Lakes Entrance Action Development Association (LEADA) is confident Lakes Entrance’s economy will recover after a disastrous 2020 because of its idyllic setting and strength of the community.
Businesses have been hit hard and with the phasing out of JobSeeker and JobKeeper payments and other subsidies LEADA believes there is more pain ahead in the short and medium term, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“Online shopping was hurting retail businesses before 2020 and with COVID-19 this trend has been accelerated,” LEADA president, Bruce Hurley, said.
“To assist with the recovery LEADA has been focusing on advocating for infrastructure projects that enhance and highlight the town’s setting so that it becomes more attractive to both tourists and residents.
“It is LEADAs belief that this will increase confidence in the town, bring an increase in visitor numbers once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and create the environment for new business opportunities.
“It is expected that by the end of
2021 the foreshore and Esplanade upgrade will be complete, Bullock Island master plan will have been implemented, the Jemmy Point lookouts constructed, improvements made to the entrance walk and construction commenced on the all abilities Krauatungalung walk around Cunningham Arm.”
The total costs of these works will exceed $30 million.
“There is still work to be done to ensure there is strong involvement by the community in these projects,” Mr Hurley said.
One project that will be being focused on during the remainder of 2020 is improvements to what has become known as the foreshore park, being the area between the Slipway and the Rotunda.
On the eastern side of the footbridge a playground is planned. LEADA believes this playground needs to have the “wow” factor and include water features and play areas.
“LEADA will be seeking the community’s views on improvements to the foreshore park during September and October,” Mr Hurley said.
“In the meantime a renewed marketing of Lakes Entrance and the planning of events needs to occur in readiness for the return of visitors.
“Infrastructure can greatly increase the appeal of a town and also bring life and energy. It requires creative, innovative and enterprising ideas.
“There are a number of exciting ideas that are in various stages of development. These include the Slipway development, Sanctuary East Gippsland, the Krauatungalung Walk and the fishing co-op plan’s for showcasing the fishing industry on Bullock island.
“The Slipway development will finally see this area improved for public use and an outlet for local food and beverages, entertainment and artistic endeavours.
“The Sanctuary East Gippsland is an ambitious plan to establish East Gippsland as a world-class tourism destination with Lakes Entrance as a central hub.
“The Krauatungalung walk is an all abilities circuit around the lake from the footbridge to Eastern Beach and will highlight the rich history of the local Aboriginal community.
“There are also other ideas being floated for a conference centre, museum, an indoor recreation centre, a cable car from the top of Jemmys point to Bullock Island and a better use of Palmers Road and the Mechanics Hall.
“What is needed and is developing, is confidence and optimism for the future.”

IMAGE:
The main car park on the Esplanade has been completely closed and work has started on the realignment of the road and footpaths.