The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, has called on the Caroll Labor Government to guarantee that funds raised by local communities for foreshore improvements remain dedicated to the communities that raised them.
Ms Bath raised the issue in state parliament following the government’s controversial merger of the San Remo and Lang Lang Foreshore Committees.
She called on the Minister for Environment to guarantee that community-raised funds will continue to be invested in the local projects and priorities they were intended to support.
Ms Bath said San Remo residents had written to her, alarmed by Labor’s “captain’s call” to merge the two committees without consultation.
“This decision has created uncertainty around the $500,000 raised through caravan park fees, parking revenue and community fundraising.
“San Remo residents worked hard to raise these funds with a clear expectation they would be invested back into their local foreshore, including walking paths, retaining walls and pier upgrades.
“Funds generated through community assets, user fees and local fundraising carry an expectation they will be reinvested into local projects.
“San Remo and Lang Lang are both valued communities with dedicated volunteers, local priorities and strong commitments to improving their foreshores.”
Ms Bath said the issue was not about favouring one community over another.
“This is about ensuring that funds raised locally are invested in the communities that worked hard to generate them.
“The real concern is uncertainty and delays may prevent important foreshore works from progressing that would benefit local families, community groups and visitors to the region.
The Minister must provide assurance that local funds will remain accountable to local communities and continue to support the local priorities residents have worked hard to fund.”