Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says more infrastructure projects are needed in Lakes Entrance as part of a multi-million dollar transformation of the town.
Speaking at the LEADA community meeting, Mr Chester said he was excited about the future of Lakes Entrance and would be pursuing funding for new projects.
“We’ve come a long way over the past five years by identifying local priorities and advocating strongly for projects the Esplanade redevelopment, Bullock Island master plan, football and netball club upgrades and the new lookout,” Mr Chester said.
“But there’s always more to be done and we need to see a greater sense of urgency across government departments to deliver additional projects that have been funded like the Old Slipway, road upgrades, Krautungalung Walk, foreshore playground, and the Jemmy’s Point recreation reserve.
“COVID and supply chain interruptions have slowed progress and it’s disappointing that many of these projects have been talked about for years… we need to keep getting stuff done.”
Mr Chester told the meeting he was actively supporting community efforts to build a new indoor sports stadium in Lakes Entrance and wanted to see the old Shire offices on Palmers Road redeveloped as a health, community and emergency services precinct.
“The existing recreation centre is not meeting community expectations and we need to move as quickly as possible to establish a new facility for the growing demands of our town,” he said.
“At the same time, the 55 Palmers Road site is completely under-utilised and we need to start a community conversation about its future use. As a starting point, I believe we should aim to establish new facilities for ambulance, SES and CFA on the site, along with a health and community services precinct in keeping with a town of more than 5000 people, plus huge visitor numbers during peak seasons.
“None of these projects will happen by accident. We have to keep working together to boost the visitor economy and improve the liveability of Lakes Entrance to ensure people choose to come here and raise their families or retire.”
