Three Lakes Entrance foreshore projects, worth over $3.5 million, were officially unveiled last Saturday, bolstering the coastal town’s appeal and enhancing its reputation as a premier tourism destination.
The three projects – Lakes Foreshore Park, Lakes Entrance Water Sports Pavilion, and stage one of the Krauatungalung Walk – have already made a statement during the busy summer holiday period.
The projects represent a total investment of more than $3.5 million.
Mayor Cr John White, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) representatives attended the event with artist, storyteller and educator Alfie Hudson performing a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony
Cr White emphasised the significance of the projects for the community and the region’s future.
“These three projects not only enhance the foreshore for locals but also strengthen Lakes Entrance as a destination that welcomes everyone,” Cr White said.
“They reflect our commitment to inclusivity, cultural respect, and providing spaces that bring people together for generations to come. I encourage everyone to come along to the opening event.”
Krauatungalung Walk pays tribute to Aboriginal people and their enduring connection to the region. It features a garden showcasing Aboriginal cultural heritage and storytelling including a sculpture featuring Gunaikurnai creators Borun the pelican and Tuk the musk duck, expertly created by Deb Milligan and Colin Little at Gippsland studio Little Milligan, and an all-abilities boardwalk linking Cunninghame Arm with the town centre.
Additional Indigenous heritage and storytelling components will be included in the next stages of Krauatungalung Walk.
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Lakes Foreshore Park was celebrated as an inclusive and visually appealing play space, incorporating nature-inspired designs. The park includes accessible play equipment, a water-play zone, picnic table and shelters, and promenade seating.
Lakes Entrance Water Sports Pavilion, sited along the Krauatungalung Walk, offers seating, shade, and a staff room and storage for Lakes Entrance Aqua Park. The limestone pavilion supports recreational and sporting activities at the water’s edge, further enhancing the town’s appeal as a destination for locals and tourists alike.
The projects have been delivered in partnership with the Australian Government; the Victorian Government (Lakes Entrance Foreshore Park funding from its 2020-2021 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund); the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC); and local
contractors.
These additions to the Lakes Entrance foreshore provide long-term benefits, foster greater inclusivity, accessibility, and tourism opportunities, providing an economic boost for the town and region.
