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Darren Chester criticised Labor for rejecting funding to complete Lakes Entrance Krauatungalung Walk, supporting accessibility

The Albanese government rejected funding for the Krauatungalung Walk project in Lakes Entrance, despite local support. MP Darren Chester expressed disappointment, emphasizing its importance for accessibility along Cunninghame Arm.

By news@gippsland - 23rd January 2025 - Back to News

The Albanese government has rejected a bid to complete the final stages of a high-profile pathway project in Lakes Entrance despite the support of the local community and East Gippsland Shire Council. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said he was 'bitterly disappointed' the Labor Party hadn't seen the value in the Krauatungalung Walk project, which would provide improved access to Cunninghame Arm in Lakes Entrance for people with mobility issues.

Darren Chester says the first completion of the first stage of Krauatungalung Walk had reinforced the need to complete the project, and he will continue to fight for additional funding after the Albanese government failed to support a grant application

Pathway funding denied

Mr Chester said, "The previous Coalition government provided $5.8 million for the all-abilities accessible walking circuit because we recognised the value of investing in infrastructure that supported a healthy, outdoor lifestyle and boosted the visitor economy. While I have been concerned about the slow progress over the past four years, the first stage has been a hit with everyone this summer and will be officially opened on Saturday, February 1, at 9.30am."

"We have enough funding to complete the missing link in front of the houses and seal the pathway alongside the Eastern Beach Caravan Park, but we won't have enough funding for the lakeside link between Eastern Beach and Main Beach."

"I am bitterly disappointed that the Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King hasn't recognised the social, economic, environmental and cultural values of the project, which will also celebrate the local Indigenous community through the installation of artwork alongside the walk," Mr Chester said.

Funding request rejected

Mr Chester the Shire had applied for funding under the Growing Regions program but had been advised this week that it was not successful. "In its application, the Shire recognised that Lakes Entrance is one of Victoria's iconic tourism destinations, which attracted about 1.5 million visitors per year and suffered major economic losses during the Black Summer bushfires."

"The crucial development of the southern boardwalk will help to protect environmentally-sensitive areas from uncontrolled foot traffic and provide a circuit around a section of the Gippsland Lakes to make it more accessible for people of all ages and anyone with mobility issues," Mr Chester said.

Chester pledges fight

Mr Chester said he would continue to fight for additional funding and had repeatedly urged the Council to fast-track the existing components of the project to demonstrate progress to the federal government.

"We need to complete the stages, which are fully funded, as soon as possible to prove the merits of finishing the project and demonstrate the full value of Krauatungalung Walk for locals and visitors."

"It's extraordinary the Albanese government has missed this opportunity to demonstrate respect for Indigenous communities with a practical project that would help to tell the full story of our region," he said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
  Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026.
• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
  Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
  Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
• Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Drouin’s Commercial Place Stage 1 of the $1.1M project set to begin this to boost safety, accessibility and vibrancy
  Stage 1 of the $1.1 million Drouin Commercial Place upgrade begins this week, improving safety, accessibility, footpaths, carparks, and pedestrian areas, with minimal disruption and partial parking available.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
  Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region.
• Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
  Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• Melina Bath blames Allan government as Victoria's public housing waitlist surges amid worsening housing crisis
  Victoria's housing crisis deepens as public housing waitlists surge past 60,000. Melina Bath blames the Allan government's inaction, rising taxes, and mismanagement for worsening homelessness and unaffordable rents across the state.
• Wellington Shire Council responds to AKD Yarram closure, pledges support for 73 affected workers and community
  Wellington Shire Council expressed heartbreak over AKD Yarram’s closure, impacting 73 employees, pledging support, advocating state assistance, and encouraging redeployment and economic opportunities to sustain the community.
• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.