Mr NORTHE (Morwell) (11:41): (734) My question is directed to the Minister for Regional Development in the other place. Minister, what is the latest information regarding the government’s stance on the future of Hazelwood Pondage in my electorate? Hazelwood Pondage has been closed to the general public for months, and many members of my local community are in the gallery today to plead with the state government to do all it can to have this iconic and much-loved asset reopened. This morning with the help and assistance of so many people from different local groups and organisations I was able to lodge a petition in Parliament that contained 3228 signatures and which calls for government assistance in reopening Hazelwood Pondage. Nearly 5000 people have signed online and hard-copy petitions, yet the government remains silent whilst the pondage slowly dies. All parts of our community are being negatively impacted by this closure, including yacht club members, Sailability participants, onsite residents, campers and tourists, local businesses, CFA brigades, scouts and guides, local residents and recreational water enthusiasts. Minister, our community has only one request for you and that is: save Hazelwood Pondage.