Election: Phillip Island scouts to get $130,000 bathroom boost

BASS candidates continue to roll out the promises as the state election race accelerates towards Early Voting next Wednesday, November 18.

This time it’s Rochelle Halstead, the Liberal candidate for Bass, who came out on Thursday morning to commit a future Liberal-National government to a $130,000 replacement of the bathrooms at the Phillip Island Scout Hall in Cowes.

The contribution to the cost of works will allow Scouts Victoria to deliver a modern, accessible bathroom, with private cubicles, replacing facilities that have reached the end of their life after more than 30 years of heavy use.

“Built in the early 1990s, the hall’s bathrooms are worn out. Floor grout and silicone are deteriorating, shower rails are rusted, fittings constantly need repair and the urinal has a persistent odour,” said Ms Halstead.

“The bathrooms were designed when the hall was used mostly by boys and men. Today the local Girl Guide units share just two toilets, and the “accessible” cubicles have retrofitted rails that do not meet current accessibility standards,” she said.

The upgrade will give people with disability bathrooms they can use independently, provide private cubicles for every user, and install water-efficient fittings that are easier to clean and maintain, ending the ongoing cost of patch-up repairs.

Ms Halstead said the Phillip Island Scout Hall is used almost every day. It supports Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers, local Girl Guide units, and community groups that hire the hall regularly.

“The group has completed its early planning, and funding is the only barrier to getting the works underway,” she said.

“The Phillip Island Scout Group makes an enormous contribution to our community, supported by dedicated volunteers and families who give their time to help young people learn new skills, build confidence and form lifelong friendships.

“The Phillip Island Scout Hall also plays an important role beyond Scouting, and is used a frequently by local Girl Guide units and community groups that hire the hall regularly.

“That is why I am delighted to announce this $130,000 funding commitment by a future Jess Wilson led Liberals and Nationals Government to give the Phillip Island Scout Group modern, accessible bathrooms that everyone who uses the hall deserves.”

Shadow Minister for Youth, Nicole Werner, backed the project.

“Investing in facilities like this at the Phillip Island Scout Group means giving more young people access to safe and welcoming spaces where they can learn, grow and build strong connections with their community,” said Ms Werner.

“Our Scout groups are powered by committed volunteers who do an extraordinary job supporting the next generation, and they deserve facilities that enable them to continue that important work.”

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, said supporting services and facilities for young people was a priority.

“Phillip Island Scouts play a vital role in building leadership, resilience and community spirit, and investing in their infrastructure ensures our young people have the facilities they need to learn, grow and thrive,” said Ms Bath.

“The Liberals and Nationals are backing Phillip Island’s young people, families and volunteers, creating more opportunities to get involved in Scouting.”