THE much-loved State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi is about to get a $1.5 million shot in the arm with work about to start on the long-awaited $1.5 million upgrade.
Former coalminers Dan Carr, Reg Wilson and Friends of the State Coal Mine, including George Scott OAM, welcomed the encouraging development.
Parks Victoria CEO Lee Miezis said the upgrade to the main heading shaft at the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine should be completed by April next year.
“Groundwork is expected to start in the next few weeks,” said Mr Miezis.
“The contracts for the main heading shaft have been awarded and design work on the drift cart is proceeding.
“We will talk through the designs for the drift cart again later this year.”
Shotcrete is to be used in the main heading shaft to make the tunnel safer, along with rock and cable bolts.
Parks Victoria is now in the process of finalising permits from Heritage Victoria.
“Heritage permits are needed so we do not lose what is special about this site.
“The drift cart needs to be re-engineered to meet modern safety standards.”
The mine’s tracks, timber sleepers, and ballast for the drift car will be replaced with new concrete sleepers, improved drainage, and a maintenance inspection pit.
Speaking more widely of the work of Parks Victoria, Mr Miezis promised more boots on the ground, and more partnering with local communities.
“It’s back to basics,” Mr Miezis said.
“We want more people outdoors enjoying our parks.
“To show what makes our parks so special, including the State Coal Mine.”
Mr Miezis said there would be half-price camping this summer in most popular parks, while other State Parks will continue to be free.
Mr Miezis said a top priority was to make sure Parks Victoria rangers can do their job.
“They’re the heart and soul of Parks Victoria, and my role is to make it easier for them.”
President of the Friends of the State Coal Mine, Garry Wilson, said Parks Victoria had given a solid commitment to get the work done.
“We are being kept informed, and timelines have been set.
“It should have been earlier, but the CEO apologised for the time lag.
“The drift car has no money at this stage.”
Members of Friends of the State Coal Mine said they were disappointed the winch on the existing drift car could not be used because of safety concerns.
“We’re looking forward to getting people down the mine with disabilities and large groups of schoolchildren in the drift car once it is operational,” said Mr Wilson.
“The new skips, when they’re done, will be able to help people with medical conditions if needed.”
The Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Cafe is open daily from 9am to 4pm with the State Coal Mine itself open from 10am to 4pm daily. For more information on the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine or to make a booking for an underground tour go to parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/state-coal-mine-heritage-area/things-to-do/state-coal-mine
Friends of the State Coal Mine can be found on Facebook or Instagram.