The Pillars Mt Martha: death warning if government fails to act
IT’S only a matter of time before a thrillseeker dies jumping from a notorious unfenced Mornington Peninsula clifftop, a local MP has warned.
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IT’S only a matter of time before a thrillseeker dies jumping from a notorious unfenced Mornington Peninsula clifftop, a local MP has warned.
Tragedy will strike at the notorious Pillars dive spot unless action is taken to fence it off, Mornington Liberal MP David Morris said.
Mr Morris accused the State Government of ignoring the problem.
“We need to get representatives of the council, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, VicRoads, police and representatives of local emergency services, around a table and hammer out a solution,” he said.
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“If the government had provided leadership the problem could have been fixed in 2016, only a few months after it emerged.
“Unfortunately they’ve refused to become involved and the situation continues to fester.
“If we don’t get some action soon someone will be killed.”
The dire prediction came as the State Government refused to comment on the council’s request for the Mt Martha site to be fenced off.
The government has repeatedly refused to respond to the Leader’s request to state its position on the issue.
The Pillars — a social media hotspot where thrillseekers jump from the cliffs into the bay — draws hundreds of visitors daily during warmer weather.
The Leader reported in January thrillseekers were continuing to ignore warning signs about the dangers of climbing the cliffs and flouting an alcohol ban.
They were also undeterred by regular patrols by shire and police officers.
Locals have complained about broken glass, vandalism fighting and aggressive behaviour after social media led to an influx of thrillseekers.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council recently voted unanimously to shut down and fence off the site following legal advice which raised serious liability questions for the council — and ultimately ratepayers.
Mr Morris said locals had had enough of the situation and wanted action.
“Aside from the risk to participants, there are of course significant amenity issues, which the local residents should not have to put up with,” he said.
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