Harbour pledges stingray consultation

The Queenscliff Harbour has pledged undertake extensive community consultations in relation to its proposed stingray feeding auditorium, as required under the Coastal Management Act.

In a press release issued today (Wednesday January 6), Harbour Manager Sean Blackwood said the consultation would involve “experts on a range of topics including planning, cultural heritage, traffic management, coastal management and animal welfare.

“Queenscliff Harbour is committed to listening to the community and will stage a consultation process that will allow a number of opportunities for the community to provide comment about the project,” he said.

“The Fishermans Wharf rejuvenation project will be an exciting development for Queenscliff. It will see the redevelopment of the unsafe and dilapidated wharf and involve the transformation of the tired old slipway into a modern eco-tourism facility.” 

The Borough of Queenscliffe has received upwards of 50 formal public submissions since the harbour’s planning application was formally lodged in November. 

The Rip understands most submissions express opposition to the proposal, which includes demolition of the historic Cayzer slipway and existing fishing sheds at Fisherman’s wharf and construction of a stingray auditorium and outdoor movie screen.

An online petition at Change.org is closing in on 500 signatures. 
Community groups are understood to be meeting with Environment Minister Lisa Neville this Friday to discuss their concerns. 

​Dates for the community consultation program will be published on the Queenscliff Harbour website and in the local newspapers in coming weeks.