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About the Project (now terminated)

East Gippsland Shire Council first started considering the redevelopment of GLYC as part of the Paynesville Town Centre Structure Plan and the Paynesville Foreshore Management Plan in 2017.

The Project Reference Group worked from June 2023 to June 2024 with architects to come up with a proposed plan for the re-development of the yacht club.

The Shire Council are putting their conclusions, decisions and status updates on their “Your Say” page:

Paynesville – Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub

On the “Your say” page you can find this statement from EGSC:

Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub moves forward

Wednesday 29 October 2025

East Gippsland Shire Council has resolved to accept the offer of funding from the Commonwealth Government and to proceed with the next stage of the development of the Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub.

The decision at last Tuesday night’s Council Meeting means that officers will now work to finalise designs for the hub and proceed to tender to seek a contractor to deliver this project in line with the available budget and grant timelines.

Mayor Cr John White said the redevelopment of the existing Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club site will provide a new home for the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club and other user groups.

“It will provide an important community facility on a prime lakeside location that will benefit the whole Paynesville community.”

“Final negotiations with the Commonwealth and Victorian governments have resulted in a reduction in grant funding to $4.255 million. We continue to be grateful to the Commonwealth Government for their funding support for this project.”

FAQ – In relation to the proposed redevelopment, no longer relevant as Council’s intent regarding the site has changed. This information is left for historical purposes only.

Where did this project originate from?

This project was first identified in the development of strategic plans for Paynesville including the Paynesville Town Centre Structure Plan and the Paynesville Foreshore Management Plan 2017.

Who has represented the GLYC in the development of plans to date?

The club has had many members involved in the design to date. During the design and planning phase of the project (2023 – 24) the club had a Project Working Group (PWG) and members of the Club were also selected to join the EGSC Project Reference Group.

What happens to the operation of GLYC while the redevelopment takes place?

The GLYC PWG provided input into a preliminary plan to install a temporary fenced and secure compound on the car park beside the club with secure shipping container storage, portable buildings, covered space, similar to a temporary construction depot, for storage of club boats and equipment. Negotiations with the EGSC need to be
undertaken to make use of the community centre meeting rooms for social gatherings.

The provision of temporary facilities and the use of the community centre should enable the club to continue its current weekly operations. Boats in the marina would not be impacted for most of the construction. Further consideration and options need to be explored for the members’ stored trailable yachts and off the beach boats.

Will GLYC still be able to continue with the season sailing program, regular social events and major events (ie. Marlay Point, Easter Regatta, Twilight meals, etc.)?

 The GLYC sailing program should be able to continue during the redevelopment period.
Preliminary project planning included the provision of storage of club boats in a secure
partially covered storage compound located in the adjacent carpark. The temporary
facilities in the compound could include the following:

• Lockable container storage for essential equipment,
• Portable amenities,
• Race management boats
• Club training boats
• OTB dinghies, currently stored at the Club.

The trailable yachts would be parked in the carpark and launched at the adjoining public boat ramp.

Negotiations to use the available community meeting rooms, kitchenette and amenities across the Esplanade need to occur.

Major events could still be conducted using the available temporary facilities. Use of marquees and other portable facilities would assist to host events.

Twilight meals could be conducted in the community meeting rooms.

Will membership fees increase?

There is no current or apparent reason for membership fees to increase above the present indexed rates however as the future leasing costs are currently unknown to GLYC no commitment can be made as to future membership fee increases.

Who owns the new building?

As per the current lease, the building is owned by East Gippsland Shire Council (as is the current building).

Will the new building continue to be named as GLYC?

Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club is the name of the Club and remains unchanged. Since the announcement of funding in January 2025, East Gippsland Shire Council changed the project name to “Gippsland Lakes Shared Community Hub”. The subject of what the name of the new facility should be called will be further negotiated between the Shire Council and GLYC.

Will GLYC continue to have a secure lease into the future?

Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club expects to continue to have a secure lease on facilities into the future.

Will GLYC be required to contribute to the cost of the new building?

Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club could consider contributing towards components of the building that are specifically for the operation of the GLYC. For example boat storage racking in the boatshed under the new building, reinstallation of GLYC memorabilia, fit out of race box, fit out of bar(s). This contribution would be subject to negotiation with the East Gippsland Shire Council and should be consistent with how other recently redeveloped recreational facilities have been managed.