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No plans to replace McLoughlins Beach decommissioned toilets and jetty construction delayed by Allan Labor government

Labor government confirmed no plans to replace McLoughlins Beach's decommissioned toilets, with the jetty construction delayed. Nationals MP Danny O'Brien criticises the decision and highlights community complaints about inadequate facilities.

By news@gippsland - 3rd June 2024 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government has confirmed that there are no plans to replace the decommissioned public toilets at McLoughlins Beach while construction of the new jetty has been delayed yet again. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said it was wrong that the government does not intend to replace the toilets at the jetty, which were closed in 2021 due to the septic system not complying with EPA guidelines.

Despite funding announced in May 2022, the McLoughlins Beach Jetty project faces delays due to material delivery issues, postponing construction

Toilet closure concerns

Mr O'Brien said, "I have been writing to the respective Ministers who have held the Environment portfolio since the closure of the toilets to highlight the importance of these facilities to the community."

"Following the closure, I almost immediately began receiving emails - some with photo attachments - complaining of discarded toilet paper and faeces along the foreshore and around the vicinity of the closed facilities. It was clear then, and remains clear now, that the decision to close the toilets at the jetty was a terrible one," he said.

Toilets closure controversy

Mr O'Brien said that Parks Victoria previously tried to close the facilities as far back as 2014, with the belief that the shire-owned toilets some 600m away would be a suitable alternative. "Following the attempted closure in 2014, it quickly became apparent that this was not a suitable fix and it was agreed that the state-owned toilets would remain open until an alternative was found."

"Now some 10 years on the old rhetoric is being revisited. The jetty is a popular tourist destination and regrettably visitors are clearly not willing to travel more than half a kilometre to relieve themselves," he said.

Mr O'Brien also highlighted that despite a funding announcement for the new jetty in May 2022, works have been delayed with the Gippsland Ports website offering the following statement: "Gippsland Ports is currently experiencing delays with the delivery of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials for the McLoughlins Beach Jetty replacement project. Project construction will not commence in March 2024 as previously indicated to the community."

Labor delays projects

Mr O'Brien said this was another example of a delayed project under the Allan Labor government which has proven time and again that it is not capable of delivering projects on time. "Labor can't manage money, can't manage projects and it's Gippslanders who are suffering the consequences.

"McLoughlins Beach residents and the wider community rejoiced at the news of a new jetty, now two years on there is no jetty and no plans for new toilets. The Allan Labor government should be investing in the facilities at destinations like the McLoughlins Beach jetty, not limiting them," he said.

Pictures from Friends of McLoughlins Beach Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
  The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government.
• Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• East Gippsland Shire adopts fairer Raymond Island Ferry pass system, replacing portable passes with vehicle stickers from 2026/27
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Raymond Island Ferry portable passes with vehicle stickers by 2026/27, introducing fairer allocations for residents and tenants, with interim free pass improvements effective immediately.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Gippslanders stand united, condemning violence and supporting victims of the tragic Bondi Beach attack
  The Bondi Beach tragedy deeply saddens us. Gippslanders stand united, honoring victims, thanking brave responders, condemning violence, and calling for kindness, tolerance, and community support in the face of adversity.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Relax and float on calm waters at Mouth of Powlett River, a serene family-friendly beach escape
  Climb Mt Oberon in Wilsons Promontory for breathtaking 360-degree views of beaches, cliffs, islands, and Bass Strait, exploring nearby walks, wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic coastal treasures.