Two storey cabins for Shortland's Bluff

Queenscliff’s Shortland’s Bluff will house 10 two-storey eco-cabins, a government funding pitch has disclosed.

The Borough of Queenscliffe hopes to attract $4m from Canberra for the estimated $7.15m accommodation hub on the former Port of Melbourne site, at the base of the Queenscliff lighthouse.

The surprise revelation, contained in a Queenscliffe Council document outlining priority projects ahead of next year’s federal election, has shocked some residents including David Kenwood, who sat on the recent community reference group tasked last year with determining the site’s future.

“I sat through the entire lighthouse reserve committee forums and I didn’t realise that we were talking about two-storey eco-units on Shortland’s Bluff and I’m sure a lot of other people didn’t,” the former Councillor told November’s council meeting.

“I guess what makes it equally galling is that a majority of people only voted for landscaping, with no eco-units on that site and now to be told they are going to be two-storey is quite a surprise.

“I’m sure Mr CEO that it is news to a lot of people,” he said.

Borough CEO Lenny Jenner said the proposal, which will be pitched to Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson ahead of next year’s poll, was “consistent” with options included in a public discussion paper for the site.

“That was the subject of extensive public consultation and then concluded with council formally resolving to support that direction and formally asking officers to seek funding opportunities from state and federal government to achieve that outcome.

Above: the Queenscliff lighthouse could be the site of 10 two-storey eco-cabins, if the Borough of Queenscliff can secure government funding

The Borough is also seeking $2m in federal funding for the proposed Queenscliffe Community Hub project, incorporating a redeveloped museum, library and visitor information centre, is also identified as a pre-election priority project.

The Shortlands Bluff Activation Project incorporates the Queenscliff lighthouse reserve, fort and recreation precinct.

“[It] will drive new tourism visitation, strengthening Queenscliffe’s destination appeal and be a stimulus for new tourism product, investment and employment creation. Implementation will also lead to new services and products that will improve the liveability of the Borough,” the document states. ​