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Darren Chester reports Lakes Entrance foreshore playground is progressing with $20M funding from previous government

Darren Chester announces the Lakes Entrance foreshore playground is progressing, funded by $20 million for local improvements. The project, part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, is set to enhance community spaces.

By news@gippsland - 29th August 2024 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the new foreshore playground in Lakes Entrance is taking shape with most of the major structures in place and local crews working hard to get the job done before the busy holiday period. Mr Chester has secured $20 million over several years from the previous federal government for projects in Lakes Entrance, which included the playground as well as Esplanade and Marine Parade improvements, the Old Slipway redevelopment, Jemmy's Point reserve, Bullock Island bridge, and Krauatungalung Walk.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the new Lakes Entrance playground will transform the foreshore into a more usable space for locals and visitors to the region

Lakes Entrance transformed

Mr Chester said, "By working with the community, we have transformed Lakes Entrance over the past eight years. The previous federal government funded the foreshore playground project under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP), which East Gippsland Shire Council is delivering."

"Not only will the playground provide young locals and visitors a great space that supports outdoor exercise, it will also link into other works such as the Krauatungalung Walk and improvements to the rotunda, making it a more usable space," he said.

LRCIP projects discontinued

Mr Chester said the foreshore playground in Lakes Entrance was just one of many projects made possible by LRCIP. "The previous federal government created the LRCIP to assist local councils with funding for local roads and community projects that would otherwise take years to receive support."

"The LRCIP has delivered dozens of projects across Gippsland, including playgrounds, pump tracks, recreation reserve improvements, community hall upgrades, road safety upgrades and walking trail improvements. It was a good funding program because all local councils received a funding allocation, and they were able to decide local priorities in consultation with their communities.

"Sadly, the Albanese government has abolished future rounds of the LRCIP, which will make it difficult to secure a pipeline of community infrastructure projects like this one in our region. I will keep working with local councils to secure funding for projects that make Gippsland an even better place to live, work and visit," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
  Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
  Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland.
• Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
  Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• 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.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
  A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently.