A new life for the Lakes Entrance Slipway

24/07/2024

Two winch sheds are in the background next to a large fishing barge. There is a street pole with a banner that reads ‘slipway Lakes Entrance’.

The Old Slipway on the iconic Lakes Entrance foreshore has been given a new lease on life, with the creation of a public space to bring the community together and showcase the best of Gippsland art and hospitality to visitors.

The original slipway operated from 1948 to 2005 before moving to the Boat Yard on nearby Bullock Island. The redevelopment project has now given the site in the centre of town a new purpose after sitting unused for 15 years.

Since its completion in summer, a group of local businesses have joined forces to form the Slipway Collective, hosting food and drink stalls for outdoor dining, live music, and community markets. The 2 historic winch sheds have also been transformed into gallery spaces for local artists to display their work and host events.

The redevelopment project included construction of tiered timber decking over the old concrete slipway and the restoration of 2 winch sheds.

Other minor works on the slipway to ensure everyone can enjoy the space include new public toilets, access ramps and concrete resurfacing.

The redevelopment project was supported by $562,000 in funding from the Bushfire Recovery Regional Economic Stimulus and Resilience Grants Fund.

East Gippsland Shire Council successfully delivered the collaborative project, with the Australian Government also providing $400,000 in support and $75,000 from the Council.