WONTHAGGI’S historic State Coal Mine will once again take visitors on a journey underground and into the past, thanks to a new round of State Government funding.
Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt was in town on Thursday, July 27 to announce a $1.5 million investment to restore the famous mine and reopen tours – offering visitors a glimpse of the industrial working conditions experienced by miners.
The funding will pay for vital maintenance and upgrade works on the track and carts that take visitors inside the mine, as well as support training for volunteers and Parks Victoria staff to safely operate the system.
“The Wonthaggi community has a long and proud connection to the State Coal Mine and I am delighted that we are making sure it remains a community treasure for years to come,” Minister Stitt said in Wonthaggi on Thursday.
“We are proud to support volunteers from Wonthaggi and the wider region that make the State Coal Mine the special place it is.”
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale, who put her reputation on the line at a ‘Save the State Coal Mine’ public meeting in Wonthaggi in March this year, was delighted.
“The State Coal Mine is a much-loved destination which transports visitors back to a unique period in the region's history,” Ms Crugnale said.
“These upgrades will help to further drive Gippsland's already fantastic tourism offering."
The restoration work will allow people of all ages to experience the only historic coal mine in the Southern Hemisphere, which has become a much-loved attraction for Wonthaggi and South Gippsland.
The tourist attraction is also home to a museum which recounts stories from when mine was operating, along with a 3D model of the mine and settlement town for visitors to explore.
Operating from 1909 until 1968, the State Coal Mine produced almost 17 million tonnes of coal for Victoria's industries and railways.
Walking tours at the mine began in 1982, welcoming over 10,000 visitors per year, until equipment failures halted underground access in 2020.
Member of the volunteer group, Friends of the State Coal Mine, Sheila Ormerod, paid tribute to the ‘Friends’ and the people of Wonthaggi and district for coming out in such numbers to support the mine, and the reopening of the café and underground tours.
“There’s no doubt the number of people who turned out on that terrible night at the Workmen’s Club and showed their support afterwards turned the table here.
“And we understand that Parks Victoria will soon be in a position to announce a new operator for the café as well,” Mrs Ormerod said.