THE RIP
  • Home
  • News
  • What's on
  • Digital Editions
  • Directory
  • Real Estate
    • Featured Property
  • Gallery

Boat owners to lose free berth

3/7/2019

0 Comments

 
PictureWorks to repair Queenscliff's Fisherman's Wharf are well advanced
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.”
​

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.

​

0 Comments

Low Light Festival draws a crowd

3/7/2019

1 Comment

 
PictureUpwards of 2,000 people turned out to celebrate the Winter Solstice with a sculpture burning in Point Lonsdale - part of the annual Low Light Festival. Photo courtesy Lester Hunt.
Thousands of people have turned out to the borough’s first winter solstice celebration - part of the two-month long annual Low Light Festival. 

The June 22 event featured three wooden sculptures, burned at intervals, in Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff and at the ferry terminal. 

Upwards of 1500 gathered at the Point Lonsdale front beach to watch the first, a lighthouse structure, go up in flames before moving on to the remaining two. 

“We were absolutely blown away by the turnout,” said festival spokesperson Andrew Orvis. “We honestly had no idea what to expect in terms of crowd numbers, but at all three locations we had huge turnouts. 

“We lucked out with some reasonable winter weather on the night which certainly helped. When was the last time we would have seen a crowd that size in the main streets of Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff in the middle of winter.”

Mr Orvis said it was too early to say whether the sculpture burning would be return next year part of Low Light.

“It may be an annual event, who knows. The beauty of Low Light is that it can be whatever we want it to be. 

“We’ll see what direction we go in 2020. We’re thrilled with how this year’s festival has gone, and the response has been fantastic. There’s always things to improve and tweaking to be done.”

The response on The Rip Facebook page from those who attended the winter solstice celebration was overwhelmingly positive:

“Lovely to see such a great turn out. Came back into Queenscliff for dinner at Lombardy's & was just wonderful seeing all the families walking to beach for final fire after seeing snowflake. Let's hope this becomes an annual event,” said one post.  
​

“Biggest turn out on a cold night in Lonnie’s Main Street ever! Well done organisers. Roll on next year I hope,” said another.

1 Comment

    THE RIP NEWS BLOG

    Local news, sport and lifestyle stories. If you would like to submit a story please contact Carmel Christensen.

    Categories

    All
    Local Lifestyle
    Local News
    Local Sport

    Archives

    April 2022
    February 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015

THERIP.COM.AU  
​news   |   events  |   lifestyle   |   Queenscliff   |   Point Lonsdale

"We would love you to share your stories,  tell us what you think about our new website  or perhaps you would  like to take advantage of our excellent advertising rates. Please note views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor.  

Contact us

The Editor:
Carmel Christensen 
51 Mercer St
Queenscliff VIC 3225

Ph: (03) 5258 4131
​Email:  catilm@bigpond.net.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RipRumour
Website design by Kylie Crane  © 2015
  • Home
  • News
  • What's on
  • Digital Editions
  • Directory
  • Real Estate
    • Featured Property
  • Gallery