Earlier this month Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association (LEADA) met with senior members of the East Gippsland Shire Council, including the mayor, chief executive officer and senior officers to urge the completion of a number of major infrastructure projects.
The projects were the sports stadium, Krauatungalung Walk, the Slipway and Palmers Road.
LEADA restated the design of a sports precinct on the existing Aquadome site to include a three new court-sized multi-use sports stadium was their number one infrastructure priority and that LEADA formed a working group for this project that consisted of representatives of all the sports clubs involved.
Council reassured LEADA that it would be involved in all stages of this much-needed project. The State Government has committed $800,000 for the design of the sports stadium. LEADA urged council to seek funding for
the construction of the project, with the cost of the construction predicted to exceed $10,000,000.
The construction of the Krauatungalung all abilities walk along the shores of Cunningham Arm between the footbridge and Eastern Beach is another priority project that has been part funded. LEADA requested that council actively pursue Federal funding for the remaining stages of this walk.
The first and main stage of the Slipway project has been completed. LEADA requested the use of the timber deck to be clarified so that additional work can be undertaken to enhance its use. Residents have reported the view of the deck has been blocked and that it needs shaded areas and improved seating.
Council requested that LEADA’s Business, Tourism and Events committee call a meeting to discuss the future use of the timber deck and what improvements, if any, need to be made.
The use of the large Palmers Road site owned by the council has been on the agenda for three decades. At LEADA’s last meeting with council LEADA was asked to ascertain the community’s views on the use of this site.
After discussion it was agreed the first priority was to establish an emergency services hub on the site and that a first step into its future use was for council to create a site map and a short article on what council’s plans are for the site and/or what it sees as future possibilities for the site development. This document would then aid community discussion on its future use.
A number of other issues were discussed including the naming of the Entrance Walk.
Council reported it had been requested by State Authorities to change the name of the Entrance Walk, the reason being the name led to confusion with other existing similar names in Lakes Entrance and that this could result in safety risks.
While LEADA recognised this was not an issue council initiated, it stated the Entrance Walk name should not be changed as this was the most appropriate name and if changed would lead to confusion.
“During the last six years LEADA has developed a constructive relationship with the Council, with a number of key projects have been completed or are nearing completion,” Bruce Hurley, chair of LEADA’s infrastructure sub committee, said.
“We hope the council will take a leading role to ensure the completion of the sports stadium, Krauatungalung Walk, the Slipway and the development of plans for the productive use of the iconic Palmers Road site.”
