The Federal Government will provide an additional $1.5 million to develop an all abilities accessible viewing platform, offering spectacular views over the Lakes Entrance township and Gippsland Lakes.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has secured $1.5 million to assist East Gippsland Shire Council in the second stage of a project which has already seen one lookout constructed at the Hotel Rd site.
“Community consultation is well advanced on the next stage of the project which will see the development of an additional lookout on Kalimna Hill, interpretive information, and improvements to facilities at the existing community park,” Mr Chester said.
“It offers spectacular views across the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes and the town itself, along with an outlook towards Metung and the 90 Mile Beach.
“Redeveloping this iconic site will offer benefits to the visitor economy and also provide another recreation opportunity for locals, particularly Kalimna families.
“The current facilities are poor and along with the upgrade to toilet amenities, we need better links to existing pathways.”
Mr Chester said the funding had been secured under the Regional Recovery Partnership managed by the office of the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.
“Michael has been a great supporter of my efforts to respond to local priorities to create job opportunities,” Mr Chester said.
“We have listened to the Council, the State Government and the local community to fund high priority projects that can make a difference in East Gippsland.
“The region has suffered economically because of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 but Lakes Entrance is a strong community and diversifying the economy to become a year-round holiday attraction requires investment in public infrastructure.
“I’m looking forward to East Gippsland Shire Council getting on with the job and delivering this project as soon as possible.”
Mr Chester said the transformation of Lakes Entrance was already delivering results.
“I have been pleased to secure more than $20 million for projects in Lakes Entrance over the past five years and we’re starting to see renewed confidence and new businesses opening,” Mr Chester said.
“From the Princes Highway and Esplanade pathway upgrades, to the Bullock Island master plan, Krautungalung Walk, Old Slipway and Kalimna viewing platforms, we are securing funding and getting stuff done that will create jobs and make a difference to our region.”
