COOLART Homestead has been closed indefinitely as the Parks Victoria rangers that manage the site take industrial action.
The main gates were closed and locked on Friday (28 August), with rangers stating they will remain closed until their dispute is resolved.
Across Parks Victoria, rangers and operational staff have been engaged in a long-running industrial dispute concerning pay, classification and recognition of the work they undertake.
The Australian Workers’ Union has said the dispute follows more than 12 months of negotiations seeking greater recognition of the skilled and demanding work performed by frontline Parks Victoria staff.
Friends of Coolart, the volunteer organisation that works alongside park rangers managing the site, have expressed support for the rangers in their efforts to secure fair and appropriate working conditions.
“This is an extremely disappointing and frustrating situation,” said Marnee Wills from Friends of Coolart.
“Coolart is an important community asset, attracting visitors from across the Mornington Peninsula and beyond, and the closure will have a significant impact on visitors, volunteers, community groups, events and the many people who rely on the property as a place to connect with nature and history.
“While we are deeply concerned about the consequences of the closure, Friends of Coolart wants to make one thing very clear: our frustration is not directed at our Coolart rangers.
“Our rangers are an essential part of Coolart. They care for the property, protect its natural and cultural values, respond to issues as they arise and help ensure that this special place remains safe, accessible and well cared for.
“Friends of Coolart believes that good parks depend on good rangers, and that the skills, knowledge and commitment of those who work on the ground need to be properly recognised and valued.
“We therefore support our rangers in their efforts to secure fair and appropriate working conditions.”
Wills told The News Friends of Coolart volunteers work tirelessly alongside Parks Victoria to welcome visitors, operate the shop, conduct tours, organise exhibitions and events, care for the gardens and help promote and protect the extraordinary heritage and environmental values of this property.
An indefinite closure means that much of this work must stop.
“We believe that the government needs to find a way forward – one that properly recognises and supports Parks Victoria’s rangers while also ensuring that Victoria’s parks remain open and available to the public,” said Wills.
“We are asking our community to speak up.
“Friends of Coolart is asking supporters and members of the community to contact their local member of parliament and the Minister responsible for industrial relations and the environment.”
While pedestrian access to the property will still be available, visitors should be aware that the Information Centre, Historic Homestead, Friends of Coolart shop and Observatory will all be closed and unstaffed until further notice.
First published in the Mornington News – 1 September 2026
