The community of Bemm River celebrated the official opening of new footpaths and boardwalks on Friday 4 April.
Mayor Cr John White, who officiated the opening, highlighted the importance of the project in supporting the town's recovery following the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires.
"This community has been through a lot," Cr White said. "The Black Summer bushfires saw this town surrounded by fire, cut off, and forced to deal with power outages and shortages of food, water and fuel.
"When the time came to look ahead, this community knew what it needed; and high on that list was safe and accessible footpaths. And today, that vision has become a reality.
"These footpaths give locals and visitors safe, all-weather paths - improving accessibility for everyone, including those who are older, are blind or have low vision, or have mobility challenges. This supports visitation to the town, linking attractions and businesses."
The project was made possible through funding from the Australian Government's Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, with additional support from Council.
Construction, carried out by Gippsland-based GBM Contractors, delivered 1.5 kilometres of concrete and boardwalk footpaths, connecting key areas such as the boat ramp and jetty facilities.
Local community members praised the new footpaths at the event.
"These new footpaths are absolutely fantastic and a hit with all the families," said Debbie Bowden of the Bemm River Hotel.
"I've never seen so many kids and families on bikes. It's a real pleasure to have these footpaths being put in."
Wayne Hind, President of the Bemm River Progress Association, echoed Ms Bowden's sentiments, "It's really opened up the town - locals and visitors in town had always walked on the on the roads and it was quite dangerous.
"Now that we've got this fantastic pathway through the town, we're seeing so many people venture out and walk these paths, day in, day out, and it's a real asset to the town."
Cr White acknowledged the strong community involvement in advocating for and supporting the project.
"This was a community-led recovery effort, and I want to thank everyone who played a role in making it happen - from our local groups to the funding partners and construction team."
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a community barbecue hosted by the Bemm River Hotel, bringing residents together to celebrate the milestone.
In addition to improving accessibility, pedestrian safety and wayfinding, the new footpaths will enhance the visitor experience, supporting tourism and economic recovery in Bemm River.
