The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse reserve has edged closer to a national heritage listing, with the Victorian Heritage Council (VCH) pushing for stricter controls to protect its maritime and Defence assets. 

The lighthouse iitself is currently the only protected building on the site, having been included on the Register of Government Buildings in 1982. 

VCH Executive Director Steven Avery has formally recommended that registration be amended to also include other significant buildings and features - including the fog horn and rocket sheds, searchlight emplacement and Buckley’s Cave - as well as the site’s cultural assets. 

“It is proposed the name is changed from ‘Point Lonsdale Lighthouse’ to the ‘Point Lonsdale Maritime and Defence Precinct’ to better reflect the significance of the place,” Mr Avery's recommendation said. 
“It is proposed the existing permit exemptions are revised to provide clarity around works that can be carried out without the need for a permit application to Heritage Victoria.”

In detailing the case for a stronger classification, Mr Avery said the precinct was historically significant for the strategic role it has played in maritime navigation and rescues since the 1950’s. 

“The establishment of maritime navigational aids at Point Lonsdale was key in assisting the safe passage of vessels from Bass Strait into Port Phillip Bay. Safe passage through this stretch of water was important in the development of Melbourne as a major port.

The Point Lonsdale Maritime and Defence Precinct is also historically significant for its role in maritime rescue and its connections to the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred off its coast.”
He said the reserve was also important because of its connections to world wars one and two and through its ties to William Buckley.

“Buckley’s Cave is significant as it is widely believed that William Buckley sheltered here. Buckley was an absconder from the 1803 camp at Sullivan Cove near Sorrento. He is a key figure in early contact between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people around Port Phillip Bay.”

The recommendation follows a VCH decision earlier this year to add Queenscliff’s Shortland’s Bluff to the Victorian Heritage Register, protecting that headland’s historical assets from inappropriate development. 

It means the Borough of Queenscliffe must now seek Heritage Victoria approval before actioning any projects on either site. 

Mayor, Bob Merriman welcomed the new controls and said they would not impact current Council plans for the reserve, including the removal of two P1 Defence huts and re-purposing of the remaining two.  
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“The Borough of Queenscliffe has been working closely with the Victorian Heritage Council to ensure the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve gets the heritage recognition it deserves. This recommendation is an important milestone that will allow improvements of the site to move forward,” he said

Fishermen will pocket upwards of $200 annually in savings, after the Queenscliffe Council agreed to scrap parking and launch fees at the local boat ramp.

The Council has announced the fees will be removed immediately, after striking an undisclosed deal with the State Government to compensate for tens of thousands of dollars in lost earnings. 

The move follows a recent Facebook campaign, created by local fisherman John Joubert, to shame the Council into changing its mind. 

Queenscliffe was one of just two Councils in the state refusing to scrap the fees - defying a  government election commitment to upgrade amenities and make all recreational berthing free. 

"[A] big thanks to all who got behind our little fight, l just wonder if this would have happened if nobody raised a fuss," Mr Joubert posted. 

"Given the the land was bequest to the council from VicRail as crown land and all revenue was to be spent on maintenance and improvements, none of which is apart from employing a [toilet] cleaner and a bylaws officer, then you can probably understand why users at Queenscliff feel totally ripped off.”

However the Council said it had been negotiating with the government behind the scenes for several months. 

“Fee-free boating will make a day out on the water more accessible for everyone,” said Mayor Bob Merriman. “That’s why Council has been working closely with the Victorian Government on removing these fees.”

The Council hopes the move will deliver a spike in recreational boating tourism. “The Borough of Queenscliffe is the best place in the state to go boating and fishing. With no fees being charged for parking at the Queenscliff Boat Ramp, there’s never been a better time to visit our community for a day on the  water,” said Cr Merriman.

The Queenscliff ramp is one of the most popular on the Bellarine. Removal of the fees will save boat owners as much as $202 annually or $129 for residents, and parking fees of $12 a day. Council has estimated it could, however, cost as much as $1.25 million in lost revenue over the next 10 years. 
Under the new agreement, amenities at the ramp will also be upgraded. 

The government promised to abolish fees statewide in the lead up to November’s state election and committed to returning every cent of marine licensing and boat registration fees to improving boating safety and facilities through the establishment of a Better Boating fund.
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“We’ve listened to boaters and are delivering on our commitment to scrap parking and launching fees – making it cheaper and easier more for more Victorians to get involved in recreational boating and fishing,” said Fishing and Boating Minister Jaala Pulford.

The State Government has been asked to undertake urgent new investigations to determine the scale and cause of erosion at Queenscliff’s Dog Beach, with photos detailing significant changes to the landscape.

Aerial shots, taken in the wake of recent storm surges by local photographer Lester Hunt, show dramatic movement of sand away from the beach and significant undermining of the primary back beach dune. 

The Point Lonsdale Civic Association (PLCA) has written to Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) requesting answers and calling for a monitoring program to be established to accurately evaluate the changes. 

“The unprotected dune system in Lonsdale Bay has recently experienced undercutting and severe slippage resulting in much of the adjoining headland disappearing, the cliff face retreating and woodland trees collapsing towards the beach,” the Association said. 

“[We are] unsure if this latest erosion is due to rising sea levels resulting from changing weather patterns and climate change or recent channel deepening at Port Phillip heads or a combination of both. 

“We appreciate this part of the coastline is very dynamic with sand coming and going on a regular basic, however these recent impacts are alarming when you consider the entire dune, woodland and foreshore reserve forms ‘The Narrows', a relatively narrow strip of land leading into the township of Queenscliff.”

The area of beach, also referred to as a terminal scour, has long been a cause of concern. 

Previous efforts to halt erosion have included installation of matting on the dune, extensive replanting and fencing. 

A Queenscliffe Council spokesperson said the Borough would continue to work with the state government to find solutions for erosion along the entire coastline. 

“Council is continuing to work with DELWP to plan for and secure funding for erosion mitigation works across the Borough," he said. "A tender process is currently under way to build additional groynes along the Point Lonsdale foreshore to help retain sand on this beach.

“Council is also preparing a Coastal Management Plan, which was funded in this year’s budget. This plan will comprehensively review the Borough’s coastline and strategically plan to address challenges associated with rising sea levels and coastal erosion,” he said.

NETBALL - Queenscliff junior netballers have dominated at the BFNL Best and Fairest vote count, with players featuring among the awards in almost every grade. 

Kaitlin Gladman, Amelia Bakker and Eden Henderson-Craig all walked away from the August 27 event with winner's trophies in U/19, U/17 and U/13 grades. 

For Gladman it was a case of three straight wins, having also won best player in the past two seasons. She polled 34 votes - nine clear of her nearest rival.

Bakker narrowly missed taking out back-to-back wins in the U/15 Division 1 count, finishing in second place, but clinched the U/17 division 2 award, just ahead of team mate Grace Butler. 

Henderson-Craig won the U/13 division 1 count with 31 votes - six clear of her nearest rival. 
Another six girls finished in the top 10 of their divisions. 
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The Queenscliff Netball Club also won the Team of the Year in the BFNL's Spirit of Sport award.

The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club’s youngest ever president hopes his appointment encourages other young people in the community to step up to positions of responsibility. 

Twenty-four year old Charlie Pitney was elected to the position at last month’s Annual General Meeting, replacing Mathew Ponsford, who stood down after four years in the role. 

Mr Pitney takes over at what he describes as an “exciting” time, with work set to start as early as this month on a new $ 5 million clubhouse. 

“I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a very last minute and somewhat reluctant decision knowing the massive amount of work involved with being president of such a large volunteer organisation,” he said. “Having said that though, I have come to realise what an exciting time it is to be involved and that I will learn so much in this position.

“I am really excited about what lies ahead for the next couple of seasons. A number of older members have commented that it is exciting to have a number of young people taking the reins as we move ahead to our new clubhouse project as we are building the new clubhouse for the young members so us young members should have a say in the final product.

Pitney’s 16 year involvement with the club includes stints as club and vice club captain. More recently he chaired a group reviewing the club’s constitution. He also boasts a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Law. 

That combination of youth and experience he hopes will help ensure a strong future. 

In particular Mr Pitney says he is keen to lift community engagement, bolster membership and participation, develop new community outreach programs and raise the club’s profile through events, conference and training and development programs. 

He also wants to expand the reach of the club’s Nippers program, by introducing more “off-peak” activities. 

“I have three main passions that I hope to deliver through my presidency - firstly, keeping our beaches safe, secondly, helping young people to realise their potential and finally creating and fostering a strong sense of community around the club," he said.
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 In my term as Club Captain, I harnessed these passions and my energy to rejuvenating the life saving services team and I now hope that in my position as President I can deliver this to a wider range of our members. Outside of surf life saving.”  

Queenscliff’s new Chief Executive Officer boasts ties with Point Lonsdale stretching back 100 years. 
Martin Gill’s family, on his mother’s side, commenced a connection with the town in 1920,  that  still continues today. 

He also brings with him extensive experience in local government, most recently as a General Manager - the equivalent of CEO - at Tasmania’s Meander Valley Council. 

"Council will be delighted to welcome Mr Gill to the Borough of Queenscliffe as our new CEO," said Mayor Bob Merriman. "After a comprehensive process, we are confident that Mr Gill has the combination of experience and vision to guide the Borough through the next five years." 

He was appointed unanimously at a Special Council meeting last month and will commence in the role on October 7.  

Mr Gill was selected from a long list of applicants from across Australia as part of a rigorous recruitment process that included multiple rounds of interviews, according to Cr Merriman. 

Council also appointed G21 CEO Elaine Carbines as an independent member of the selection panel.

“Getting this decision right has been a top priority for Council,” said Cr Merriman. “That’s why we went over and above the requirements of the Local Government Act at every step of the process.”

The search for a new CEO began after current CEO Lenny Jenner announced his resignation in April. Mr Jenner is leaving the Borough after almost 11 years as CEO.
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"Succeeding a CEO after such a long period of excellent service is always a challenging task," said Cr Merriman. "Council extends its thanks to Mr Jenner for his outstanding leadership, and wishes him all the best for the future."

A group of volunteers is tackling our recycling crisis with donated fabrics and a  sewing machine!

More than 800 reusable bags have been made to date as part of Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House’s Boomerang Bags 3225 project. 

"The community reaction has been amazing and we love seeing people walking around town with their Boomerang Bags,” said spokesperson Jane Rodwell. “Every Boomerang Bag has a story, from where its materials were sourced, who it was made by and how far it’s travelled.  They are used and re-used, boomeranged to friends and family as a means to start a conversation.”

The bags are made available through local IGA supermarkets. The stores have played a leading role in the recycling campaign, having  banned plastic bags at its Point Lonsdale store in 2011, and more recently in Queenscliff.

Owner Tamara Gaylard said the move had saved approximately 1,000 plastics bags a week.  

“While most of the locals were appreciative of us being  plastic bag free, there were still some customers up until that point who found it to be an inconvenience.

“Boomerang bags are in use at both stores, as well as boxes, paper bags. We have IGA shopping bags for purchase, we do not have thick plastic bags for sale,” she said.  
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“I think it would be fair to say we’re all getting better at bringing our own bags.”

Boat owners and anglers fear they will be left high and dry with the removal of a popular pontoon on Fisherman’s Flat – one of the last free public jetty’s in the borough.

After initially advising that the pontoon would be removed “temporarily” for large scale works to the adjacent Fisherman’s Wharf, Parks Victoria,  which manages the area, has confirmed its permanent removal for “safety reasons” and to appease neighbouring residents.

“The pontoon was originally installed to provide access for Queenscliff Lonsdale Yacht Club members to raise and lower masts for passing under the Swan Island bridge,” said Graeme Davis, District Manager Port Phillip, Western Port.

“For some time, the pontoon had been used for activities it wasn’t designed for, creating a safety risk. Parks Victoria has also received numerous complaints from local residents. 

“Boat users can use the nearby Queenscliff boat launching facility, at Queenscliff Harbour for access, and once works are completed, the Fisherman’s Wharf and Locke - Cayzer slipway,” he said.

Under plans to redevelop the wharf area, the slipway will be restricted to small craft, such as kayaks.

The decision, made without warning, effectively extends the monopoly of private company Queenscliff Harbour Pty Ltd over waters on the Port Phillip side of Swan Bay bridge and has angered local fishermen and vessel owners.

While anglers will be able to use Fisherman’s Wharf for free, boat owners will be forced to pay.  

“The pontoon is used for many purposes - recreational fishing and  boat unloading, commercial fishermen also regularly use it, large numbers of scuba divers load and unload from it,” said Queenscliff Fishing Club member Andy Doolan.

“It’s the only public jetty this side of the Swan Island Bridge which allows larger and taller vessels a place to stop.”

The decision to remove the pontoon took Bellarine MP Lisa Neville and Queenscliff Council off guard  
“This issue has just been raised with me,” Ms Neville said when contacted by The Rip. “I note that Parks Victoria have safety concerns with the current us, but I will follow the Minister up with the Minister.”
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Mayor Bob Merriman said he had not been informed of the decision, but understood the pontoon and the waters it was in were outside of the harbour’s long-term lease area.
“We will definitely be seeking clarification,” he said.

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Ten years ago this month, Justin D’Ath and his partner quickly packed up a few belongings and their two dogs and fled their bush home in Flowerdale, in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. 

here was not a great deal of panic, he recalls. He had a fire plan in place and at the time thought he had left with more than an hour to spare. In hindsight, it was really just in the nick of time. The sky had filled with thick smoke and an eerie glow and the bank of tall pines near his house posed a risk. 

Justin is one of the lucky survivors of Black Saturday - one of the worst bushfire episodes in Australian history. 

Through his newly-released book,47 Degrees, the prolific children’s author revisits events of February 7, 2009 for the first time. 

He does so through the eyes of a young heroine, Zeelie. 

“I thought it would be interesting to look at the bushfires from a young girls’ point of view. She’s just about 13 and I transposed her and her family into my Flowerdale house. There was just her and her dad there on the day of the fire.”

The book, which has received rave reviews for its sensitive approach to the tragedy, is poignant, fast-paced and with ultimately positive outcomes. However D’Ath - who has penned close to 50 mostly young adventure books - was adamant the story not be “sugar-coated.”

While much of what happens to Zeelie is fiction, the events under-pinning 47 Degrees are very real. 

​“Physically it was my house so it was very real to me,” D’Ath says. “I gave her and her family some of my own feelings. It made it a much more real story.

“The father has a fire plan, the girl was a bit ambivalent about staying but she trusted her father and then they left at about the same time we did on that day and escaped to the relief centre at Yea, and spent the next few nights there. 

“There’s strong a strong educational element, but I’ve made it exciting and interesting and ultimately uplifting at the end. It’s got as happy an ending as you can have,” D’Ath says. “I’ve acknowledged that people did die in the fire, a lot of people died, and so I included that element in the story, but I distanced it from the main character.

“I handled it quite sensitively I think. One-hundred-and-73 people died and we need to acknowledge them in the book and so that’s the way I did it and I’m pleased with the way I’ve done it.” 

D’Ath, who lost his home and belongings on that day, did not return to rebuild in Flowerdale. Property insurance allowed him to rent elsewhere for 12 months. 

He chose Point Lonsdale and has lived here ever since.

​In reflecting on Black Saturday and his own personal story, he says he takes away many positives.

“Now when I read the finished book there’s a couple of places that just about bring me to tears. When I was writing it I didn’t experience that at all. It was more moving to read than it was to write.

​“I just felt lucky. I didn’t know anyone who died or lost any loved ones so that was a total bonus and then in the aftermath people were so kind and generous, it was just extraordinary. It really put a positive spin on my view of fellow Australians. I’ve got more positive memories, than negative.”

​47 Degrees is published by Penguin books and can be purchased from The Bookshop at Queenscliff.

Just one former Defence cabin will be retained on the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve, after a surprise decision by Queenscliffe Councillors to demolish the remaining three.

In a unanimous vote at the January Ordinary, Councillors rejected the recommendations of its own community reference group to retain all four buildings.

Under the new proposal, put forward by Councillor Tony Francis, only McDonald’s Hall – the largest of the cabins – will be restored and retained as an “interpretive exhibit.”

​A second of the buildings will be transformed into a picnic and barbecue shelter, “utilising or replicating elements of the existing building.” The remaining two would make way for a “sculptural or creative element” and signage.

​Councillor Francis said the decision, whilst difficult, was in the community’s best interest.
“As councillors we’re here to represent whole of community and not self-interest or political private agendas,” Cr Francis said.

“That objective is to enhance the area to increase visitations for the benefit of locals and visitors alike, to gain a greater understanding and respect for the area whilst enjoying [it] as open space.

“In doing that I think we’ve reached a fantastic outcome and that outcome respects the heritage... as well as making it an enjoyable place to be. If we want people to go there we need an area where they can read, interpret and understand the area, hence the MacDonald pavilion,” he said.  

“And let’s hope we get large groups of school kids who would come and wander around a first class facility, look at the history, read the history, look at the interpretations and get a real understanding of that area because when that area doesn’t attract people it becomes a waste of space regardless of the heritage.”

The plan is reliant on approval being granted by Heritage Victoria. 

It is unclear what impact it will have on a current bid for the reserve to receive a National Heritage listing. In recommending all four huts be retained the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve Reference Group argued their removal could be detrimental to the site’s inclusion.

Council will advise the Australian Heritage Council of its decision.

​The P1-style huts were erected as part of a Defence camp in the early 1940’s. They were later taken over by the Toc H benevolent group to provide holiday accommodation and activities for children of war veterans.

Councillor Boyce Pizzey, a reference group member, said the results of a community survey and the views of both the group and independent project consultant (Tract) were taken into account.

“It takes account of the very important work of the reference group, it takes account of the extra report from Tract and it takes account of what I consider to be a reasonable consultation process.

“The decision is not going to make everyone happy and cannot be expected to in this case,” he said.

The State Government contributed $500,000 and the Borough of Queenscliffe $100,000 towards the $600,000 cost of the latest reserve masterplan, which also includes new pathways, improvements to the lighthouse surrounds and a ship viewing platform.

After receiving a petition from 20 Point Lonsdale business owners, Councillors rejected a proposal for a kiosk on the reserve.

Mayor Bob Merriman said the Point Lonsdale Board Rider’s Club, which occupies the Engine Shed on the reserve, would not be impacted by the outcome of the Council vote.
 
​“A new lease is under review. I am not aware of anything but praise for [the Board Riders],” he said.

Queenscliff has a team to follow in the AFLW, with Carlton indicating it is prepared to forge long-term links with our town. 

The team spent recently three days at a pre-season training camp, at YMCA Camp Wyuna, where players were put through their paces ahead of next month’s season opener. 

General Manager Nicole Graves said it was their first-ever pre-season camp, and proved to be the perfect setting.  

“We’ve had a bit of footy and a bit of rain and a bit of sun, we’ve had everything, which really suits because these girls play in summer and so the heat and the humidity has been really good for us,” Graves said. 

“The team at YMCA has been brilliant, they’ve really looked after us.

“This camp is what we thought was required to keep the girls together and keep them connected as a team… It really sets up good relationships and makes them bond better. 

“We have 11 new players coming in from the draft, a third of the team, so it’s really important that they get to know each other and it’s also good for new coach Daniel Harford to get to know them and see what they can do. 

“We only have two weeks break for Christmas, we have a month of training then they start in the first week of February.”

Carlton is the latest in a growing list of elite sporting teams choosing Queenscliff for their pre-season training, because of the amenities on offer.  

“It’s good for us because we can do the recovery in the beach, it’s still close enough to Melbourne and people have been fantastic around the town,” Graves said.

“We’re really lucky and there’s a lot of teams coming down here now. We’re already talking about next year.”

Camp Wyuna Manager Andrew Kidd said a growing number of clubs, both elite and community, were chosing Queenscliff for training camps. 
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"We have a perfect mix of parks, sporting facilities, running and walking paths and of course the beach to base a good mix of activities around."

Queenscliff cricketers have drawn the ledger in the second annual Couta Bowl 20-20 Clash, played on Saturday December 5.

Having been defeated by a team of local footballers in the first encounter, two seasons ago, the cricketers were determined to restore some pride. 

Opposing captains Tom Kidd and Tom Caddy provided solid captains knocks in the high-scoring encounter. 
Despite adopting "backyard rules" and fielding 14 players, the footballers still fell short by 30 runs - 234 to 230. 

The cricketers also scored bragging rights in the curtain-raiser U/19 match. 

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Hans Christian Anderson’s classic Little Mermaid will be brought to life on stage by the Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group these holidays - but unlike the original, this one has a happy ending. 

After last year’s sell out season of Peter Pan, the Group has  again secured the services of highly-regarded director Debbie Fraser. The mostly-local cast will play charters made famous in the Disney version of the tale, including mermaid Arial, Flounder and Sebastian the crab. 

“Peter Pan far exceeded our expectations last year and we are sure The Little Mermaid will be just as successful,” said Fraser. “It also allows for a slighter bigger cast with more younger members.”
Edwina Royce, who last year played Wendy in Peter Pan, returns in the  role of the Little Mermaid, Nieela.

Her dashing young Prince Frederick is Henry Stevenson, who recently played the title role of Shrek in the GSODA Junior Players production of the same name. Henry also played Oliver in the QLTG production back in 2012.

“Both of these two actors are quite experienced and bring a high energy to the show,” Fraser said.
Chanelle Tait, last seen in Dinkum Assorted, brings over 10 years experience to the role of Sea Witch.
Performances at Queenscliff Uniting Churchrun from January 14 to 20. Booking information if available online or from the Visitor Information Centre.
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"If you've ever swum between the flags," the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club wants
your help!

Paywave donation points are being installed in retail outlets in the borough in an all-out
effort to raise the much-needed funds needed to build its new clubhouse.

To date the community has pitched in $1.9 million towards the estimated $4.75 million project. The Victorian government has committed a further $2 million – leaving a shortfall of upwards of $650,000.

The Point Lonsdale Civic Association and Golightly Caravan Park are among groups to have already contributed to the tally.

“But we need everyone to contribute,” said Kirsten Macleod, chair of the club’s capital campaign. "Our new campaign for this summer is urging anyone who has ever swum between the flags to make a donation,” she said.

"With $650,000 left to raise, we are pulling all stops over the summer.”

The campaign includes Paywave donation tap points being installed by local retailers, so that shoppers can easily donate the pre-set amount of $3 at the counter.

Point Lonsdale IGA is the first business to install the donation point. Owner Andrew Gaylard said his store was happy to play a part in helping the local community. Local real estate agents will also participate.

“Lives are saved by our beach patrols, which rely on thousands of volunteer hours on the beach and behind the scenes. We can’t continue to offer the community this service at the highest standard without a new facility,” Ms Macleod said.

Major donations are also being sought, with contributions of $10,000 or more to be acknowledged on an Honour Wall, in the entry of the new clubhouse.

“We are tantalisingly close to achieving our aim to raise $4.75 million to build a new clubhouse,” said PLSLSC President Matthew Ponsford.

The club is aiming to demolish the existing clubhouse in March and rebuild by next summer.
The club is hopeful the Federal Government will contribute to close the funding gap, prior to this year’s election.

​For more information and to donate go to www.pointlonsdaleslsc.asn.au