Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the Krauatungalung Walk project is on track to progress after meetings this week with East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC) and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWAC).
Mr Chester said tenders have now been called for the next stage of works, which will provide a missing link on the esplanade — a key element for the project’s success.
“Permits are in place, and EGSC is confident the next section of boardwalk behind the houses can be delivered by Christmas this year, which is great news for locals and visitors,” Mr Chester said.
He described his meeting with Mayor Jodie Ashworth and senior council officers as constructive.
“We agreed to focus on meeting future deadlines and delivering as much of the Krauatungalung Walk project as possible within the current funding envelope,” he said.
Mr Chester secured $5.8 million from the previous Coalition Government, which funded the first stage of the project near the aqua park. That stage included a boardwalk and Indigenous-themed sculptures.
“I’ve made it clear that the full social, economic, environmental, and cultural benefits of the project will only be delivered if the entire circuit is successfully completed,” he said.
Current funding will allow for about 2.5km of the circuit, and Mr Chester said he would pursue other grants to finish the job.
The Federal Member also met with new GLAWAC chief executive officer Nick Ashburner, who is keen to see more Indigenous artwork featured along the route.
“The Borun and Tuk sculpture near the surf club and the garden at the entrance to the footbridge have been a welcome addition, and the project is intended to feature more artwork and interpretative signage in the future,” Mr Chester said.
“The vision has always been to provide families pushing prams, people on mobility scooters, or those in wheelchairs with a scenic circuit around a section of the Gippsland Lakes, complete with significant Indigenous art installations, to benefit locals and the visitor economy,” he said.
Mr Chester said he looked forward to working closely with the Shire, GLAWAC, local Indigenous elders and the wider community to deliver an outstanding final product.
