THE café at the State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi has been closed since the Australia Day long weekend and the underground mine tours haven’t operated since the start of the COVID pandemic.

But finally, after upwards of 300 people turned out at a public meeting on a cold, rainy night in March, local MP Jordan Crugnale among them, there finally seems to be a bit of movement at the mine.

“Four of us met with District Manager at Parks Victoria, Victoria Purdue, two weeks ago, which would have been Friday, May 12, and we came away from that meeting a lot more positive about what was happening,” said Friends of the State Coal Mine member Sheila Omerod.

At the meeting were Friends president Steve Harrop, and members John Duscher, Frank Angarane and Mrs Omerod.

“Victoria said they were presently drawing up a lease for the café which would be advertised within two weeks, and they would be going ahead to appoint someone.

“They’ve also appointed a Parks Victoria officer from Wilsons Prom to oversea the State Coal Mine as well, and to be our local contact.

“So, we’re looking forward to having someone appointed to run the café but the underground mine tours will take a bit more work.”

Mrs Omerod said the report from Ms Purdue Parks was that the skip vehicle used to take visitors down the mine was being returned to Wonthaggi, by container, and while the skip didn’t require much work, it was the tracks, down to the mine, which were the problem.

“There’s apparently been some movement down there with the tracks that will need to be attended to, which could take time,” Ms Omerod said.

“But we came away from the meeting a lot more positive that something was happening, that the café might soon be open and that we’ve at least got someone at Parks Victoria we can make contact with.

“We’ll be looking out for the café tender to be advertised now, as promised,” she said.

Meanwhile, the State Coal Mine is open at Wonthaggi from 10am until 4pm daily and is well worth a visit with its well-maintained grounds and plenty of historic interest. Entry is free.