State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has demanded answers from the State Government over unexplained delays to the Mallacoota Ambulance Station rebuild, warning the project risks becoming another example of a promised regional infrastructure project left sitting idle.
He said despite funding being announced and planning approval secured in 2023 and then approved in a VCAT appeal in 2025, there has been no sign of construction commencing on the much-needed replacement station.
“I raised the issue directly with the Minister in State Parliament weeks ago, explaining the community deserves an explanation, but have not had the courtesy of a response, which makes it even more bewildering,” Mr Bull said.
“At some point, the Government needs to explain what is holding this project up and where the money has gone. There are whispers the funds have been reallocated, but whatever has happened we need some openness.”
Mr Bull said local residents and paramedics were increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress and communication.
“People can accept delays if there is a genuine reason and if they are kept informed, but right now the community is hearing very little and seeing even less,” he said.
“And this is a government with a poor track record. It promised a big native tree nursery in Nowa Nowa that never happened, it promised the Marlo-Conran bike path that never happened and it promised a massive electric car manufacturing plant for the Latrobe Valley that never happened – and this is without mentioning the Commonwealth Games.
“Let’s hope this project is not added to that increasing list of broken promises,” he said.
