“Lakes Entrance needs a facelift”.
That was the sentiment shared by newly elected president of Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association (LEADA), Bruce Hurley, after the first meeting of LEADA’s transitional board was held last Thursday.
“The magnificent setting of Lakes Entrance, it being a fishing centre with abundant marine life, close to wineries and national parks as well as having a rich history and an active art community, means that it should be a thriving coastal community,” he said.
“Unfortunately this is not the case. It has not had its share of new infrastructure developments since the council amalgamation in the mid 1990s.
“Our local Federal member, Darren Chester, among others, have highlighted the need for a strong united voice to advocate for improvements to the town.
“LEADA, with the support of the community, hopes to develop this.
“We are commencing a membership drive now that LEADA has opened up its membership to all residents and workers in the Lakes Entrance district.
“We hope to increase the existing membership of 50 to 100 by the end of March and 500 by the end of June.
To become a member, visit LEADA’s website.”
Members on the new transitional board include the former president of the Voice of Lakes Entrance, Lauren Barlow, former LEADA president, Alison Brewer, retired school principals, Jeff Wilson and Ted Hare, retired businessman, Mike Anketell, current secretary of LEADA, John Butler Cole, manager of Venture Out, Sarah Carlisle, and Rotary president, Peter Sindrey. “There is lots of experience, ideas and enthusiasm on the board,” Bruce said.
“The transitional board has the task of setting new directions for LEADA, highlighting to local, state and federal governments the urgent need for action and as a result achieving some funding for and progress on infrastructure projects.”
The transitional board plans to hold a town meeting in late April to review the priorities for LEADA and to report on progress made. A new board will be elected for the 2019/20 financial year by the expanded membership in July.
“A priority for the transitional board will be to advocate for the seemingly stalled improvements along the Esplanade that were outlined in the East Gippsland Shire endorsed plan titled, Lakes Entrance CBD Improvement Master Plan,” Bruce said.
“Urgently needed improvements to the Esplanade include establishing the towns
quare, landscaping, Slipway development, improvements to the main footpath and the dual bike/walking path.”
Discussions are being sought with Mr Chester about a Jemmys Point development and there is a scheduled meeting with the chief executive officer, Anthony Basford, and mayor of East Gippsland Shire, Cr Natalie O’ Connell, on March 8, to review progress on implementing plans for Lakes Entrance.
“We will be wanting to know for 2019/20 and 2020/21 what budget allocations have been made for Lakes Entrance infrastructure development and what
government grants are in the pipeline,” Bruce said.
Bruce commented that it was pleasing to see that there has been an increase in activity during the last couple of years with improvements to roads, jetties, Apex Park, footbridge, the commencement of repairing the sea wall and a renewed attempt to get an economic return for the town from 55 Palmers Road.
LEADA also welcomed that the new chief executive officer and mayor have agreed to meet at least three times a year with representatives from LEADA to discuss and further progress Lakes Entrance issues.
PICTURED: Secretary of Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association, Alison Brewer, president, Bruce Hurley, and treasurer, Lauren Barlow.
