Newhaven Jetty closure debated in parliament
The Bass Coast community’s fight to Save Newhaven Jetty was elevated to a higher level, with the petition debate occurring in the Legislative Council of state parliament.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria and sponsor, Melina Bath led the debate on behalf of residents.
Ms Bath told parliament the Allan Labor Government barricaded the much loved Newhaven Jetty by stealth and withheld information on its closure.
“Labor should be focusing on addressing community concerns and working on an acceptable timeline for reopening.
“The petition, debate and accessing of freedom of information (FOI) documents have all been needed to uncover facts, apply pressure and call on the government to work with community for an acceptable outcome.”
Ms Bath said the Allan Government now has the opportunity to answer critical questions, order engineering assessments and commit to the jetty’s reopening in an acceptable timeframe.
“The FOI documents reveal the jetty was number two on an internal priority list, but Labor denied the request for structural integrity and load bearing assessments in April 2024.
“Bass Coast residents are devastated they remain locked out of their valued recreational fishing platform.”
Ms Bath thanked petition instigator women in fishing advocate, Amanda Keilar, Saltwater Phillip Island owner Ben Dennis and Newhaven Residents Association Lisa Webster who attended parliament for the Save Newhaven Jetty debate.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage public assets and Newhaven locals are paying the price.”
Media contact – Jenni Rohde 0437 750 806
