The creation of an iconic piece of public artwork for the Krauatungalung Walk in Lakes Entrance is taking shape in a Gippsland artist workshop.
Briagolong’s Deb Milligan and Colin Little are bringing to life a seat which features the local Indigenous creation story of Borun the pelican, Tuk the musk duck and a canoe.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said it’s a beautiful piece of artwork that provides a very practical use as a seat alongside the walk which is being developed around Cunninghame Arm.
“Krauatungalung Walk is a community-driven, access all-abilities walking circuit around Cunninghame Arm in Lakes Entrance, which celebrates the region’s rich indigenous heritage,” Mr Chester explained.
“Funding for the initial stages has been provided by the previous Federal Government which includes indigenous-themed art installations.
“The central tenet of the project is to support reconciliation and social inclusion with a practical demonstration of respect and mutual understanding between the traditional owners and the wider community.
“It’s taken a lot of work to get this project to the point that we are about to see some activity on the ground in the next few months thanks to the efforts of local community volunteers, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, East Gippsland Shire Council and Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association.”
Mr Chester said he remained confident the entire project, linking Eastern Beach and Main Beach with a boardwalk, and filling in the missing links along the current foreshore path, would receive Federal Government funding.
“We already have $2.2 million confirmed for the initial works and I’m confident the additional $3.6 million will be honoured by the new government, after I met recently with the Minister in Canberra,” Mr Chester said.
“There’s still a lot of work to do managing some of the more challenging design aspects of the project but with $5.8 million in Federal Government funding on the table, I’m confident they can be overcome and we can deliver a world-class shared pathway for locals and visitors to enjoy.
“An independent economic analysis undertaken by East Gippsland Shire Council indicated a positive return on investment, and the social benefits of a safe pathway for walkers and runners are obvious. Allowing people to push prams, use wheelchairs or mobility scooters along a flat circuit which encompasses this scenic section of the Gippsland Lakes will be hugely popular.”
