East Gippslanders are not being provided timelines for the completion of important tourism infrastructure, burnt in the fires 18 months ago.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, raised the matter in Parliament again recently and specifically mentioned at least 20 areas where timeframes were sought, but the Minister’s response only stated what work had already been completed, providing timeframes for only two projects.

“This infrastructure should have been well and truly rebuilt by now, but here we are (a year and a half on) and we cannot get a timeframe for works like the Cape Conran Boardwalk, or the bridge to restore access to the Thurra River campground and Point Hicks. It’s a disgrace,” he said.

“There are also many other locations throughout East Gippsland where the work is not done, and no public commentary has been provided.

“In some cases, like the bridge at Thurra River, I don’t believe the tender has even gone out.

“We simply want a timeframe, and after 18 months, that is not too much to ask. People are starting to wonder if this Government actually intends to restore access to these areas.

“It really should not be that hard. Provide our tourism organisations, chambers of commerce and business sector more generally with a list of the works that need to be done, a list of what stage it is at and then an estimated completion date.

“The fact this request for timelines is completely ignored simply causes frustration and angst and is not necessary with reasonable communication with communities,” said Mr Bull.

Caption: Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull, standing in front of the closed bushfire affected Parks Victoria McKenzie River Rainforest Walk in Club Terrace.

Monday, 5 July 2021

The tennis and netball courts at Briagolong Recreation Reserve will be completely rebuilt in a $571,000 project.

Contributions from Wellington Shire Council ($281,000), State Government ($250,000) and the Briagolong Tennis Club (40,000) will bring the project to fruition.

Briagolong Tennis Club committee member, Gerard Condon said he was pleased the tennis courts would be brought up to scratch in a development that would also see a new netball playing surface.

“As we see every time, we get some rain, there are many low spots in what is generally an uneven surface and we also have roots from trees now impacting on the surface, so we will move the footprint of the new courts to remedy that,” he said.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull said participation in junior sport brought many benefits.

“It puts kids around good role models, teaches them about winning humbly and losing graciously and really is a great crash course in life.

“In sport not everything goes your way and that is the case with life in general, so the benefits to our youth are enormous, as is the social element for both juniors and seniors,” he said.

Wellington Shire Mayor, Garry Stephens said “Council is thrilled to partner with the State Government and the Briagolong Tennis Club to upgrade the tired tennis courts at Briagolong.

“We recently completed a redevelopment of the club rooms at the recreation reserve and the new tennis courts will complement that project, especially since so many children and adults in Briagolong seem to love their tennis,” Cr Stephens said.

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull with Gerard Condon on the courts, which has low spots on the uneven surface that fill with water every time it rains, impacting on participation.

Monday, 5 July 2021