Community members across Lakes Entrance and Lake Tyers Beach have launched a fresh push to construct a dedicated walking and cycling trail linking the two coastal townships, centred around a proposed new bridge over Lake Bunga.
The long-talked-about project would establish a safe, scenic 5km off-road trail between Whadcoats Road in Lake Tyers Beach and Myer Street in Lakes Entrance, dramatically cutting down the current 8.5km roadside route.
Project coordinator Keith Docking, a former geoscientist and corporate director, has taken on leadership of the initiative after previous planning stalled over the past decade.
“About 16 years ago, East Gippsland Shire Council looked into joining Bunga Beach carpark to Red Bluff carpark with a bridge over Lake Bunga, but the report went no further,” Mr Docking said.
“Presently, there is no safe and straightforward connection between Lake Tyers Beach and Lake Bunga for walkers and cyclists. The communities are effectively disconnected.”
The proposed route relies on constructing a new pedestrian bridge adjacent to the historical timber tramway bridge built in 1891 by the Lake Tyers Timber Company, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Inventory.
Under initial scope estimates submitted to council, the project involves upgrading between 3.5km and 4km of existing fire tracks and walking paths, alongside a 60-metre water span across Lake Bunga. Community consultation is planned to determine the final bridge design, with options such as a suspension structure being considered to optimise costs and provide an iconic lookout point.
East Gippsland Shire Council has reviewed the initial project submission and directed organisers to Parks Victoria, which manages the land surrounding the proposed corridor. Council indicated it could offer advocacy support and formal letters of endorsement to strengthen future state and federal grant applications.
Supporters have established a public petition aiming to secure more than 1000 signatures to demonstrate strong regional demand for the link. Petition forms are currently available at numerous local businesses, including Lakes Newsagency, Lakes Auto Parts, Bass Strait Bait and Tackle, Bloody Good Coffee, Peels Lake Cruises, Water Wheel Tavern, Bones Cafe, Salty Groms Cafe, LEFCOL / Off the Wharf Cafe, and East Gippsland Real Estate.
Organisers have set a target timeline of three to four years for project completion.
