One good outcome of COVID-19 is people have discovered the joys and benefits of walking.

Lakes Entrance is blessed in having excellent walks that start from the main street Esplanade.

These walks are currently having or are about to have major improvements as well as two new walks being created.

“During the partial lockdown more and more locals have been out enjoying walking. The recently upgraded foreshore walk has been very popular,” Lakes Entrance Action Development Association (LEADA) president, Bruce Hurley, said.

“Holiday makers are looking for destinations that provide scenic and easily accessible walking and bike trails.”

LEADA has just received funding to upgrade the popular entrance walk. The upgrade will provide better signage, enable weeding and revegetation in key areas as well as laying mesh over soft sandy sections of the track to make it more accessible.

Signs will also be placed at lookout points, the boardwalk and the entrance to give insights into the history of the entrance and the abundant marine life including into the seal, dolphin and bird populations.

The Federal Government has provided LEADA funds to protect and preserve this area at the same time as making it more accessible.

East Gippsland Shire Council and Gippsland Ports have provided additional finance and support as has the Primary Healthcare Network.

The upgrade to the track will be completed by this time next year. The local community will be asked to join working bees to assist with this work.

“This track is unique as it meanders through bush land and wetlands between Lakes Entrance iconic sites such as the footbridge and the Entrance. There is also the option of returning from the entrance by the surf beach or by the lake at low tide,” Bruce said.

Planning is in progress on upgrading and creating additional walks. Funding is being sought for creating a link from Lakes Entrance to the rail trail, the all abilities Tatungalung circuit from the footbridge to Eastern Beach and walking and bike tracks around Bullock Island.

“Many organisations and individuals have played key roles in working towards establishing what will become a network of outstanding walking and bike tracks in the Lakes Entrance vicinity,” Bruce said.

“The role of our local member, Darren Chester, and East Gippsland Shire Council has been central. Support from Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH), Lakes Entrance Landcare and historical societies and Gippsland Ports have all been important. It’s been a team effort.”

IMAGE: Lakes Entrance Action Development Association (LEADA) president, Bruce Hurley, says one of the positives to come out of the COVID-19 restrictions is the many locals discovering the impressive walking tracks the town has to offer, some of which will be improved through government funding, including the popular entrance walk. (PS)