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Bullock Island redevelopment is pivotal in Lakes Entrance major transformation and major success says Darren Chester

Local MP Darren Chester emphasises Bullock Island's redevelopment as pivotal in Lakes Entrance major transformation, citing improved amenities and tourism appeal, enabled by multi-level government funding and community collaboration.

By news@gippsland - 22nd February 2024 - Back to News

The redevelopment of Bullock Island is a critical part of the biggest transformation the Lakes Entrance township has seen in the past 50 years, according to local MP Darren Chester. Mr Chester said the finalisation of the boardwalk around Bullock Island would provide an outstanding outdoor exercise opportunity for locals and visitors. "Locals have been talking about the need to upgrade Bullock Island for more than 20 years and it's great to see the project coming together with local contractors undertaking the work," Mr Chester said.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the new all abilities accessible boardwalk on Bullock Island is nearing completion

Tourism boost success

Mr Chester said, "So far, we've installed a new bridge, pedestrian pathways, sealed roads and car parking, a toilet block, artwork and picnic facilities. This week, a crew from Whelan's Group Investments were on site completing the boardwalk section which will link to the work we've already done to upgrade The Esplanade."

"At the same time, LEFCOL new 'Off the Wharf' seafood restaurant/cafe has been a tourism hit and I'm looking forward to seeing more locals and visitors enjoy this spectacular location on the shores of our beautiful Gippsland Lakes," he said.

Mr Chester said a combination of funding from all levels of government had made the work possible, including the $5 million he secured from the previous Federal Minister. "As the former Minister for Transport, I was able to get the transformation started in 2017 with money for the redevelopment of The Esplanade and we have built on that success in recent years with more than $20 million funding for local projects," he said.

Town improvements progress

Mr Chester added, "Our town is looking magnificent and it's the envy of many other coastal towns around Australia. The Federal Government funding has helped to leverage contributions from other levels of government and we are about to enjoy the completion of upgrades at Bullock Island, the Old Slipway, Apex Park at Jemmy's Point and tracks linking Kalimna to town."

"There's always more to be done and we now have $5.8 million for the Krauatunganlung Walk project plus funding for the design of the new indoor sports stadium. I'm determined to keep working in partnership with the local community to identify priority projects and seek funding opportunities as we make Lakes Entrance an even better place to live, work and visit," Mr Chester concluded.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond.
• East Gippsland celebrates community contributions at 2026 Australia Day Awards with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador
  East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards, hosted 21 January at Lakes Entrance, will honour residents’ contributions with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador, featuring live entertainment, barbecue, and community celebration.
• Bass Coast Shire Council celebrates local community groups’ achievements and grants at inspiring event
  Bass Coast Council celebrated 92 local community groups, awarding $294,000 in grants, including $40,000 for climate projects, supporting creativity, connection, and resilience across the region at a vibrant celebration.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates local football and netball clubs recognised through this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program
  Gippsland South football and netball clubs have secured TAC Club Rewards funding, promoting safe driving and road safety awareness through community-led initiatives supported by AFL Victoria.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate.
• Latrobe City events drive tourism, economic growth and community engagement across the region
  Latrobe City hosted major sporting and cultural events in 2024 - 25, attracting over 27,000 attendees and generating $23.5 million in economic impact, reinforcing the region's growing reputation as an events hub.
• Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
  Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
  Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences.
• East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
  East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth.
• David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops
  Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• Latrobe City Australia Day Awards 2026 honoured locals’ achievements, service, and community leadership
  Latrobe City celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising locals’ dedication, leadership, and community contributions across service, events, youth, senior, and citizen categories.
• East Gippsland Council advances regional projects, improving facilities, accessibility, resilience and growth
  East Gippsland Council is delivering major regional projects, upgrades, improving accessibility, supporting resilience, and enhancing infrastructure across towns including Bairnsdale, Buchan, Mallacoota, Cann River, and Paynesville.
• Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
  Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions.
• West Gippsland CMA’s annual report showcases environmental achievements from mountain headwaters to coastal waters
  West Gippsland CMA’s Annual Report highlights major 2024–25 achievements restoring rivers, wetlands and habitats, supporting communities, protecting wildlife, and strengthening catchment health from mountain headwaters to the coast.
• South Gippsland Australia Day photography competition success and other council updates
  South Gippsland updates: Australia Day photo winners announced, Summerfield Oval renamed, immunisation sessions extended, community events, workshops, youth strategy consultation, and Council job opportunities available.