East Gippsland Shire Council has taken home a prestigious state award for the Eagle Point Foreshore Hub Development, one of two wins for the Council at the annual LGPro Awards for Excellence held in Melbourne on Thursday 19 June.

The Eagle Point Foreshore Hub Development was recognised in the Community Assets and Infrastructure Initiative (Projects $5–$20 million, population less than 50,000) category – one of 15 award categories at the event, which celebrates and promotes outstanding work being undertaken by individuals and teams across local government in Victoria.

The $5.5m project has transformed the Eagle Point foreshore into a vibrant waterfront destination that complements the natural setting of Lake King and meets the needs of the local community.

The development replaced an old toilet block and delivers instead a purpose-built and accessible community hub, upgraded play areas, improved pedestrian safety, modern amenities, and includes erosion-control measures and ecologically sensitive landscaping. Vehicle parking has been moved back from the foreshore edge, creating a welcoming green space for everyday recreation, community gatherings and activities.

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth welcomed the award describing the state-level recognition of the Eagle Point project as a great honour.

“Eagle Point Foreshore Hub is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a community articulates a vision and Council commits to delivering it,” Cr Ashworth said.

The Hub provides a formal meeting place and expanded opportunities for classes, functions and community events. The cafe and nearby water-based activities have generated local jobs and strengthened tourism potential. Environmental outcomes include improved protection of adjacent flora and fauna, and a foreshore better placed to withstand the impacts of climate change.

“This project delivers much-needed community infrastructure but it's also about creating a place where people want to gather and play, and where visitors to the area find a place to stop and take in the beauty of the surrounding area,” Cr Ashworth said.

A project control group – comprising East Gippsland Shire Council; the former Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), now the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA); Gippsland Ports; the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), Parks Victoria, and community stakeholders – guided the project from concept to completion over two years.

A short video showcasing the Hub is available at youtu.be/PAdcO4gGpbI

East Gippsland’s award-winning projects

2025

• Winner – Disaster Readiness and Recovery Award for Strengthened Disaster Readiness and Resilience East Gippsland
• Finalist – Service Delivery Award for Mobile Service Initiative (two vehicles delivering Council services, including a mobile library)

2024

• Winner – Innovative Management Initiative for Data Centre and ICT Footprint Consolidation (shared services project with Wellington Shire Council)
• Winner – Community Assets and Infrastructure for Initiative (projects $5 million and under) for Genoa Pedestrian Bridge rebuild
• Highly Commended – Community Partnerships Initiative for Tambo Crossing Community Facility

2021

• Winner – Service Delivery Award for Mobile Bushfire Recovery Service
• Winner – Sustainability Initiative for Bright Futures energy efficiency program
• Winner – Community Assets and Infrastructure Initiative (projects over $2.5 million) for Bosworth Road Recreation Area
• Finalist – Community Assets and Infrastructure Initiative for Orbost Landfill Bushfire Project
• Finalist – Placemaking Initiative for Orbost Streetscape

2020

• Commendation – Infrastructure (under $2 million) for Lakes Entrance Seawalls Project