Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging East Gippsland Shire Council to ‘get on with the job’ of building the missing links in a long-awaited foreshore walk along Cunninghame Arm in Lakes Entrance.
Mr Chester said there was growing frustration in the community that the Krauatungalung Walk project appeared to have stalled, despite the availability of Federal Government funding.
“I have been working on the Krauatungalung Walk project for about six years in partnership with the community, and we have secured enough funding from the previous Federal Government to concrete the path behind the Eastern Beach Caravan Park, and also build a boardwalk along the section near the houses, which is currently impassable at high tide,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s intended to be an all-abilities accessible circuit on the shores of Cunninghame Arm, which links existing pathways and infrastructure with new sealed paths and boardwalk sections.
“Providing families pushing prams, people on mobility scooters, or those with disabilities in wheelchairs with a scenic circuit around a small section of the Gippsland Lakes, complete with significant Indigenous art installations, will benefit locals and the visitor economy.”
Mr Chester said he had raised his concerns with the long delays in the project on numerous occasions and would continue to urge Council to show greater urgency and get the next stages of the project completed.
“At this point $5.8 million has been secured from the Commonwealth Government and some preliminary stages have been completed with others well advanced in terms of the planning, consultation and approvals process,” he said.
“There has been extensive community consultation by the Shire with overwhelming community support for the project.
“The installation of boardwalks is regarded as best practice in terms of reducing human foot traffic on coastal vegetation. Now we need to hurry up and get the next stages built so locals and visitors of all abilities can enjoy the experience offered on the shores of the Gippsland Lakes.”
East Gippsland Shire Council chief executive officer Fiona Weigall said work is already underway in line with the elements for which funding has been approved.
“Procurement for shade shelters is progressing, five new shelters are awaiting a building permit, and GLaWAC is carving five poles that are part of the public art and First Nations interpretation. Signage is also in progress,” Ms Weigall said.
Ms Weigall said environmental approvals for the boardwalk sections are still in process, with a consultant-prepared vegetation report for the Federal Government to ensure it complies with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act nearing completion.
“We understand the call to ‘get on with the job’, but we also have a responsibility to make sure this infrastructure is durable, inclusive, environmentally responsible and culturally respectful.
“We are as keen as our local MP and the community to see the funded stage of the project delivered, but must ensure that it is delivered in keeping with the required approvals.”
