Riviera Properties Limited’s long term planning designed to minimise flood risk to its Paynesville canal waterfront properties stood up to the test of the recent heavy rain and storms in East Gippsland. Thanks to developmental forecasting and preparation for just this type of rare event, the canals water level rose but never threatened to flood into properties.
 

The month of June will also be remembered not only for the rains but for the curious occurrence of two blue (new) moons in one month. Whilst beautiful on one hand to experience, the fickle consequences of its affect on the tide were felt in areas situated below the peak flood levels. The King Tide phenomenon did cause difficulty for some low lying spots that surround the Gippsland Lakes. The Canal development however remained high and dry.

“In line with planning guidelines, we ensure that our properties are built with floor levels well above peak flood heights in areas which may be prone to flooding. While some of the roadways in older parts of the town were submerged – the new properties were quite safe” said Tim Weight, Managing Director of RPL.  “The extreme weather over the past week has been exceptional – but the waterways have withstood everything the storms could do.”

Flooding from rivers and coastal waters is a natural process that plays an important role in shaping the natural environment. However, being prepared for flooding and rising water brings to mind the old boy scouts’ motto of ‘be prepared’.  Although flooding cannot be wholly prevented, its impacts can be avoided and reduced through good planning and management. New properties across the region have been high and dry given appropriate floor level requirements in the municipality.

With the waters around Paynesville and the Gippsland Lakes now largely subsided, the beauty of this wonderful area is hard to surpass. Whilst there have been some stories of tragedy in areas close to raging rivers and in lower lying, older parts of the region, it also presents some visually incredible sights and sounds. The birdlife is thriving, the fish are jumping and the dams and rivers are full. Being the boating mecca that Paynesville is, it is probably one of the best times to get up here and go exploring.
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Australia’s leading property writer, author and market analyst Terry Ryder recently visited the Gippsland Lakes from his home base in Maleny, Queensland. Terry writes for Money Magazine, The Bulletin, Australian Property Investor and Property Australia,

Terry was so impressed with what he saw here, that he has chosen to include Paynesville & Metung as one of the National Top 12 Sea Change Hotspots in his recently released report, “National Top 12 Sea Change Hot Spots”.Our fabulous lifestyle region is now up there along with the coastal towns of Broome, Hervey Bay, Mandurah and Ballina amongst others.Terry has also recently created a new website called http://www.hotspotting.com.au/ that will be of interest to anyone interested in property. He also intends to write a number of articles on this area in forthcoming months.

Authors – Jill and Owen Weeks of “Where to Retire in Australia” have also chosen the Gippsland Lakes as one of their researched retirement destinations. In their book they have noted “Paynesville as our preferred retirement destination on the Gippsland Lakes, because of its- flat land, closeness to Bairnsdale and its facilities, choice of accommodation, good weather”.

Their website “http://www.where2retire.com.au/ “ also recently featured the Gippsland Lakes as one of Australia’s Undiscovered Hotspots.

Author Rick Osborn also released a book in early 2006 on the best 100 places to live in Australia and New Zealand. To our delight Rick also notes Paynesville as one of his preferred retirement destinations, for its seclusion and prettiness.

It appears that the “SECRET is now OUT” and I would say that we are about to become very popular with our real estate becoming even more sought after as time goes by with more & more people realising the delights of living on the Gippsland Lakes

When you consider that currently in Paynesville you can buy absolute waterfront allotments from $270,000 with the ability to moor your boat at your front door, this makes us a value buying proposition compared to other canal developments. It is expected that future waterfront allotments at Martha Cove (Vic) will be priced from $1.2M - $1.5M, whilst 8 marina allotments were recently released for tender in Mandura (WA) with reserve prices quoted from $875,000 to $1,000,000.

With the reluctance of many government agencies to approve future canal developments – our waterfront land in Paynesville may soon become a scarce commodity.