he long-promised Marlo to Cape Conran Shared Pathway will be delivered by The Nationals’ in government, after Labor walked away from the bushfire recovery project it committed to.
The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell, and former Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the pathway had been promised as part of the region’s bushfire recovery and would provide a safer connection between two of East Gippsland’s most iconic coastal destinations.
They were joined by Shadow Minister for Public Land, Melina Bath in Marlo this morning to make the announcement.
“The community was told this pathway was coming. It was announced, funding was allocated and the community quite reasonably expected it would be delivered,” Ms Rendell said.
“Instead, after years of delays, Labor has walked away from it.
“This has two elements. Not only will it be a terrific tourist attraction for visitors to explore this magnificent part of East Gippsland, but it will provide a safer option for cyclists and walkers.”
Ms Bath said the Marlo to Cape Conran Shared Pathway will enhance access to East Gippsland’s iconic coastline, creating new opportunities for walking, cycling and nature based experiences.
“Labor promised it as part of the bushfire recovery and failed to deliver it,” she said.
“Gippsland East has waited long enough. After years of neglect, especially in bushfire recovery, The Nationals are committed to delivering the Marlo-Cape Conran shared path.”
Former Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the pathway was originally included in the Cape Conran bushfire recovery program announced in 2020, but Parks Victoria subsequently confirmed it would not be delivered.
“This was a commitment made to a community recovering from one of the worst bushfires in our history, and those commitments should mean something.
“When it became clear Labor was walking away from the project, the community rallied behind the project and I tabled a petition in Parliament containing 846 signatures calling on the government to honour its commitment.
“I have raised this project repeatedly in Parliament and with Ministers because the community had every right to ask what happened to something it was told would be delivered,” Mr Bull said.
Ms Rendell said a change of government would put the project back on track.
“The Nationals in government are committed to delivering the Marlo to Cape Conran Shared Pathway and ensuring East Gippsland receives its fair share of infrastructure investment.
“This is exactly what our Fair Share Guarantee is about – ensuring at least 25 per cent of government infrastructure investment is directed to regional Victoria and projects important to regional communities are actually delivered.
“Marlo and Cape Conran have waited long enough. We will get this project back on track,” she said.
Pictured: The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell, with The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Region and Shadow Minister for Public Land Management and Outdoor Recreation, Melina Bath, former Nationals’ MP, Tim Bull, were joined by representatives of the Marlo Ratepayers and Residents Association at the announcement that The Nationals’ in government will build the Marlo-Cape Conran shared path.
