They’ve only just started their second season, but Seb Monahan, Charlie Saunders and  twin brothers Mathew and Luke Lawrence are already mixing it with some of the Geelong region’s best lawn bowlers.

The 16 years olds are all representing Queenscliff in the division one competition, jumping up from division five last year.  

Having played cricket throughout their junior sporting years, all four boys last season decided they wanted to try something a little different.

“There’s a bit of family history here and I was keen to change it up and find new that I'd enjoy doing and a couple of cousins and my mate followed along,” said Seb.  

 “I love it, I can’t see myself changing to another sport anytime soon.”

 “It’s kind of a surprise to be in Division 1, but we all improved a lot quicker than we thought we would,” Seb added.

The four are among a growing number of young people taking up lawn bowls, once regarded a sport for retirees.

“We love playing with the older team members, they’re a lot of fun and they all get around us and encourage us,” Seb said.

Fenn Wilson has been on a journey of emotions over recent months - one fully reflected in his new album Ghost Heroin. 

It came together at the same time his father, revered Australian musician Chris Wilson, was battling pancreatic cancer – the disease that eventually claimed his life earlier this year. 

“The album came about because Dad asked me to make it and so it was a project that was going on with, you know, all of these parallel processes at the same time, looking after dad and making this album,” the 23 year old said. 

One song in particular, ‘Lost My Way,’ perfectly captures the turmoil of grief and of moving forward after such an enormous loss.    

It also reflects Fenn’s own coming-of-age from a talented local teen and product of musical parents – his mother is the highly-regarded Sarah Carroll - to a fully-fledged musician already carving out his own name in the industry.

“Lost my way was written in the midst of all that was going on at the time and, well, the title is largely self-explanatory. It’s about reaching out to different sorts of figures, whether they be paternal, maternal or otherwise just familiar people, and trying to seek direction  - just turning to whoever you can and trying to find answers to questions you may have,” he said. 

The former Bellarine Secondary College student is a child of festivals, and given his parents' long-standing involvement in the local music scene, the Queenscliff Music Festival is particularly close to his heart. 

Last year he was awarded the QMF Emerging Artist award, which he credits for making Ghost Heroin a reality. 

“I think I started playing drums when I was about three, and I picked up guitar a bit later.  

“I was doing gigs under my name, but not taking it all that seriously, when I was a 16 or 17. I played with a couple of different bands in [QMF] Foot in the Door events… but last year was the first year that I really played under my own name,” Fenn said.

“The Emerging Artist Award was a huge help, it funded the album. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without that. 

“I feel like everybody that has been involved has been really kind and I can’t wait to show it,” he said. 
Early reviews of the album have been positive with his deep vocals likened to George Ezra and Nick Cave.

“He is mesmerising… quite magical,” said Caroline Moore, Director of the Port Fairy Folk Festival, where Fenn was also recognised  with an emerging artist grant.

“Im not really sure who I sound like, I really like but in terms of musicians that I like to listen to, I’m a huge Jeff Buckley fan, Grant Lee Buffalo, Matt Corby is a bit of an influence on me. I’ve been exposed to an incredible amount of different music and musicians and my tastes are kind of eclectic.”

Fenn will perform at the festival with his new band. The show will also feature a vocal solo by another local performer and Emerging Artist winner, Holly Joyce. 
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“I can’t wait. I’m just really excited,” he said.
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A small group of local business operators is taking creative new steps to lift the profile of our twin towns, with the formation of the new group PLonQ (Point Lonsdale Queenscliff) Inc.

The fledgling organisation has stressed it is not a trader’s group and wants all local business owners and residents to get on board. 

Its stated mission it to “foster cultural leadership, entrepreneurial creative thinking and future thinking” to advance the communities of both townships.

“It’s been a ground-up process that’s really about brining people together,” said PLonQ founding member, Noble Rot owner Trish Berry. 

“There has been a lot of talking for years, but not much real action. This is about, from my perspective, the borough being one entity…there’s the harbour and that end and there’s Point Lonsdale at the other. We’re all just one cohesive identity and entity and it’s about bringing everything together that the borough has to offer,  presented in a way that’s attractive and maximises the potential that is here. 

“There hasn’t been a comprehensive pulling together like this before,” Ms Berry said.

The new group has hit the ground running, with a new website - visitqpl.com.au - already promoting local business and attractions, well-advanced plans for Christmas festivities and late night shopping and a proposal for an interactive walking trail in the design phase. 

They are among a number of ideas and concepts that have been presented to and received the enthusiastic early endorsement of Queenscliff Council officers.

PLonQ fills a void in the local business community left  from  the collapse of the Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale Business Association some three years ago and the apparent demise of its replacement body, The Rip Chamber. 

“As residents and business owners, we’re taking the initiative not only for traders, but for residents, the aesthetic of the borough, to collate and gather ideas that we come up with or that other people come to us with. We can filter them and present them as solutions to state, local and federal governments and get some projects done to enhance the town,” said member and Queenscliff Gallery and Workshop owner Theo Mantalvanos.

“I think the other business group failed because it was business promoting business to business in the borough. I don’t need the butcher to know where I am, the butcher knows where I am. This is about enhancing the area, not only for locals and visitors but also spreading the word about Queenscliffe further afield.”

One of the initiatives being driven by the group is an interactive walking trail. Brass plates, cut out in the shape of a letter ‘Q’, will be placed at key destinations across the towns. 

Each one will be embedded with a code that, once scanned from a smartphone, provides stories and pictures. 

Other projects underway include the bulk purchase of ‘Pencil Pine’ trees to help “green” main streets, and extended Christmas trading nights.

“This is not just about art, it’s not just about music, it’s about anything that’s happening in the borough. Its food, its art, it's where to stay, its about the whole area and no one is omitted,” Mr Mantalvanos said. 
To find out more or subscribe to the PLonQ mailing list, email: PLonQ mailing list at plonq.org.au

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Click here to Concerns about future impacts of climate change on her young family has prompted a Point Lonsdale mother to establish a new local action group. 

Climate Change and the Borough of Queenscliffe held its first public meeting in recent days in an effort to raise greater local awareness of the issue and muster more support for change. 

“I have two young children, five and eight, and I am crippled with concern for the future that lies ahead for them,” said Kitty Walker. 

“The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) latest findings clearly state the world has 12 years to cut its emissions in half to keep warming below 1.5 degrees, which climate-vulnerable nations have long argued is critical to their survival.

“State, Federal and international governments are not responding globally, so the best impact we can make is by focussing locally,” she said.

After renting in Point Lonsdale for many years, Kitty and her family finally purchased a house of their own, but she is fearful it could eventually succumb to sea level rise unless meaningful action is taken.

“If we keep going the way we’re going our home will be under water by the end of the century – indeed most of the Borough will.

“The key objective is to bring the community together to work with the Borough of Queenscliffe on innovative and creative initiatives to acknowledge, prepare for and counter the local impacts of the climate crisis. The Borough has a really unique opportunity given its size to have an enormous, positive, local impact,” Kitty said. 

Initiatives the group is pushing for include improved recycling and a Queenscliffe Council declaration of a climate emergency. 

Group members have already started their own grass-roots recycling program. Instead of putting materials in yellow-lidded bins, they are sorting items at home and will hire their own trailer to ensure the waste is genuinely recycled - not sent to landfill. 

"I closely watched the recent move by the Surf Coast Shire who declared a climate emergency and are tackling the recycling crisis locally by implementing a five-bin sort-at-the-home system and started to have hope that our beautiful, small, Borough could have a large impact too,” Kitty said.
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Climate Change and the Borough of Queenscliffe can be found on Facebook.

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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.