Outgoing Gippsland Ports chief executive officer, Nick Murray, hosted fellow local chief executives on a tour of the Tommy Norton last week as part of their regular meeting.

The Tommy Norton is the dredge for maintenance of ocean access to the Gippsland Lakes. Tommy Norton is an important milestone in the maritime history of the Gippsland Lakes and a major achievement for Gippsland Ports, according to Mr Murray. The dredge is purpose-built for the conditions at Lakes Entrance and the important task of maintaining safer and more reliable access for commercial maritime traffic and recreational vessels, Mr Murray said.

Gary Gaffney, chief executive officer at East Gippsland Shire Council, also briefed the chief executives about the Expression of Interest being sought for the old slipway site in Lakes Entrance.

Gippsland Ports and East Gippsland Shire are separate managers of different parts of the site.

Together with the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning they are offering an exceptional one-off opportunity to develop the 5400 square metre old slipway site. Part of the outcome will be to consolidate to one land manager. The expression of interest is being managed by King and Heath and closes on Friday, September 28.

PICTURED: Chief executive officers from across East Gippsland, hosted by outgoing Gippsland Ports chief executive, Nick Murray, visited the Tommy Norton in Lakes Entrance last week as part of their regular meeting. (PS)