Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP

Darren Chester pushes for final funding to complete Krauatungalung Walk in Lakes Entrance

Federal MP Darren Chester continues to push for funding to complete the Krauatungalung Walk in Lakes Entrance. Despite a federal funding rejection, he's lobbying Coalition colleagues to secure support before the election.

By news@gippsland - 25th February 2025 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he hasn't given up fighting for the remaining funds needed to finish the high-profile Krauatungalung Walk project in Lakes Entrance. With the first stage of the walk proving extremely popular over summer, Mr Chester said he was urging East Gippsland Shire Council to move as quickly as possible to build the next section and help secure money for the final stages of the iconic project.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Lakes Entrance elder Phyllis Andy. Mr Chester says he will keep fighting to finish the Krauatungalung Walk in Lakes Entrance

Chester pushes funding

While the Albanese Government has rejected a bid to complete the final stage, Mr Chester said he was lobbying his Coalition colleagues to secure a funding commitment ahead of the federal election, which is due within the next 100 days. "It was bitterly disappointing that the Labor Party refused to fund the project under the 'Growing Regions Program', but I haven't given up hope."

"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."

"The Shire needs to finish the sections in front of the houses and alongside the Eastern Beach Caravan Park to ensure we have a continuous link along the foreshore, then we can concentrate on linking the boardwalk between Eastern Beach and Main Beach," Mr Chester said.

Chester backs walk

Mr Chester said the project had important social, economic, cultural and environmental features. "It surprised me that we have virtue-signalling Labor Ministers wasting $450 million on the Voice referendum and then refusing to provide $6 million for a practical project that features indigenous-inspired artwork and promotes respect and reconciliation," Mr Chester said.

"The Krauatungalung Walk is designed as a complete circuit that will benefit the economy and allow people to appreciate the environment of the Gippsland Lakes, particularly the water birds, without disrupting vegetation as they walk. It's an exciting project, and I will continue to fight for the funding to see it delivered as soon as possible," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com