Lakes Entrance is Victoria’s regional town that is predicted to be hit the hardest economically by the coronavirus, according to an international team of researchers from the South Australian University.
The researchers predict that Lakes Entrance will be among the 10 regional centres in Australia that is likely to emerge the slowest from the economic rubble. The report found that towns, such as Lakes Entrance, that rely heavily on tourism, will struggle to recover quickly.
President of Lakes Entrance Action Development Association (LEADA), Bruce Hurley, said, last week’s Federal Government Bullock Island and Slipway infrastructure funding announcement was welcomed, however the town needs more support if it ‘s relying on tourism to dig itself out of an economic hole.
“The drought, the bushfires and now the coronavirus have caused heart breaking economic hardships to many Lakes Entrance families and businesses,” he said.
“It is reassuring that our local Federal member, Darren Chester, has secured additional funding for Lakes Entrance for the development of Bullock Island and the Slipway to assist the town’s economic recovery.
“LEADA calls on East Gippsland Shire and the State Government to increase their support for infrastructure development in Lakes Entrance. It is desperately needed.
“Lakes Entrance is blessed with a magical setting and has many attractions at its doorstep. It is the main tourist centre in East Gippsland.
“Support from governments will greatly assist Lakes Entrance and East Gippsland’s economic recovery.”
IMAGE: Lakes Entrance Action Development Association member, Arthur Allen, and president, Bruce Hurley, with local MP, Darren Chester, outside the Slipway site which has received a Federal Government funding boost.
