East Gippsland Shire Council is advancing works on the Krauatungalung Walk in Lakes Entrance, with the commencement of Stage 2 – Section 4 set to deliver a critical northern foreshore link along Cunninghame Arm from Short Street to Middle Street.
The project is part of council’s broader strategy to create a continuous all-abilities walking circuit that enhances local access and connectivity, while prominently showcasing Gunaikurnai cultural heritage and Traditional Owner stories along the foreshore.
This upcoming phase will see the construction of an elevated boardwalk extending approximately 400 metres along the northern side of Cunninghame Arm. It will seamlessly connect the existing foreshore pathway to a brand-new viewing platform near Middle Street.
Beyond improving connections to the town’s street network and providing a gateway to future stages of the walk, the new platform is designed to serve as a dedicated space for Indigenous cultural interpretation and storytelling.
In addition to boardwalk construction and upgraded shared pathways, the civil works will incorporate sand renourishment and erosion protection. These environmental measures are designed to safeguard the long-term resilience of the foreshore against active coastal erosion.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth emphasised that the project represents a significant step forward for both community inclusion and regional tourism.
“Krauatungalung Walk is about creating a welcoming, all-abilities space where Gunaikurnai stories and values are central to the experience,” Cr Ashworth said.
She noted that the project also shores up Lakes Entrance’s standing as a premier visitor hub.
“Lakes Entrance attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year, with around 30 per cent of the local economy directly linked to tourism. Enhancing the foreshore helps strengthen its position as one of Victoria’s leading destinations,” Cr Ashworth said.
The initiative is being delivered in close partnership with Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners. Cultural heritage elements and storytelling that reflect the deep history of First Nations people in Lakes Entrance are heavily embedded throughout the infrastructure’s design.
Once the broader Krauatungalung Walk is entirely complete, it will allow pedestrians and cyclists to move safely around Cunninghame Arm without having to navigate the Princes Highway, vastly improving
public safety and convenience.
The capital works are primarily funded by the Australian Government through the Community Development Grants Program, with co-funding support from the East Gippsland Shire Council. Construction is expected to take approximately six months to complete.
