The Andrews Labor Government has left Docklands a ghost town after the decision to close Central Pier indefinitely due to safety issues nearly three years ago.
Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) hearings today revealed Labor has failed to increase funding to repair Central Pier allowing it to rot, along with the small businesses and jobs in the area that feed off it.
The Docklands precinct has been one of the hardest-hit from lockdowns with reports that foot traffic has been sitting at less than 40 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
After two years of pain caused by extended lockdowns and border closures, Labor has continued to wipe its hands of all responsibility in supporting small business operators to recover and rebuild.
In December, a report by SGS Economics and Planning found the closure of Central Pier will cost central Melbourne’s economy up to $865 million and 1500 jobs by 2024.
Shadow Minister for Business Precincts, David Southwick said Labor’s handling of Central Pier has been a complete shambles.
“Small businesses in the Docklands precinct have been left behind by Daniel Andrews and the last thing they need is to be burdened further.
“The Andrews Labor Government must explain to the Victorians whose jobs were lost why it has done nothing to repair or replace Central Pier.
“Only a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will back small businesses to recover, rebuild and grow for the future.”
