Victorian Nationals: Darren Chester MP - COUNCIL URGED TO EXPLAIN BOARDWALK FAILURE

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called on the East Gippsland Shire Council to publicly explain its failure to deliver a highly popular boardwalk project in a timely manner, despite receiving more than $5 million in Commonwealth funding.

Mr Chester has written to Mayor Jodie Ashworth to formally request a briefing on the timelines, budget and final design elements of the Krauatungalung Walk (KW) project in Lakes Entrance after months of unexplained delays.

"My request comes out of complete frustration with East Gippsland Shire Council's capacity to demonstrate any significant progress on the project in 2025," Mr Chester said.

"The opportunity to build an iconic, all-abilities accessible circuit, which tells the story of the indigenous people in a respectful and collaborative manner, is something I have been passionate about since first formally discussing with EGSC in 2019, and it has overwhelming community support.

"Council's failure to deliver components of the project with the funding provided in a timely manner means cost escalations will see less of the work completed once tenders are finally called.

"The full social, economic, environmental, and cultural benefits of the KW project will only be delivered if the entire circuit is successfully completed."

Mr Chester said he had repeatedly raised concerns with the Council over a period of more than three years and multiple changes in project managers.

"The lack of continuity has added to the frustrating delays and repeated excuses about seeking approvals from other levels of government," Mr Chester said.

"There's been no urgency from Council to get the job done, and the longer we wait, cost escalations will impact the amount of work which can be completed.

"The project has overwhelming support from the community and the town's peak advocacy group Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association.

"We have secured enough funding from the previous Federal Government to concrete the path behind the Eastern Beach Caravan Park, and also build a boardwalk along the section near the houses, which is currently impassable at high tide.

"I'm after some straight answers on behalf of the community regarding the scope of works, when the next stage will start construction and whether Council has any interest in securing funding for any unfinished stages.

"The end result is intended to be an all-abilities accessible circuit on the shores of Cunninghame Arm, which links existing pathways and infrastructure with new sealed paths and boardwalk sections.

"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, which will benefit locals and the visitor economy."