Must ‘fast track’ Wonthaggi mine tours, says Melina

THERE’S been precious little action since 300 people turned out at a public meeting in Wonthaggi last week but the plight of the State Coal Mine has attracted plenty of attention.

Not least from Eastern Victoria MLC Melina Bath who was quick out of the blocks to meet with Friends of the State Coal Mine after raising the issue in State Parliament on Thursday, March 23, a full week before the public meeting at which Bass MP Jordan Crugnale spoke.

“Wonthaggi’s State Coal Mine is an incredible community facility, which is much loved by all as on ode to our past,” said Ms Bath during her visit.

“Given the facility’s significant heritage value, reopening of mine tours must be fast tracked by the Andrews Government.

“Following my meeting with representatives of the Friends of the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine, I am committed to supporting volunteers in their endeavours to recommence underground tours and reopen the café as a matter of priority.

“The Andrews Government must deliver action and not disingenuous lip service to the Wonthaggi community so local volunteers can continue their important work that preserves the history of the Bass Coast.”

In the Legislative Council on March 23, Ms Bath used her constituency question to highlight the problems:

“My constituency question is for the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. The not-for-profit Friends of the State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi have serious concerns about the long-term viability of their mine tours, the function centre and the cafe of significant historical context.

“The underground tours, suspended at the beginning of the COVID lockdowns, have not been reinstated, and the cafe had to close in January this year. In an effort to bring about a positive solution to this hiatus in operations, the Friends of the State Coal Mine are holding a meeting on 29 March – next week – at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club at 7 pm.

“They are absolutely positive about getting this reinstated, but they need support, so my question is: will the minister for tourism attend this meeting and find a way forward for this important tourist venture?”

The Minister for Tourism, Steve Dimopoulos, didn’t attend the meeting but Ms Crugnale has undertaken to ask him to visit the mine in the not-to-distant-future.

Hopefully he will come bearing gifts.