State Coal Mine
Jordan CRUGNALE (Bass) (19:23): (210) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Environment in the other place, and the action I seek is for the minister to provide an update on the progress of the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine cafe lease and underground tours. Back in March over 250 people attended a public meeting organised by the Friends of the State Coal Mine to garner support, the priority being to lease the cafe and restart the underground tours. I want to acknowledge that they are passionate and committed and totally and positively invested in keeping this history alive. Many have direct links of working in the mine and many have family connections as well, all wanting to see the site be at its best. It was also an opportunity to envision the site and call for ideas on activation and bringing in the new. In the mix of suggestions were music festivals, an open-air cinema, outdoor theatre, wetlands, links to the rescue station and other points of interest in the town and beyond, even overnight camping for aurora viewing, stargazers and more. The parks team on site are equally dedicated, have special connections to the area and maintain the grounds to such a high standard they are to be commended. They inspect the mines daily as part of their WorkSafe requirements, and the volunteer group meets every Tuesday with locals, going underground to do any repair work.
This historic coalmine experience is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. The site also has solar and is backdropped by a local wind farm – it is a story of old energy, new energy. Operating from 1909 to 1968, the mine produced almost 17 million tonnes of coal for Victoria’s industries and railways, and its union history is actually worth a 15-minute contribution – for another time. It has a visitors centre, a museum, a theatrette, a souvenir shop laden with unique memorabilia and a variety of items celebrating Wonthaggi’s history, expansive gardens, a heritage trail, historic buildings, an old steam locomotive, a pit pony, and we love the barbecue facilities at the picnic area. The site is also home to the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group and the Wonthaggi Seed Bank and Nursery. Thank you, Minister. We look forward to the update and would welcome you visiting this historic site and meeting with the parks team and friends group representatives as well.