East Gippsland Shire Council is making strong progress on key projects across the region, from Bairnsdale and Buchan to Mallacoota, Cann River and Paynesville.
Council says the mix of upgrades will give local communities better facilities and support the region's resilience and growth.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said progress is clear to see right across the region.
"People can see the changes taking shape," Cr Ashworth said.
"There's been a lot of planning behind these jobs, and now they're moving from the planning stage to real improvements that our towns will use every day."
In Buchan, the recreation reserve upgrade is progressing well under the guidance of the local Project Reference Group. New netball and tennis courts are in, and the pavilion is at lock-up stage, with plastering, painting and decking underway. Concrete ramps and a new storage shed are also being added. The project, backed by the Victorian and Australian governments, is on track to be finished in early 2026.
The Mallacoota community hall rebuild was officially opened on Friday 14 November. Works have included a new kitchen, carpeted flooring, toilets and ramps, a new carpark and landscaping. The upgraded hall will be more accessible and versatile for local events, meetings and performances.
In Sarsfield, new changerooms and pavilion upgrades are progressing at the recreation reserve. The improvements will give local sports clubs and community groups better facilities and reflect the town's continuing recovery and resilience building following the 2019-20 bushfires.
Cann River's new Changing Places facility has reached lock-up too. The purpose-built building includes an adult-sized change table, ceiling hoist and extra space for carers and equipment, allowing people with high support needs and disability to travel through or visit Cann River with dignity and confidence.
A mobile Marveloo unit has been available at the Cann River site since February so there's been no gap in access. The new facility is jointly funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and Council and should open before the end of 2025.
In Paynesville, work continues on the Slip Road Maritime Precinct. The latest focus is on upgrading the car park and drainage alongside the new seawall, jetties and landscaped areas. When finished, the precinct will include two new berthing jetties, a service jetty, and improved access for both commercial and recreational boat users.
"The new jetties are already going in, and the area's starting to take shape," Cr Ashworth said.
"It's a good step forward for local businesses and for visitors who use the Lakes." The upgrade, funded by the Australian and Victorian governments and Council, is due for completion in early 2026.
At Bairnsdale Airport, handover of an Air Ambulance Victoria Patient Transfer Facility is imminent. The project includes new lighting, fencing and utilities, along with direct access from both the airside and roadside.
The project is funded through the Australian Government's Regional Airports Program and will improve the speed and safety of air ambulance operations at Bairnsdale.
Cr Ashworth said the range of projects shows how local, state and federal investment is coming together to improve key facilities across the shire.
"They're solid, practical improvements that make a real difference to the people who live here," she said.
Council manages community assets including aerodromes at Bairnsdale, Mallacoota and Orbost; three commercial marinas; 51 jetties, 22 fishing platforms and 33 boat ramps. It also maintains over 3,000 kilometres of roads, 220 bridges, 369 kilometres of footpaths and trails, and 267.5 hectares of parks and gardens. In addition, it operates the Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park and three free campgrounds, as well as aquatic and recreation facilities across the region.
