For several years now, I’ve been pursuing a vision in partnership with the Lakes Entrance community to establish a boardwalk on the shores of Cunninghame Arm which will celebrate our region’s Indigenous heritage. Thanks to our government, this project, which will deliver significant cultural, economic, social and environmental benefits to the community, is a step closer. We have provided $2.2 million for the Krauatungalung Walk. It’s a 4.5-kilometre circuit which will link existing infrastructure and create new boardwalks and pathways to take users along a safe, flat and, most importantly, all-abilities-accessible circuit across some of the Gippsland lakes most attractive coastal scenery. The concept design for the project has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and I thank my staff member Katie Zagami for her work in partnership with the stakeholder groups to get the project this far. The Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association has backed the proposal for very good reasons. The health and economic benefits of an all-abilities-accessible circuit are very obvious to the community, and the project will be a practical example of reconciliation.
The Krauatungalung Walk will use local artists to tell the story of the traditional owners, and in this special place we will respect Indigenous culture in a way that hasn’t been done before in such a high-profile location in East Gippsland. This will be a fantastic local project, and one that I’m proud to have played my role in in helping to deliver for the community of Gippsland.