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The Brumby Labor Government has been challenged by Inga Peulich, State Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Communities to finish the job at Mordialloc Creek.

Speaking in State Parliament, Ms Peulich said the disaggregation of policy over the past 11 years has meant that Mordialloc Creek has become very dangerous for boat users.

“The Mordialloc Creek, which should be the pride of the bay, yet has been left to rot from 11 years of State Labor in Victoria,” Ms Peulich said.

“Mordialloc Creek is suffering from significant neglect, deterioration and the absolute unwillingness of Tim Holding, the Minister for Water to come to the communities’ aid and honour his obligation to look after our waterways.”

“One of the problems is that policy is disaggregated. The Minister for Water has responsibility for the waterways; Parks Victoria for the sides; Marine Safety Victoria, under the Minister for Roads and Ports, for safety, and Kingston Council,” Ms Peulich said.

“At the moment there is less than half a metre depth available and boaties are blogging, advising other boaties not to go to the iconic creek because it is dangerous.”

“Roads Minister Tim Pallas, Carrum MP Jenny Lindell and Mordialloc MP Janice Munt were more than keen to cut the ribbon and be photographed at the recent renaming of the bridge yet have been AWOL when the hard work to fix the creek was required,” Ms Peulich said.

“It is a shame that the two local members have failed to do anything about this for 10 years.”

Ms Peulich invited Minister Pallas back to Mordialloc to attend the community rally at Mordialloc Creek on Saturday between 11am and 12pm.

“The Minister should come back and finish the job. Forget about the ribbons, bring the chequebook, fix the creek and make it a good day for the attendees at the rally,” Ms Peulich said.

“$7.5 to $8 million is required merely to make the stretch of Mordialloc Creek safe from its mouth to the railway line.”

“When the Brumby Government is happy to write a $20 million cheque for fairy lights on the West Gate Bridge, you have to wonder where the Labor Governments priority stands,” Ms Peulich said.