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Darren Chester secures $3.6M funding for Krauatungalung Walk project from Federal Investing in our Communities Program

Krauatungalung Walk project set to start this year after securing $3.6M from the federal government under 'Investing in our Communities Program'.

By news@gippsland - 10th February 2023 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is optimistic the Krauatungalung Walk project can start this year after securing a commitment from the federal government for $3.6 million. "I met with the Minister for Infrastructure this week and she confirmed the funding we secured from the previous government would still be available under the new 'Investing in our Communities Program'," Mr Chester said.

Federal MP Darren Chester on the site of the proposed walk which will include sealing this section of pathway alongside Eastern Beach Caravan Park

Securing funding

Mr Chester said, "My understanding is the grant guidelines for the program will be forwarded to East Gippsland Shire Council in the near future with the expectation that a funding agreement is secured within six months.

"This funding is on top of the $2.2 million we already have for the first stages of the project and brings us closer to securing an all abilities accessible pathway and boardwalk around the eastern end of Cunninghame Arm."

"There's going to be some amazing indigenous artwork and sculptures along the walk which will tell the story of the people who lived here, long before Europeans arrived." Mr Chester said.

Delivering shared pathway

Mr Chester added, "It's an exciting initiative which has been five years in the making and the Shire is managing the project delivery in consultation with indigenous community leaders and LEADA. I'm hoping to see work on the ground in the first half of this year with early stages completed before this Christmas."

"There's still a lot of work to do managing some of the more challenging parts 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." Mr Chester concluded.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13.
• 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.
• 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 Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
  East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
  Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety.
• East Gippsland Council celebrates staff contributions with annual Living Our Values Awards announcement
  East Gippsland Council honoured staff contributions with the annual Living Our Values Awards, recognising individuals and teams demonstrating respect, collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, and excellence across council services and communities.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates.
• East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
  East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
  Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships.