The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath has continued to pressure the Labor Government to re-open the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Visitor Centre Cafe.
Advocating on behalf of Friends of the State Coal Mine in State Parliament Ms Bath called on the Labor Government to reopen the café as per its commitment.
“After a long campaign by locals Labor finally committed to funding to reopen the Visitors Centre Cafe and repair the drift cart.
“The community and Friends of the Coal Mine were told at the time the Visitors Centre café would reopen in September, but this date has come and gone.
“With the peak summer tourist season in Bass Coast commencing it’s imperative for the Visitor Centre Cafe to be open for business.”
Ms Bath said the State Coal Mine is a much-loved facility, highly valued by locals, which provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Wonthaggi.
“The Visitors Centre Café gives visitors the opportunity to enhance their experience when exploring Wonthaggi’s heritage and make a day of it.
“After the uncertainty experienced post Covid-19 lockdowns, our hardworking volunteers do not want to see another summer tourist season wasted.
“Volunteers rightly want their facility back up and running at full capacity, I am calling on the Labor Government to reopen the Visitor Centre Café as soon as possible.”