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Melina Bath slams Labor government over five-year Sealers Cove boardwalk repair delays and tourism mismanagementMelina Bath criticises Allan government for mismanaging Sealers Cove boardwalk repairs, leaving it closed five years, harming Wilsons Promontory tourism and local businesses, highlighting broken promises and neglect of public assets. By news@gippsland - 15th October 2025 - Back to News The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath has criticised the Allan Government for its mismanagement of repairs to the Sealers Cove boardwalk, describing the delays as "disgraceful". Labor said the repairs were a priority in 2021 and even committed to multiple reopening dates - none of which have been met, finally we learn a contractor has been appointed. By the time the boardwalk reopens in 2026, it will have been closed for five years," said Ms Bath. 
Labor’s mismanagement leaves the internationally renowned boardwalk closed five years, failing to maintain public assets and repeatedly missing promised reopening dates Ms Bath who is also Shadow Minister for Public Land Management said the prolonged closure of Sealers Cove Boardwalk reflects the Allan government’s inability to maintain public assets on public land. "Keeping infrastructure in good order allows visitors to connect with nature - which is a fundamental purpose of Parks Victoria. Yet the Allan Government is not maintaining a repair and upgrade schedule for Parks Victoria assets, instead allowing them to decay." Prom infrastructure neglectMs Bath said Wilsons Promontory is a vital contributor to Victoria’s visitor economy, attracting tourists and supporting regional businesses. Labor’s neglect of national park infrastructure has far reaching consequences beyond the diminished amenity and visitor experience - it directly impacts small businesses in nearby towns that depend on tourism for their livelihood." "The government must prioritise repairs and maintenance of boardwalks, bridges, jetties, accommodation and amenities to support regional visitation all year round. Wilsons Promontory is an internationally renowned destination and it’s embarrassing that its facilities have been left to languish." "The Allan Government said in 2022 it was revitalising tourism at Wilsons Promontory under its Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, but clearly this was all spin. Labor’s financial mismanagement is evident, and the gap between its promises and actions are staggering," said Ms Bath. Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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