East Gippsland community representatives are being encouraged to work together to capitalise on new funding to build regional infrastructure.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said he had been approached by many community members keen to see new tourism infrastructure developed in Lakes Entrance and other tourism hot spots across the region.
He said the new Regional Growth Fund, currently open for applications, allowed communities to package together a range of projects under one strategy and seek half the total cost from the Federal Government.
“The Lakes Entrance community in particular has made it clear to me there is an urgent need to invest in community and tourism infrastructure to revitalise and repackage the visitor experience,” Mr Chester said.
“The tourism infrastructure on public land is largely outdated and in need of capital works.
“There are plans for a continuous boardwalk from The Esplanade to the surf club and Eastern beach; and another walkway from Jemmy’s Point to the Kalimna Jetty.
“East Gippsland Shire Council has also been working on plans to build a modern new lookout at Jemmy’s Point to take advantage of the views from the Kalimna hill; and there are ongoing calls to develop the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve.
“LEFCOL has exciting ideas for upgrades and Bullock Island has potential to become an East Gippsland drawcard but it remains underutilised and under developed.
“All of these projects combined together would help to boost tourism in the region and to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more money in East Gippsland.
“Now is the time for community leaders and business owners to work together with East Gippsland Council to lodge a joint application for funding and capitalise on the Federal Government funding on offer.”
