CHESTER VISITS MALLACOOTA PATHWAYS PROJECT
May 11, 2009
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester took time during a recent visit to Mallacoota to inspect the Mallacoota Pathways project.
The project which is currently being constructed by Bairnsdale-based contractor Craig Cockburn, will link the Karbeethong area with the Mallacoota township.
Mr Chester said he was pleased that the concept has been turned into reality and spoke of the benefits to the local community and tourism industry.
“From a local point of view, this is a great initiative for Mallacoota,” Mr Chester said.
“The Mallacoota Pathways project will provide benefits to both residents and tourists visiting the region.
“Locally there will be benefits such as the hiring of local tradesmen and use of East Gippsland small businesses to construct the project.
“When completed the boardwalk will be tourism attraction for Mallacoota and will deliver ongoing benefits to the local economy.”
Mr Chester said the project was the second of its kind in Gippsland and was made possible through a local community push which resulted in $550,000 in Federal Government funding.
“This project comes on top of the boardwalk which was constructed at Metung after funding from the previous Federal Government,” Mr Chester said.
“It is important that the Federal Government continues to provide funding for projects that will directly benefit the local economy of regional communities.”
