Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said he hasn’t given up fighting for the remaining funds needed to finish the high-profile Krauatungalung Walk project in Lakes Entrance.
With the first stage of the walk proving extremely popular over summer, Mr Chester said he was urging East Gippsland Shire Council to move as quickly as possible to build the next section and help secure money for the final stages of the iconic project.
While the Federal Government has rejected a bid to complete the final stage, Mr Chester said he was lobbying his Coalition colleagues to secure a funding commitment ahead of the federal election, which is due within the next 100 days.
“It was bitterly disappointing that the Labor Party refused to fund the project under the ‘Growing Regions Program’ but I haven’t given up hope,” Mr Chester said.
“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.
“The shire needs to finish the sections in front of the houses and alongside the Eastern Beach Caravan Park to ensure we have a continuous link along the foreshore, then we can concentrate on linking the boardwalk between Eastern Beach and Main Beach.”
Mr Chester said the project had important social, economic, cultural and environmental features.
“It surprised me that we have virtue-signalling Labor Ministers wasting $450 million on the Voice referendum, and then refusing to provide $6 million for a practical project that features indigenous-inspired artwork and promotes respect and reconciliation,” Mr Chester said.
“The Krauatungalung Walk is designed as a complete circuit which will benefit the economy and allow people to appreciate the environment of the Gippsland Lakes, particularly the water birds, without disrupting vegetation as they walk.
“It’s an exciting project and I will continue to fight for the funding to see it delivered as soon as possible.”
