A $1.5 million viewing platform will be built in Lakes Entrance at Jemmys Point.

Funding for the platform was announced last Thursday with Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, announcing $750,000 in funding as part of more than $4 million in Federal Government support for local projects to boost jobs, spending and investment in Gippsland. The other $750,000 will be funded by the East Gippsland Shire Council.

“With matching funding from East Gippsland Shire Council, we will be able to build a cantilevered pedestrian lookout and viewing platform for all abilities,” Mr Chester said. “The new lookout will provide a breathtaking experience for visitors, who’ll enjoy the majestic view of the Gippsland Lakes and the entrance, Ninety Mile Beach and the ocean. “With a key tourism drawcard like the viewing platform, we’ll be able to boost the number of visitors who come to the region and encourage them to stay longer to enjoy the area.

“Gippsland has world-class natural attractions, but unfortunately the infrastructure on public land is old and tired.

Work is already underway with $5 million in Federal Government funding to improve pedestrian safety along the Esplanade, while the landmark footbridge had a facelift last year.

“The lookout project, along with others led by council, will improve how visitors see and experience Lakes Entrance and boost its attractiveness. More visitors will come and they’ll want to stay longer, which is good for local businesses and good for local jobs.

“It is a very important spot for the community and I have worked closely with the council to provide funding for the platform.

“It is a real opportunity to create something special as it is a view people will want to visit. It is a time of social media so if we can provide people with a place to take amazing photos whether it be for wedding photos or something like that, it will be a popular attraction.

“If we can get people to stop for this view then we can then get them to come see the rest of the town.”

East Gippsland Shire Council mayor, Cr Natalie O’Connell, was excited for what the project could mean for Lakes Entrance.

“It’s a great positive for Lakes Entrance and East Gippsland. It is a spot with breathtaking views and the shire thanks Darren for all of his support,” she said.

Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association president, Bruce Hurley, while happy with the announcement, hoped there would be more funding announced in the future for other projects.

“We are very happy the see this funding be announced for this iconic view. It is the only spot in East Gippsland with a view like this looking over the Gippsland Lakes and the ocean,” he said.

“We really welcome this funding. The spot has been crying out for some love so to finally see it is pleasing.

“With Darren Chester and the East Gippsland Shire both providing funding, hopefully it is just the first of many infrastructure developments in Lakes Entrance over the next few years.”

PICTURED: Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association president, Bruce Hurley, East Gippsland Shire Council mayor, Cr Natalie O’Connell, and Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, are excited that a $1.5 million viewing platform that will be built in Lakes Entrance at Jemmys Point.