THE Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath and the Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale are at loggerheads over the future of the Newhaven Jetty and some allegedly “callous” remarks directed at the owner of jetty restaurant Saltwater, Ben Dennis.

According to Ms Bath, Labor needs to issue an apology to Mr Dennis for “an appalling lack of respect” revealed in freedom of information documents in which the Office of the Minister for Ports and

Freight, Hon Melissa Horne instructed Parks Victoria officials “not have any substantive contact” with Mr Dennis, after he wrote to the Minister and the Member for Bass.

“The callous lack of regard and courtesy shown to Mr Dennis is evidence of a government mired in debt, wilfully ignoring its responsibilities,” said Ms Bath.

“After getting the green light from government and investing his life savings to develop a restaurant abutting the jetty, you can understand Mr Dennis’ despair and frustration over its sudden closure.

“The newly released document is further proof Labor doesn’t care about small businesses, tourism or the wider Bass Coast community,” she said.

Contacted for comment, the Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale, has accused Ms Bath of taking the remarks out of context.

While Ms Crugnale acknowledged that the sudden closure of the Jetty caught people by surprise, the intention had always been to be upfront about the condition of the jetty and its prospects for replacement.

“The jetty is a cherished and utilised asset for the local and visitor community. It was important to be upfront, that the closure was indefinite, that I would be working to get it prioritised under the Local

Ports Strategic Framework and do my utmost by making representations to government and the minister for future funding investment,” Ms Crugnale stated. 

“Melina Bath is misrepresenting the facts for her own political gain but it’s not surprising – her instinct is always to put her self-interests ahead of the community.

“I’ve been advocating for the Newhaven Jetty for some time and organised a meeting between the owner of Saltwater Phillip Island and Parks Victoria to discuss the future of Newhaven Jetty.

“My understanding is a full replacement is around $13 million to $15 million which is much higher than other jetties given a number of factors including the tidal movements of Western Port. 

“We need to work with the local community and see what design options can be explored, what activities people really want to see happen, bring into the conversation Better Boating Victoria as that amount of funding in this climate is a challenge. 

“My job is and has been to make representations direct to government and the Minister to prioritise the Newhaven Jetty under the Sustainable Local Ports Framework for future investment and am pleased that it continues to be.”

Addressing concerns raised around ‘substantive contact’ with Mr Dennis, Ms Crugnale explained that after organising a meeting between Mr Dennis and Parks Victoria, following up, and reporting back, she became the point of contact.

“I became his contact point and advocate with a direct line to the Minister and her office. This happens when the local MP gets involved. 

“I get in there and do my job, because I am fortunate to be a member of the government, be at the table and have a direct line.

“Newhaven Jetty plays an important role for and is much loved by our local and visitor community.

“My father always said to do the research, fight with the facts, give credit where it is due, admit when you are wrong and work hard to give back, support and better your community.”

Owner of Saltwater Phillip Island, Ben Dennis, is understandably frustrated.

“Our venue, cherished for weddings, functions, and community gatherings, relies heavily on the jetty’s aesthetics and accessibility as a key drawcard,” Ben explained.

“Since the partial closure in 2018 and now its complete shutdown, with locked gates barring entry, we have experienced a sharp decline in bookings, particularly for weddings where the jetty is central to the experience. This has led to significant financial losses and stunted future growth.”

According to Mr Dennis, Parks Victoria’s handling of the issue has been unsatisfactory.

“Announcing the closure via email only the night before, with no prior consultation or on-site meeting, was both disrespectful and disgraceful. Had I been aware of their plans, I would never have committed to a 21-year lease, nor invested my life savings and substantial loans into this business and government asset. Bass Coast Shire’s lack of proactive support has only worsened the situation, leaving our family business to bear the brunt of this mismanagement.

“Beyond the impact on my business, I witness firsthand the disappointment of recreational fishermen who arrive at Newhaven Jetty daily, unaware of its closure, only to find locked gates. With few safe alternatives, they are left to risk dangerous coastal rock fishing instead. This closure also compounds the lack of public facilities, such as pools, skate parks, and playgrounds, further reducing

Phillip Island’s appeal for locals and tourists alike.”

To June 30, 2024, Phillip Island and Bass Coast have witnessed a 23 per cent jump in visitors from 2023, with a spend of $285 million (up 70 per cent on 2023). A spokesperson from Destination

Phillip Island said: “As per the Phillip Island and San Remo Destination Management Plan 2033, marine infrastructure investment is extremely important to support experiences and our DNA on the

Island and in San Remo. The jetties provide engaging visitor and community experiences and should be prioritised for the region. People get to enjoy the outlook, the fishing, boating and opportunities to join tourism charters.”

Mr Dennis has had no other option but to seek legal advice to address the damage caused.

“This is not just about our business. The jetty’s closure impacts the vibrancy and economic health of Newhaven and San Remo. Parks Victoria and Bass Coast Shire must act urgently to resolve this issue and provide meaningful support.

“The Newhaven Jetty is more than a structure, it is a community icon. Its closure represents a loss of identity and opportunity. We call on the responsible authorities to address this matter transparently and without delay.”

Ms Bath has called on Labor to issue an apology to Ben in state parliament following the release of a wad of Freedom of Information documents.

Mr Dennis isn’t the only person concerned with Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating Network leader, Amanda Keilar, also spearheading the campaign to get Newhaven Jetty reopened.

“One of my biggest concerns is the lack of dedicated accessible land-based fishing platforms in our area. Not everybody can fish from a beach or a boat. Newhaven Jetty was always a popular angling platform, as a myriad of species could be caught casting into the nearby channel,” Ms Keilar said.

“It only needed to be able to withstand pedestrian traffic not commercial. It was perfect for people to stretch out, relax and spend their time fishing. There’s not a day that there weren’t people fishing off Newhaven Jetty.”

San Remo Jetty is now taking this added pressure with significant concerns raised in recent weeks about the volatile nature of mixed-use.

“San Remo Jetty now has all the added pressure of all those anglers that would normally go to Newhaven.

“Working on my ladies’ fishing charters and also at the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-Op, I witness how crazy busy San Remo Jetty gets every time we have a warm day and that’s not even in school holidays. It’s a hectic mix with fishers, tourists having a walk, the wildlife cruises boat, the jet boat, recreational boats tying up to the floating pontoon and, of course, all the commercial boats. Throw kids jetty jumping and swimming in and it’s a pretty volatile mix!”

She’s concerned, like many residents and fishers of Newhaven Jetty, that now it’s closed it will simply be forgotten.