THERE has been an enthusiastic response from South Gippsland Shire community members and others who have leapt at the opportunity to share their thoughts on Coal Creek’s future, a pop-up feedback session in Leongatha on Friday proving popular.
That followed a well-supported pop-up session in Tarwin Lower.
“We’ve had a really good response,” South Gippsland Shire Council’s coordinator of arts, culture and visitor economy Penni Ellicott said.
She explained that applies not only to feedback at pop-up sessions but to the many people completing Coal Creek survey forms, whether online or at council’s Leongatha office.
Many community members have registered to join the Community Assembly that will make a recommendation to council on Coal Creek’s future, having received a written invitation from council, which selected people at random.
Only those contacted by council about joining the assembly will be considered.
About 25 community members will form the assembly, its composition intended to be representative of the demographics of South Gippsland Shire.
Penni noted the chance to provide feedback on Coal Creek has already sparked interest across the shire, something that is pleasing for council.
“This is not a Korumburra discussion; it is a South Gippsland discussion,” she said.
Leongatha locals Bruce Jarrett and Margot Parry were among those sharing their thoughts on Coal Creek at Friday’s Memorial Hall pop-up.
As the granddaughter of John Parry, chairman of the Coal Creek mine in 1892, Margot is keen to see the tourist attraction have a strong future.
She envisages that being achieved by blending the historical element of Coal Creek with entertainment offerings at the site that will generate funds to ensure the
park’s viability.
On the historical side, Margot argues children need to learn the positive aspects of what coal did for Victoria, not just hear the present-day negatives and references to “dirty coal” and the need to eradicate its use.
While confident entertainment provided at Coal Creek can ensure its financial viability, Margot doesn’t consider it possible to keep the attraction at its current vast size.
“Close down the bottom half, bring the Pig & Whistle up to the entrance area so there’s somewhere to entice people in to get a pie and a pastie and a coffee,” she said, adding it is important for it to be visible from the street rather than hidden away.
Margot and Bruce agree there are accessibility concerns with the bottom section of the park, making it difficult for some older people and others with limited mobility.
“I would concentrate totally on the top section; it would be different if there was loads of money but there’s not, and we’ve got to be sensible,” Margot said.
Bruce added there needs to be effective promotion of what Coal Creek has to offer.
Being a member of the South Gippsland Brass Band, he sees scope to use the site for many more musical performances.
Korumburra’s Tanja Kahl received an invitation to register for the Community Assembly, something she didn’t hesitate in doing.
“I was good friends with Barry Harms who was caretaker at the park many years ago and he was passionate about Coal Creek,” she said, recalling photos he showed her of Coal Creek’s packed train and hearing how it drew many tourists on weekends.
“Even when I lived on the Mornington Peninsula, we came to Korumburra to go to Coal Creek,” Tanja said.
“My kids love it.”
Tanja would love to see the Pig & Whistle café back in regular service, enabling visitors to sit down and have a bite to eat.
She said it may be possible to form a partnership with a TAFE in the region, providing experience for hospitality students and affordable food for Coal Creek visitors.
Tanja commented on the fact Coal Creek has so much history and pointed to the success of events such as the Southern Lights Festival and last year’s Halloween evening as evidence the park can still attract large numbers of people.
She hopes to see a train running at Coal Creek again, even if just the small tramway, believing it would be a great drawcard.