon and its businesses featured on the Victoria’s High Country App where you will find the latest information on what there is to Eat, Drink, See and Do. This will be invaluable when you are looking for an activity, event or new eating place to try when at Lake Eildon. You are encouraged to click on this LINK and then download the App. https://www.victoriashighcountry.com.au/
The other place to find information and a Business Directory on Lake Eildon is Lakeeildon.com https://www.lakeeildon.com/
If you are seeking contact details of LEHIA Member Businesses to work on your houseboats
Murrindindi Shire Council has received a substantial Grant to establish Key Worker Accommodation in Eildon & Alexandra. LEHIA Members have met with MSC Manager of Economic Development to learn about the opportunities that will become available.
At the time of writing, Lake Eildon is currently at 85% of capacity. Figures released by GMW indicate that already around 1/3 of the irrigation season release has already taken place. This implies there won’t be as much water available in the late Summer & Autumn than what we would normally expect to be released.
Over the last few years, we have certainly been in the Wet Cycle. With the low rainfall this Winter/Spring it appears we are now into the Dry Cycle. This is a natural occurrence and is why Lake Eildon was built to store water in the Wet Cycle to enable a reliable water supply in the Dry Cycle for our farmers to grow good, clean produce to feed our cousins in the cities. Lake Eildon is essential for this major Food Bowl.
With that said, my tip for the Low Point of this Irrigation Season on the 15th May 2025 will be somewhere between 65% to 69% of Capacity (around 4 Sydney Harbours).
Lake Eildon is a magnificent, beautiful, magical place where so many get to make those special memories that will last a lifetime; your Happy Place.
On behalf of LEHIA Members, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, a Happy and Prosperous New Year and many great and safe times this season on our magical Lake Eildon.
Remember to always respect the water and stay Safe.
As an Industry we should be very proud, as we build World Class Houseboats that are amongst the most Environmentally Friendly Houseboats in the World, whilst providing many rewarding jobs in this Rural Area.
Love Lake Eildon
Mike Dalmau
President LEHIA
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