The Allan Labor Government has again been called out in State Parliament for its failure to properly plan and deliver major regional projects, with years of delays plaguing the long-promised Wilsons Promontory sanctuary.
Speaking in Parliament, The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, called for work to begin on the Wilsons Promontory revitalisation project that was announced more than five years ago.
“The revitalisation of Wilsons Prom, including the proposed 10-kilometre fence across the Yanakie Isthmus, was announced in November 2020,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Here we are in 2026 and construction has not even begun. That is simply not good enough.”
Mr O’Brien said The Nationals and Liberals committed to the project well before Labor adopted it and local communities had every right to expect action, not excuses.
“This project has been talked about for years. Tenders have reportedly gone out, contracts are said to be ready, and yet the most recent advice still suggests work might begin sometime this year.
“Gippslanders are sick of announcements that go nowhere and projects that drift year after year without proper oversight or delivery.”
The Wilsons Promontory project aims to create a protected biosphere by fencing the narrow Yanakie Isthmus, allowing for the long-term removal of pest animals and better protection of native wildlife and vegetation across the Prom’s 50,000 hectares.
Mr O’Brien acknowledged some community scepticism but said the core issue was Labor’s inability to get projects moving.
“Whether people support or question this project, what they cannot accept is a government that repeatedly fails to manage and deliver what it promises.
“I am calling on the Minister to stop delaying and start work on the Wilsons Prom sanctuary immediately as well as ensure it is completed without further blowouts.
“Gippsland deserve delivery, not endless delays.”