Works to revitalise and improve safety within the Lakes Entrance town centre have been completed as the popular East Gippsland destination prepares to welcome thousands of summer tourists.
The suite of upgrades improve access and make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to move around town, allowing local businesses to thrive and create more jobs.
Improvements to enhance the foreshore include footpath and lighting upgrades, making it safer and easier for pedestrians at night, and new pedestrian crossings that improve access between the foreshore and local businesses.
Works also included upgraded bus stops, shopfront footpaths, intersections, road surfacing and drainage.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project had been funded through a $50 million Australian and Victorian government investment.
"Regional tourism plays a key role to play in creating more jobs for more Victorians, supporting regions to thrive and strengthening inclusive communities," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"That's why we're doing all we can to provide our regions the best support and opportunities to encourage more visitors and help boost opportunities for local businesses."
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the project had enhanced the look and feel of the town.
"Improving the ease of access between the foreshore and local businesses will make it safer and easier for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in Lakes Entrance," he said.
"The widened footpaths will encourage and promote opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy al fresco dining and shopping, which will, in turn, support local traders and create more jobs."
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the works would ensure that regions and destinations such as Lakes Entrance continue to flourish.
"This is a fantastic renewal project for Lakes Entrance which will boost the local economy and continue to enhance the appeal of this wonderful place," Mr Chester said.
Victorian Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett said the town centre works were complete, with a new, one-kilometre shared user path between Golf Links Road and McCullough Street to finish soon.
"The completion of these works to improve safety and enhance the look and feel of Lakes Entrance means the township can be enjoyed by locals and visitors this summer and for many years to come."
This project is part of a joint investment to improve the Princes Highway between Sale and the New South Wales border as part of the Regional and Rural Highway upgrades package.
Both Governments worked closely with East Gippsland Shire Council and key stakeholders to identify the renewal projects, with the council contributing more than $1 million in funding towards the improvements.
