It is now 16 months since Lakes Entrance Action Development Association (LEADA) set out on a new direction to provide a strong and united voice for Lakes Entrance.
 
Much has been achieved with the help of its 560 members and projects fought for are currently taking place.

The upgrades of Bullock Island, the Esplanade and foreshore and the lower Jemmys Point Lookout have all started and will be completed or will be well advanced in time for the summer holiday period. 

Funds have also been attracted for converting the Slipway into a useable community facility, building of a playground near the footbridge and for upgrading walking and bike tracks.

“LEADA has assisted in attracting over $20 million dollars in funding towards these projects from the Federal and State governments and our local council,” LEADA spokesperson, Arthur Allen, said.

“There is still much more to be done to complete the rejuvenation of Lakes Entrance and to bring renewed confidence and optimism to the town after the bushfires and COVID-19.”

FRIENDS OF BULLOCK ISLAND

Do you love Lakes Entrance? Do you love Bullock Island? Do you enjoy the outdoors? Do you love to see improvements? Do you get satisfaction and joy from being part of something wonderful? Do you love barbecues?

If you answered yes to any of the above then LEADA wants you?

“It is no secret that Bullock Island has not lived up to its full potential, however things are changing and momentum is gaining,” Mr Allen said.

“In late 2019, East Gippsland Shire Council became the new land managers responsible for the public spaces on Bullock Island, since that announcement over $8 million of federal, state and local government funding has been secured to replace the Bullock Island access bridge and assist with the staged implementation of the Bullock Island Master Plan.

“While all levels of government and the private sector are doing their bit on the island, LEADA needs us, the community to step up and take pride and appreciation for the Island, that is why LEADA is calling for members of the community to unite and re-establish the “Friends of Bullock Island” group to help care for the island and to contribute ideas for its development.

“It is the enthusiasm, commitment and local knowledge within our community which is invaluable and essential to the care of Bullock Island, the re-establishment of the Friends of Bullock Island will compliment the extensive infrastructure improvements taking place.”

If you are passionate about Bullock Island and keen to be involved in the improvement of one of Lakes Entrance best assets, contact LEADA.
The first meeting of Friends of Bullock Island will be in early September.

PUBLIC MEETING

The tentative date for the next members or town meeting is Thursday, August 13, at 7pm (date will be confirmed).

IMAGE: East Gippsland Shire Councillor, Dick Ellis, mayor Cr John White and Lakes Entrance Action Development Association (LEADA) president, Bruce Hurley, on Bullock Island. LEADA is forming a Friends of Bullock Island group to help maintain the island, which is being redeveloped with funding from council. (PS)