By Andrew Paloczi
FRIENDS of Coal Creek (FOCC) is calling for revitalisation of the tourist attraction, which would entail restoration, maintenance of the facility and an increase in activities there, advising South Gippsland Shire Council that closing the park would make no economic sense.
The group also called on council to step aside as the manager of the facility and for the introduction of a management structure comparable to the Sovereign Hill Museums Association, a not-for-profit community-based organisation.
The association is controlled by a Board elected by members and serving in a voluntary capacity.
Revitalisation, New Direction, or Closure were the three options proposed in council’s Coal Creek Discussion Paper.
“Coal Creek is part of the fabric of the community and its roots go deep into the foundation of who we are as South Gippslanders,” FOCC declared in its submission to council in response to the discussion paper.
The volunteer organisation that has been supporting Coal Creek over the last 25 years addressed all three options put forward in the discussion paper and provided ideas on how the park can continue in a sustainable and beneficial manner.
It pointed to the post-pandemic improvements over the last 18 months as evidence revitalisation is a practical option, praising the current park management for its improvements to facilities and maintenance and its reintroduction of events at Coal Creek.
Prior to preparing its submission, FOCC considered the feedback it received from respondents to its 2022 community survey, as well as views expressed at its February 2024 public meeting at Coal Creek.
Approximately 240 people completed the survey offering their thoughts on the importance of Coal Creek and what will attract visitors to the park, with people’s opinions guiding the organisation’s response.
FOCC doesn’t quibble with the need for change, saying technology and expanded offerings must be embraced to make the park viable, and that the attraction currently fails to deliver an experience reflecting the history of the local coal mining era in the early 1900s.
Opening more buildings, creating interactive displays and demonstrations of ‘lost’ trades are ideas put forward, the latter including wheelwrights, printing, blacksmiths, weaving and spinning.
Featuring the mining of black coal and providing a simulated mine experience are identified as vital, as is getting the narrow-gauge tramway operational.
A new entrance building with welcome desk, café, souvenir shop, information centre, rest rooms and theatre room is proposed, with promotion of what Coal Creek and South Gippsland as a whole have to offer.
FOCC suggests modifying the current front entrance to Coal Creek to become a permanent gallery space with its own facilities.
Improved accessibility throughout the park is called for, along with sealing of the front carpark.
FOCC is looking into funding an e-Cart to transport people around the park, which would accommodate wheelchairs, walking frames and prams.
Better signage and a path linking Coal Creek to the Great Southern Rail Trail at Korumburra Railway Station are other suggestions, along with additional and well-promoted events.
The need for an entry fee is also highlighted, with charges for tramway rides, trade lessons and guided tours other income-generating ideas to fund the park.
FOCC points to council’s discussion paper as evidence that it would cost millions of dollars and years of work to close Coal Creek, potentially to end up with something of little value to the community or other commercial activity.
“The economic flow on from visitors coming to Coal Creek would vanish and not be replaced,” it is stated.
It is also pointed out that council would still need to maintain the area should the park close.
FOCC argues Coal Creek has the potential to be an economic driver attracting tourists to come to South Gippsland for food, wine and cultural experiences.
The attraction’s connection to South Gippsland families over multiple generations and the important role coal mining played in the growth and industrialisation of Victoria are further reasons to keep the park and its museum operational, the organisation says.
Regarding the New Direction option, FOCC stated that it was difficult to review due to a lack of clarity provided regarding the effect a new direction would have on the existing historic park.
While the organisation believes New Direction is likely to be a costlier choice than Revitalisation, it sees potential for a mixture of the two.
That is provided the New Direction elements don’t detract from the historical focus of the park, are complementary to it, are based on long-term financially sustainable activities and contribute financially to the existing park, and benefit all of South Gippsland.
Potential suitable new directions identified relate to accommodation, educational facilities, event and concert facilities, and Coal Creek park management.
Insufficient current short-term accommodation for visitors creates the potential for a caravan park at the under-utilised eastern end of the park, with the idea of purchasing and upgrading the Coal
Creek Motel to give it a high-quality resort style vibe also proposed.
FOCC sees potential to create school camp accommodation.
Establishing a link with a TAFE college and creating a training facility teaching valuable skills that can be used in the region and that complements the work of Korumburra’s existing training centre is considered of interest.
A permanent stage and concert set up could build on the success of recent community entertainment events held at Coal Creek, with the idea of a “mini music bowl” concept suggested.
In regards to a new direction for management of the park, FOCC is unequivocal in its view that council shouldn’t be involved in the daily running of Coal Creek.
“The mechanisms and reporting structures required to run a shire are different to those required to run a tourist and entertainment destination,” the group said.
It called for the focus to shift to being about the delivery of an experience for visitors rather than centred on achieving the cheapest cost.
