May 5, 2010
The environmental and infrastructure needs of the Gippsland Lakes were ignored in yesterday’s State Budget according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said the Brumby Labor Government has displayed its complete lack of interest in maintaining and enhancing the Gippsland Lakes as the region’s main tourism icon.
“After slashing funding for the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce in last year’s Budget the Brumby Government has continued with its appalling neglect of practical environmental projects and construction of new facilities to cater for the boating community,” Mr Chester said.
“Almost 2000 Gippslanders have contacted me over the past two years and expressed their support for more funding to improve facilities on the lakes and to care for the environment health of our waterways.
“The Brumby Government continues to focus its attention on Melbourne and is neglecting the needs of Gippsland.”
Mr Chester said he was disappointed that Gippsland Ports’ bid for funding to maintain a safe ocean access at Lakes Entrance was not included in the Budget.
“It remains to be seen whether the Labor Party is playing political games and will announce funding closer to the election but it would provide certainty for the fishing and tourism industry if the funding for ocean access was announced immediately,” Mr Chester said.