Community meeting called June 7 over Newhaven Jetty closure

ANSWERS and a stakeholder meeting with the Minister for Ports have been requested in state parliament over the sudden and shocking closure of Newhaven Jetty.

On behalf of local residents, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Public Land Use, The Nationals Melina Bath demanded answers from the Allan Labor Government as to why the jetty was indefinitely closed to public access by Parks Victoria without consultation.

Ms Bath said local stakeholders were feeling blindsided by its closure, telling her it has had an immediate negative social and economic impact.

“Despite receiving an engineering report four years ago stating the jetty needed urgent structural upgrades, Labor has failed to plan upgrades–to the point of dereliction,” Ms Bath said.

“Parks Victoria signage cites structural failures but that’s the extent of the communication.”

Ms Bath told parliament the government has an obligation to reinvest boating and fishing fees to improve recreational fishing, boating infrastructure and challenged the Minister why Newhaven Jetty isn’t prioritised.

“The jetty plays an important role for locals and visitors for fishing, walking and recreation and abuts the magnificent Saltwater restaurant.

“The area is blighted by temporary wire fencing, chains and a padlock - all because Labor failed to maintain the jetty when it was identified.

“Dinners at Saltwater restaurant and locals who use the jetty daily are now looking at unsightly wire mesh fencing, instead of sweeping Instagram worthy views of Westernport.

“The jetty’s closure has adversely impacted Saltwater’s patronage a small business employing 30 locals.”

Melina Bath MP, Saltwater Restaurant owner Ben Dennis and local charter operator Amanda Keilar will host a community meeting to fight the jetty’s closure on Friday, June 7 at 10am onsite.

She said Newhaven Jetty has been left to rot by the Allan Government.

“I have called on the Minister to meet with locals and provide a timeline for the Newhaven Jetty’s upgrade and reopening,” Ms Bath said.

“Given the importance of the jetty to the tourist economy and residents’ wellbeing – Labor MP’s must realise that saying and doing nothing is not an acceptable option.

“Labor spruiks tourism and yet it is complicit in the closure of an asset that actively supports the visitor economy.”

Owner of the Saltwater Restaurant, Ben Dennis, penned the following letter to the community, to raise awareness of the issue.

“We are writing to bring to the community’s attention a pressing issue that is severely impacting our family business and the local economy. As owners of a restaurant located on the Newhaven Jetty, we have invested our life savings into transforming an old decrepit shed into a vibrant, welcoming dining establishment with breathtaking views of the water. Our restaurant has become a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike, particularly for special events such as weddings, which are crucial to our business’s growth and sustainability.

“However, our business is now at serious risk due to the closure of the Newhaven Jetty by Parks Victoria. The jetty has been condemned and fenced off due to a lack of maintenance, which has resulted in the structure becoming unsafe. This closure has placed an unsightly barrier right in front of our restaurant, detracting from the scenic view that our patrons enjoy and significantly affecting our appeal as a wedding venue.

“Despite our repeated requests to Parks Victoria and the Bass Coast Shire to repair the jetty, no action has been taken. The last part of the jetty had already been closed down due to ill-repair, and the current full closure has only exacerbated the situation. Our livelihood is now in jeopardy as we face cancellations of wedding bookings, not to mention the stop to fishermen, walkers and other visitors to the jetty who patronize our venue.

“We are calling on the community and our local representatives to support us in urging Parks Victoria to prioritize the repair and reopening of the Newhaven Jetty. In the interim, we are requesting that the Bass Coast Shire, which manages our lease on behalf of the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA), provide us with rent relief until the jetty is reopened. This support is vital for the survival of our business during this challenging period.

“As a local family-run business, we are deeply committed to our community. We have worked tirelessly to create a space that contributes to the local economy and offers a unique experience for our patrons. Without immediate action and support, the future of our business and the livelihood of our family and employees are at grave risk.

“We appeal to our fellow residents and local authorities to stand with us in this time of need. Your support and voices can make a difference in ensuring that our business, and others like it, can continue to thrive and serve the community.

“This letter highlights the challenges we face and our urgent need for support. We hope it will prompt swift action to rectify the situation and provide the necessary assistance to ensure our business’s survival.”

The Victorian Government has acknowledged the closure of the jetty noting it will be prioritised under the Sustainable Local Ports Framework for future investment.

“We've invested more than $150 million in jetty repairs and upgrades since 2018 and we won't take lectures from the Nationals who did nothing for local piers and jetties when they were last in government,"  a Victorian Government spokesperson stated today in response.

“Engineering inspections determined Newhaven Jetty is no longer safe for public access and it has been closed to ensure public safety.”