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Tatungalung Circuit – Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance has a rich indigenous heritage which is poorly understood and rarely presented to locals and the many visitors who visit the seaside fishing village.

Developing Tatungalung Circuit -an all abilities accessible walking circuit on Cunninghame Arm, east of the footbridge – has the potential to increase indigenous understanding, support growth in the regional tourism industry, provide for practical environmental works to rehabilitate the lake shoreline and enhance the liveability of Lakes Entrance.

The proposed circuit would allow for better utilisation of existing assets (unfinished pathways, toilet blocks, car parks) and provide safe, off-road access to the CBD for residents and accommodation providers, particularly the Eastern Beach Caravan Park.

By incorporating design elements and information signage relevant to the traditional owners of the land, the Gunaikurnai people, the proposed circuit would be a practical demonstration of reconciliation. Formal consultation with traditional land owners and the local community is essential before the project can be developed further.

The working title ‘Tatungalung Circuit’ stems from the name of the clan which originally inhabited the Lakes Entrance region.

The project has a number of complexities regarding adjoining land owners, environmental sensitivities and multiple approval authorities which are discussed in the attached proposal. But a preliminary assessment would indicate that the project has some merit and warrants further detailed investigation and costing.

Pending East Gippsland Shire Council endorsement, it is proposed that $50,000 is sought to develop a fully costed business plan as the basis assessing the viability of the project and to determine the likelihood of securing state and federal government grant funding.

Council would administer the feasibility funding and may become the peak body for developing further funding proposals if the project proceeds.