Thursday, 3 August 2023

Ministers statements: State Coal Mine

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (12:28): I rise to celebrate a significant step towards preserving the history of Wonthaggi’s unique State Coal Mine. Last week I joined the excellent member for Bass Jordan Crugnale in Wonthaggi – we had a great afternoon in Wonthaggi – to announce the $1.5 million investment to reopen the underground tours of this iconic mine, providing visitors with a glimpse into South Gippsland’s unique mining history. Due to equipment failures, underground tours have not been running since 2020. This funding will pay for vital maintenance and restoration work on the drift car winch and in particular the track that takes visitors inside the mine, as well as training for volunteers and Parks Vic staff to safely operate the system.

I met former miners Aldo Sartori, Luciano Storti, Ugo Andrighetto, Frank Cimino, Reg Wilson and Daniel Carr, some of whom started at the mine at the age of 14, and they are proud that their history will continue to be showcased for generations to come. They also spoke of the role of the union in that community in establishing facilities in the town. Every member paid a levy to set up a medical fund, a hospital benefit fund and the co-op store and workmen’s club – absolutely brilliant people.

This restoration effort will bring back the only historic coalmine tour in the Southern Hemisphere, a cherished attraction for the community of Wonthaggi and South Gippsland. It has attracted 10,000 visitors annually since 2020. We are proud to support volunteers from the Friends of the State Coal Mine, who put in hours of hard work to make the mine the special place it is. I must say it is a fantastic facility, and they are going to be supporting a significant visitor economy into the future for the Bass Coast area and get to celebrate their rich history.