Jetty’s future still swinging

THE fight to save the Lang Lang Jetty is hotting up, with the jetty’s future being raised in State Parliament last week and community representatives and politicians meeting with Parks Victoria to discuss the jetty’s future.
The jetty has fallen into disrepair and has been closed to the public for more than two years.
Jack Dyt, spokesman for the Save the Lang Lang Jetty Campaign, which is supported by the Lang Foreshore Committee, said Parks Victoria representatives attended a meeting with campaign representatives and local politicians last Friday in Lang Lang.
Political representation at the meeting included legislative council members for Eastern Victoria Peter Hall and Johan Scheffer, Cardinia Shire councillor Doug Hamilton and a representative from Bass Coast Shire Council.
Mr Dyt said a request was made to Parks Victoria, who are responsible for the jetty, to leave the jetty standing until further efforts could be made to apply for funding for its restoration.
Mr Dyt said funding options had been discussed, including applying to the State Government Community Support Fund. It is estimated $300,000 would be needed to restore the jetty.
Mr Dyt said the funding matter was more complicated as the jetty sits on the border of two local government areas but councillors from both were present at the meeting and expressed a willingness to help with possible funding applications.
Bass MP Ken Smith called on the State Government in Parliament last Wednesday to use funding from the Recreational Fishing Licence Fund and Boating Safety and Facilities program to pay for repairs to the jetty.
Mr Smith said the 70yearold jetty had been a large part of recreational fishing in Lang Lang, especially for Lang Lang caravan park residents and local families.
The State Government decided last year to have the jetty dismantled due to its poor condition, the high cost of repairs and its limited availability to boaters throughout the year due to tidal variations. Parks Victoria carried out consultation with stakeholders prior to making the decision.