The Nationals’ Melina Bath has called on the Allan Labor Government in state parliament to adopt a safety plan for San Remo Jetty to address public and workplace risks.
The plan proposed by the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-operative (Co-op) 12 months ago, seeks to manage identified risks on the shared use facility as visitation continues to grow.
Ms Bath who is also Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Public Land Use told parliament, the San Remo Jetty required improved traffic management and safety upgrades.
“One year ago, the Co-op proactively wrote to Parks Victoria with its plan to improve safety, yet there’s been no action from the state government.
“With the closure of the nearby Newhaven Jetty in May, more land-based anglers have migrated to the San Remo Jetty.”
Ms Bath said the San Remo Jetty is a busy shared space supporting commercial fishing, recreational boaters, ferries, wildlife cruises, land based anglers, swimmers and sightseers.
“The Co-op even offered to fund the upgrades to improve safety for the public and its fishing fleet.
“With summer just around the corner, the areas summer population will swell from 12,000 residents to 60,000.
“WorkSafe recently raised safety issues with all marina businesses, reminding operators of their obligations under the OH&S Act.
“This jetty is integral to the region’s fishing industry; I commend the Co-op’s 30 members for their support of locals and tourists.
“As the town’s largest employer, the Co-op’s request to improve and pay for safety measures, should not be ignored by Labor.
“I am calling on the Minister for Ports to intervene and give the San Remo Fisherman’s Co-operative plan the green light by the start of summer before there is a serious incident.”
