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New Mallacoota skatepark now open after being completed with donations

Funding raised through donations, Darren Chester welcomes completion of new skate park in fire-ravaged Mallacoota, with more infrastructure projects planned.

By news@gippsland - 17th April 2023 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the completion of Mallacoota's new skate park. "Mallacoota was the East Gippsland town most directly impacted by the Black Summer bushfires with more than 100 homes destroyed and the recovery has been long and challenging with plenty more still to be done. One of the projects the local young people were keen to pursue was a new skate park. The old facility was pretty basic and quite dangerous."

Darren Chester MP, as he welcomes the completion of Mallacoota's new skate park

Skate park opened!

Mr Chester said, "By working with the community, we were able to secure $600,000 funding through the publicly raised donations and now the new skate park is open. Judging by the number of locals and visitors enjoying the park this week it will be a popular addition to the seaside town."

Mr Chester said all levels of government had provided more than $25 million to Mallacoota and Genoa district infrastructure projects. "Whenever I visit Mallacoota, it's terrific to see the wide range of projects we've already been able to deliver in partnership with locals but there's a lot of houses which need to be rebuilt and several major projects are still on the books," he said.

Seeking funds for various areas

Mr Chester added, "Among the projects which are funded but waiting to begin are the CBD streetscape, Mud brick pavilion, community hall and the Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade. I will keep working with Mallacoota and District Recovery Association to identify funding opportunities in areas like housing, telecommunication improvements, bushfire hazard reduction, health and aged care, and economic development and I'm confident we are heading in the right direction."

"I remain positive, hopeful and optimistic about the future and determined to help the Mallacoota-Genoa district continue to recover with community-centred projects that will make a difference for local residents and visitors." Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
  Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Join Omeo's visitor economy through tourism mapping and justice precinct masterplan vision sessions on 14 September 2025
  Omeo visitor economy's future will be shaped through community sessions presenting the Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Draft Justice Precinct Masterplan, highlighting heritage, recreation, and opportunities to attract investment.
• Venus Bay’s Eric Collier joins 2026 CMAA Senior Course, supported by a Sound NSW Scholarship
  From January 5-16, 29 emerging artists from Australia, New Zealand, and the US will attend the 2026 CMA Academy Senior Course in Tamworth, gaining mentorship, skills, and career development.
• Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
  Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
• East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
  Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor government for recycled road funding spin and failure to deliver real investment
  Melina Bath has accused the Allan government of recycling old road funding announcements, labelling them propaganda and demanding genuine investment to address the worsening condition of regional Victoria's neglected roads.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• 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.
• 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.
• Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
  Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination.
• 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.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor for six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground after 2019-20 bushfires
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath criticises Labor’s six-year delay restoring Thurra River Campground, highlighting unsafe facilities, limited capacity, and urgent need for infrastructure replacement to support local families and tourism.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.