The Federal Government has rejected a bid to complete the final stages of a high-profile pathway project in Lakes Entrance despite the support of the local community and East Gippsland Shire Council.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ the Labor Party hadn’t seen the value in the Krauatungalung Walk project, which would provide improved access to Cunninghame Arm in Lakes Entrance for people with mobility issues.
“The previous Coalition Government provided $5.8 million for the all-abilities accessible walking circuit because we recognised the value of investing in infrastructure that supported a healthy, outdoor lifestyle and boosted the visitor economy,” Mr Chester said.
“While I have been concerned about the slow progress over the past four years, the first stage has been a hit with everyone this summer and will be officially opened on Saturday, February 1, at 9.30am.
“We have enough funding to complete the missing link in front of the houses and seal the pathway alongside the Eastern Beach Caravan Park, but we won’t have enough funding for the lakeside link between Eastern Beach and Main Beach.
“I am bitterly disappointed the Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King hasn’t recognised the social, economic, environmental and cultural values of the project, which will also celebrate the local Indigenous community through the installation of artwork alongside the walk.”
Mr Chester said the Shire had applied for funding under the Growing Regions program but had been advised this week that it was not successful.
“In its application, the Shire recognised that Lakes Entrance is one of Victoria’s iconic tourism destinations, which attracted about 1.5 million visitors per year and suffered major economic losses during the Black Summer Bushfires,” Mr Chester said.
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“The crucial development of the southern boardwalk will help to protect environmentally-sensitive areas from uncontrolled foot traffic and provide a circuit around a section of the Gippsland Lakes to make it more accessible for people of all ages and anyone with mobility issues.”
Mr Chester said he would continue to fight for additional funding and had repeatedly urged the council to fast-track the existing components of the project to demonstrate progress to the Federal Government.
“We need to complete the stages, which are fully funded, as soon as possible to prove the merits of finishing the project and demonstrate the full value of Krauatungalung Walk for locals and visitors,” he said.
“It’s extraordinary the Albanese Government has missed this opportunity to demonstrate respect for Indigenous communities with a practical project that would help to tell the full story of our region.”
Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association (LEADA) is disappointed the Federal Government has not approved funding to complete the Krauatungalung walk, according to Bruce Hurley, chair of LEADA’s Infrastructure Committee.
“LEADA has just learnt that the shire’s application for funding for the last stage of the walk to the Growing Regions Program has been unsuccessful,” he said.
“This walk when completed will be an all abilities 5km walk around Cunningham Arm that will tell the story of the Lakes Entrance Aboriginal community through sculptures and storyboards. It will undoubtedly be a tourist attraction as well as a popular walk for local residents.
“There have been delays completing the first three stages of the walk and this may have impacted on the government’s decision.
“LEADA urges the shire to continue to apply for funding for this iconic walk. “Surveys of LEADA members have shown that there is strong support for the walk.”
