Thirteen months on from the 2019/20 summer fires, there is no sign of the reconstruction of East Cape Boardwalk at Cape Conran being commenced.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said this was a disappointing outcome, having originally been advised it would be completed in 2020.

“This is a key piece of tourism infrastructure and visiting there over the holiday period, I was asked more than once when it will be rebuilt.

“Apart from expressing frustration, it is disappointing that this far down the track we do not even have a date.

“In late January this year, the Minister advised me (in response to a question asked in November) that archaeological records of the site need to be updated so that permits can be processed, and Parks Victoria was working with Aboriginal Victoria on this process.

“In my several discussions last year, there was no mention of this having to occur and the fact the Minister has provided no date, it seems commencement will not occur soon.

“One pleasing aspect is the Minister has committed to the rebuild, we just should not have to wait this long.”

Mr Bull said the popular Wingan Inlet boardwalk also needed to be replaced after fire damage and he was seeking assurances both projects would be completed in the first half of this year.

Caption: Thirteen months after last summer’s devastating bushfires, works on the East Cape boardwalk have still not commenced. Nationals MP’s Tim Bull and Darren Chester remain hopeful the rebuild will be completed in time for Easter holiday makers.

Friday, February 5, 2021