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Darren Chester says Krauatungalung Walk project progresses after EGSC and GLAWAC meetings this week

Federal MP Darren Chester says the Krauatungalung Walk project is back on track, with boardwalk works underway, Indigenous artworks planned, and completion aimed by Christmas to benefit locals and visitors.

By news@gippsland - 2nd March 2026 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he believes the Krauatungalung Walk project can get ‘back on track’ after meetings this week with East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC) and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWAC). Mr Chester said he was advised that the tenders had been called for the next stage of works to provide a missing link on the esplanade, which was pivotal to the project’s success.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is confident the Krauatungalung Walk project can get back on track and is seeking further grant opportunities in Canberra to complete the project

Krauatunglung Walk funding

Mr Chester said, "Permits are in place, and EGSC is confident the next section of boardwalk behind the houses can be delivered by Christmas this year, which is great news for locals and visitors. My meeting with Mayor Jodie Ashworth and senior officers was constructive, and we agreed to focus on meeting future deadlines and delivering as much of the Krauatunglung Walk project as possible within the current funding envelope."

Mr Chester secured $5.8 million from the previous Coalition Government, which has allowed the first stage of work to be completed near the aqua park, involving a boardwalk and indigenous-themed sculptures. "I’ve made it clear, the full social, economic, environmental, and cultural benefits of the KW project will only be delivered if the entire circuit is successfully completed."

"Currently, we have funding which should allow for about 2.5km of the circuit, and I will be seeking other grant options to finish the job," Mr Chester said.

Gippsland Lakes artwork

Mr Chester also met with new GLAWAC Chief Executive Officer Nick Ashburner, who is also keen to see more Indigenous artwork featured along the circuit in the future. "The Borun and Tuk sculpture near the surf club and the garden at the entrance to the footbridge have been a welcome addition, and the project is intended to feature more artwork and interpretative signage in the future," Mr Chester said.

"The vision has always been about providing families pushing prams, people on mobility scooters, or those with disabilities in wheelchairs with a scenic circuit around a small section of the Gippsland Lakes, complete with significant Indigenous art installations, to benefit locals and the visitor economy. I’m looking forward to working closely with the Shire, GLAWAC, local Indigenous elders and the wider community to deliver an outstanding final product," he concluded.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Victoria’s "fundamentally broken" WorkSafe system, highlighting apprentice Byron Foley’s catastrophic injury, ongoing struggles, and calling for urgent reform, fairer compensation, and better support services.
• Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
  Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate Parks Week with various free events from 28 February to 8 March 2026
  Wellington Shire celebrates Parks Week 2026 with free and low-cost events, including Baby’s Day Out, fitness sessions, markets, walks, and family activities, encouraging community connection and outdoor enjoyment.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• 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.
• Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
  Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects.
• Tim Bull slams government’s restrictive, confusing emergency levy exemptions failing CFA volunteers across Gippsland
  Tim Bull says the government’s flawed levy exemptions are too complex and restrictive, leaving CFA volunteers frustrated, excluded, and unsupported, and is urging the Minister to simplify the process.
• 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.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
  East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year.
• Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.
• 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.
• 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.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• 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.
• Gippsland faces sobering family violence rates during 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Danny O’Brien warns
  Gippsland records some of Victoria’s highest family violence rates, says Danny O’Brien, urging community action during the 16 Days of Activism to promote respect, safety, and awareness across the region.