WHILE celebrating in State Parliament during the week that her beloved Squeaky Beach had just been named the Number 1 Beach in Australia, the Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath had a backhander for the Allan Government.
The granite boulders, pristine beaches, turquoise water, wildlife and breathtaking views are sensational, she said, the toilets and other “antiquated” facilities – not so much.
“Given the importance of Wilson’s Promontory to the state’s tourism economy it is essential that the Allan Labor Government act on the park’s aged infrastructure to reflect its status,” said Ms Bath last Tuesday
“The less attractive side of the Prom is one which greets tourists arriving at Tidal River public toilets which can only be described as antiquated.
“The facility is decades old, there’s stained toilet seats, damaged doors and an out of order disability toilet.
“It’s an embarrassing look for a location with international and world heritage values, and which is home to Australia’s best beach 2024.”
Members statement
Here’s what the Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath had to say during ‘Members’ Statement’s in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, February 6:
“We all know in Gippsland that Gippsland boasts some of the best beaches in the world, and indeed it is actually official, as Tourism Australia has found that beautiful Squeaky Beach is the best beach in Australia.
“It has pure white quartz sand that squeaks when we walk on it. It has got beautiful granite boulders that kiss the edge of the beach. It is a wonderful playground for families, with flora and fauna and of course the turquoise water and that foaming surf.
“It is just an enchanting place for locals, domestic tourists and international tourists. However, what is far less attractive is when tourists then visit the Tidal River information centre and see the ablution block that has sat there for 50 years and is decaying slowly. Unfortunately, the disabled toilet has the sign ‘Apologies. I’m out of order.’
“The toilet itself is archaic. It is not a good look and not a good reflection for people coming to our beautiful Wilsons Promontory.
“I know the state government two years ago spruiked some money on the table for improvement of infrastructure, but we are yet to see this. The wonderful rangers do the most amazing job, and I am sure that they are very frustrated by the state of this dilapidated facility. I call on the government to actually expedite those upgrades so that we can match our world-class facilities with the world-class beaches.”
