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Lakes Entrance foreshore playground praised as Darren Chester highlights loss of community infrastructure funding

The new Lakes Entrance Foreshore Playground has been praised by locals and visitors. Darren Chester highlighted its funding through the LRCIP, criticising the Albanese government for cutting future rounds of the program.

By news@gippsland - 4th February 2025 - Back to News

Locals and visitors have given the new Lakes Entrance Foreshore Playground the tick of approval, with many families appreciating the project over the summer holidays. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has secured $20 million over several years from the previous federal government for projects in Lakes Entrance, including the Foreshore Playground, which was officially opened on Saturday.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is pictured at the Lakes Entrance Foreshore Playground with little local Harriett Kenny and her mum Georgia Kenny

Playground boost delivered

Mr Chester said, "The hard-working team at Pearce Cameron in Bairnsdale has produced an outstanding playground with the $1.6 million I secured from the previous federal government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP)."

"The playground features Indigenous-themed attractions along with a water play area, flying fox, swings, slides and picnic facilities. It integrates seamlessly with the recently installed foreshore artwork and the initial phase of the access all-abilities Krauatungalung Walk project, highlighting our region's heritage while offering outdoor exercise options for everyone," he said.

Local projects impacted

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," he said.

Esplanade and Marine Parade improvements, the Old Slipway redevelopment, Jemmy's Point reserve, Bullock Island bridge, and Krauatungalung Walk are among the haul of Lakes Entrance projects Mr Chester successfully secured funding to complete.

Pictures from Darren Chester Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com