Tuesday, 11 August 2026

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (14:14): (2481) My question is for the minister responsible for the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. The Mandurang South Recreation Reserve Committee of Management is responsible for the routine maintenance of the community hall, which is owned by DEECA. The committee has raised serious concerns about water damage, termite damage, structural deterioration and other defects affecting the safety and integrity of the building. DEECA has advised the committee that it has no staff responsible for assessing these types of building issues and no funding available. Minister, can you clarify whether DEECA accepts responsibility for structural repairs, asset renewal and safety issues affecting DEECA-owned community buildings and what funding pathway is available to volunteer committees of management when issues extend beyond routine maintenance? From a volunteer’s perspective, community organisations are being stretched by a government that does not want to take ownership of its assets, which ultimately benefit communities. The Mandurang hall is an important community facility, and I would appreciate the minister’s support to help resolve these issues.

The PRESIDENT: Mrs Broad, we will just direct that to the Minister for Environment.