Long term plans for Coal Creek

COAL Creek’s long-term survival appears assured with South Gippsland Shire Council releasing its draft Strategic Plan for the tourist park and museum, the document expressing confidence that the attraction can be adapted to broaden its appeal and ensure financial sustainability.

Councillors will vote on Wednesday on a recommendation to endorse the draft Coal Creek Community Park and Museum Strategic Plan for community engagement between July 18 and August 1, with the draft plan now available for viewing through council’s website. 

While acknowledging the importance of Coal Creek’s heritage and historical collection, it is stressed that its displays are currently largely static and that much of its collection is hidden away from the public eye.

As well as outlining the need for interactive displays, and providing greater access to the collection, the draft plan makes it clear other learning and cultural opportunities need to be offered, widening the focus from the site’s coal mining past.

That includes the possibility of partnering with Bunurong and Gunaikurnai people to incorporate First Nations’ heritage into Coal Creek’s narrative.

Developing conservation plans and replanting parts of the park to reflect pre-colonial days and introducing programs and workshops to teach the community about the impacts of climate change and practical ways to respond are other actions recommended.

Repurposing of some buildings and the creation of child-friendly spaces for play are proposed but the importance of heritage is also emphasised with the intention to reinstate the Coal Creek Bush Tramway to attract train enthusiasts and young families.

Reintroducing food and beverage options, including offering coffee and snacks at the park’s entrance, and exploring the possibility of a “destination café/restaurant”, are also recommended.

Increasing revenues through measures such as hosting events, venue hire, commercial partnerships, and ticketing and entry fees are all proposed as measures that can be taken in the near future to cover a larger share of operating costs and reduce the maintenance burden on council.

Actively pursuing funding opportunities through grants and sponsorships are further ways to support maintenance, other infrastructure needs and visitor experience improvements.

The draft Strategic Plan has been welcomed by Friends of Coal Creek, with its president, Roger Powell, saying it is very much in line with the organisation’s submission on Coal Creek’s future.

“There are lots of challenges and lots of questions still to be fleshed out, and we’ll need to get into some of the detail, but they’ve certainly identified the key components of what needs to happen at the park, and we’re grateful that’s now out in the open and people can see what it’s going to take to restore Coal Creek,” Roger said.

Friends of Coal Creek is also pleased to see the plan outlines both short and long-term strategies to enable the Park to be up and running to a satisfactory level quickly, building further sustainability over time.