Gippsland Environment Group Inc
Lobbying against environmental threats on the unceded lands of the GunaiKurnai, Yaitmathang, Ngarigo and Bidwell Peoples
Concerns with rezoning land near Paynesville for urban development
Friends of the Gippsland Lakes (FOGL) submission re Ammendment C172egip of the East Gippsland Planning Scheme
23 June 2025
FOGL has provided a detailed submission regarding the amendment, which proposes rezoning land near Paynesville for urban development.
FOGL’s analysis highlights significant concerns over inadequate assessment of coastal hazard risks, biodiversity impacts, and infrastructure resilience.
Central to their critique is the reliance on a static 2.8 m Australian Height Datum (AHD) contour line, derived from outdated flood modelling and failing to account for dynamic coastal processes, future erosion, and increasing storm intensity due to climate change.
FOGL emphasises the need for updated, probabilistic hazard assessments and advocates for wider foreshore buffers to accommodate shoreline retreat and wetland migration, protecting ecological integrity and public amenities in the face of rising sea levels.
They argue that current planning approaches may lead to "coastal squeeze," negatively impacting biodiversity and exacerbating future infrastructure liabilities.
FOGL urges the adoption of an adaptive planning framework, comprehensive biodiversity assessments, and stringent adherence to Ministerial Directions and state coastal policies.
​
Their recommendations call for conservative zoning strategies, proactive climate adaptation measures, and integrated, evidence-based decision-making to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and community resilience.
​
Gippsland Environment Group calls on anyone worried about this proposed development to contact East Gippsland Shire Council and voice your concerns:
Phone: 03 5153 9500
Email : Planning@egipps.vic.gov.au
​
Download the full report here
EAST GIPPSLAND PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENT C172EGIP – PAYNESVILLE
PLANNING PANEL SUBMISSION 23 June 2025 FRIENDS OF GIPPSLAND LAKES PARKS AND RESERVES