Queenscliff Music Festival organisers will turn their attention to November’s major event, before deciding whether or not to stage another By the Pier Festival.

The smaller three-day event, staged for the first time over the last weekend of March,  which has been hailed a success, attracted upwards of 2,500 people to the town.

“We're really happy with how everything went. We even managed to get the weather right for this one,” said QMF Director Andrew Orvis.

“There were lots of happy people, artists, crew and volunteers that enjoyed the return of live music to the festival stage in Queenscliff. We had approximately 2,500 people through over the weekend. We're really happy with that result for a first-time festival and with everything that's happened over the last couple of years.”

Mr Orvis said while there were always a few areas for improvement, By the Pier succeeded in its twin aims of bringing live music back to the town and giving artists a leg up after two years of limited performances.
Twenty-three acts – largely targeted at a younger audience - performed across the three days, with acclaimed singer Vera Blue providing a powerhouse Sunday night performance to a packed audience to close out the show.

“There were lots of really happy artists back doing what they love,” said Mr Orvis. “One of the big reasons for doing this event was to get artists back on stage, crew back working, vendors back trading, and people back to Queenscliff.
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“We'll look at all the feedback in the coming weeks… we’re going to wrap this year’s up, get cracking on QMF for November 25-27 this year, and then we'll have a look at what the future holds.
“We've also got some great shows coming up in the Queenscliff Town Hall that are worth checking out,” he said.

A long-awaited review of Queenscliff’s four Council run caravan parks has recommended sweeping changes to attract more visitors and boost revenue -  including a significant reduction in long-term site permits. 

The Draft Queenscliffe Tourist Parks Management and Operation Review, prepared by by Park Management firm Sustainable Park Solutions, includes 52 separate recommendations aimed at improving sustainability and guest experiences. 

The report calls for improved amenities and reconfiguration of all parks. It also recommends metering of existing long-term sites for water and electricity and cuts to 12-month permits - from 45 to just 16 at Golightly Caravan Park and 78 to 15 at the recreation reserve and Victoria Park. 

Some of the review’s most significant recommendations target the Golightly Park, which it described as being in a “stunning location” but with old and poor amenities. Proposed changes to that park  include new toilets, showers, kitchen, barbecue shelter, fire pit, bike repair station, improved car parking and  boom gates. 

At present only 15 of Golightly's current sites are reserved for casual campers.

“The 12-month permit sites are in many cases in poor condition and the caravans and vans are well over 40 years old and poorly maintained,” the report said. 

Recommendations for the 105-site Recreation Reserve and Victoria Park include a new manager’s office, the removal of two older cabins and installation of five new weatherboard cabins. 

Twelve of the parks’ 105 sites have long-term permits.

For the 98-site Royal Park, the review recommends removal of the portable office, a new amenities block and improved kitchen and barque amenities. The number of existing sites should be reduced to allow for bigger, more uniform sites, it said. 

In the 2018/19 financial year, prior to the pandemic, the parks together generated close to $1.8million before expenses in revenue. But according to the review, the average occupancy, nightly rates and yield of powered sites at all four are well below the Victorian average for tourist parks, chiefly as a result of Council’s inability to use dynamic pricing, seasonal packages and its “over reliance” on 12-month permit holders.

To address those issues it recommends  a higher marketing spend across all parks, better technology to improve booking capabilities and staff efficiencies and the establishment of a separate business unit to run all four. 

The estimated cost of the capital investment outlined in the review is $6.93 million. 

“In summary, the Borough off Queenscliffe under the recommended operational and master plan changes will have doubled their return from the business and also have paid off the capital works at the parks after 12 years of full trading,” the report foreshadowed. 

In response to the review, Council will immediately initiate a new compliance regime for long-term campers. Officers has also been directed to draw on the study to prepare a separate report on preferred operational models.  

“The trigger for this review was really about getting the model right so that we best manage the parks into the future,” said Cr Fleur Hewitt. “At this stage we think it’s best to get the model right before we consider moving forward on wholesale infrastructure changes.” 

The draft review, which cost $45,000 to complete, was compiled following extensive community consultation including an online survey which attracted more than 360 responses. 

“I don’t think the council has the appetitive to borrow large sums of money to invest in the caravan parks,” said Cr Michael Grout.” I think we can improve our compliance and that’s what we’re doing now… we can also make some efficiency gains.”
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The review can be found on the BoQ website.

A new kerbside food waste collection service will be introduced for Queenscliffe households from August, with food scraps to be included in existing green-lidded bins and regular waste collections to go fortnightly.  

The Food Organics and Garden (FOGO) Kerbside Service is a requirement on all local governments under the Victorian Government’s new Circular Economy Act, and according to Mayor Ross Ebbels, will deliver economic and environment benefits.  

“By composting our food and green waste, we’re avoiding expensive landfill taxes and the greenhouse gases emitted from organic matter when it’s buried in a landfill,” Cr Ebbels said. “I’m excited to start processing our food waste in a way that’s better for the budget, better for the planet and better for our community.”

Households will receive a bench top bin caddy and a larger 240 litre recycling bin to help with the transition. They will also receive detailed information on how to sort waste.

Under the new act, a fourth bin, for glass, will be also be introduced at a later stage.

A recent bin audit showed food waste accounted for almost 40 per cent of residents’ household waste. 
From July 1, the Victorian Government will be increasing food waste at $125.90 per tonne.

“Every tonne of waste we don’t send to landfill is a tonne of waste we don’t have to pay the Victorian Government’s landfill tax on. With this tax increasing every year, these costs will add up for ratepayers if we don’t manage our waste more sustainably,” Cr Ebbels said. “Composting our food waste will be cheaper for our residents over the long term by avoiding these landfill taxes.”

Under the changes: 

• The new FOGO 240L bin will be collected weekly
• Kerbside landfill bins (120L) will be collected fortnightly
• Kerbside co-mingled recyclables (140L) will be collected fortnightly
• A yet-to-be introduced kerbside glass bin (140L) will be collected once a month

According to Cr Ebbels, the switch follows years of planning and meets obligations contained in the borough’s Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP). 

“We’ll be sending out lots of information and holding interactive presentations to ensure our residents are supported through the transition.

“I’m looking forward to working with our community in the coming months to make this rollout a success,” he said. 
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The Council recently joined other G21 councils in signing up to Barwon Water's  Regional  Renewable Organic Network (RRON) project - a new facility capable of collecting and processing organic waste into compost and fertilisers.

A new round of community consultation is underway to find a solution to erosion concerns at Queenscliff’s Dog Beach. 

The Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning (DEWLP) held a public listening post at the beach on Sunday 27 March and has launched an online survey as first steps to developing a new Coastal Adaption Plan, in partnership with the Borough of Queenscliffe.

“The plan will help inform the long-term management of coastal hazards along the dune that forms part of the thin piece of land known as ‘The Narrows’,” DEWLP said. 

“Hazards at this site include storm erosion, which causes changes in beach levels and form vertical escarpments in the dune face, as well long-term retreat of the dune and ‘terminal scour’ at the end of the seawall. 

“Sea Level rise is expected to make all of these hazards more severe,” it warned.

Concern has been raised over the scale of erosion to the primary dune at Dog Beach, at the end of the seawall, with Queenscliffe Council late last year calling on the government for urgent action. 

In a final report into erosion at nearby Point Lonsdale front beach, the department said it had installed additional wave monitoring buoys in Port Phillip and was conducting regular drone surveys to assess sand movements and erosion events at both beaches.

That same report scrapped plans for any remedial works at Point Lonsdale, but committed to further action if public safety or assets were considered at risk. 
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Further details will be made available on the www.engage.vic.gov.au

Long serving Queensclife Councillor Susan Salter has been remembered as a devoted community member and leader, following her death on Wednesday 16 March.

The former Mayor succumbed to a year-long battle with cancer.

Leading the tributes, the Borough of Queenscliffe (BoQ) said Cr Salter’s near-decade of service was “marked by a devotion to her community and to the people who live here." Councillors observed one minute’s silence at the March general meeting.

“Renowned for her accessibility, Cr Salter could often be found discussing issues in depth with local residents and confidently supporting their interests on council matters,” a BoQ statement said.

“While her passion for many subjects was remarkable, Cr Salter’s particular interest in trees, gardens and parks saw her lead renewal works on the Borough’s Avenue of Honour and influence a number of other landscaping projects. From the grand old trees she worked to preserve to the newest green shoots of planting she encouraged, Cr Salter’s legacy will be in the natural spaces she nurtured that our community will enjoy for years to come,” it continued. 

Councillor Salter had not long returned from three months of personal leave when she announced her resignation on March 9 – just a week before her death.

A former Bellarine Secondary School teacher and ALP campaign manager, she was first elected to Council in 2012 and served as Mayor for one year from 2017-18.

“As a Councillor and Mayor, Sue was a strong, passionate advocate , a person who worked tirelessly for Queenscliff and its ratepayers,” said Bellarine MP Lisa Neville.

“Personally, for more than 20 years I enjoyed her friendship and her support, including working as my campaign manager.
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“Queenscliff has lost a true community champion, whose legacy will never be forgotten,” Ms Neville said.

Easter campers have been forced into an eleventh hour accommodation reshuffle after the Borough of Queenscliffe announced an immediate ban on further tree clearing and big rig caravans in Victoria Park.
 
The measures, part of a motion unanimously approved by Councillors at the the March Council meeting, reflect growing community unease at increased camping in Queenscliff’s original botanic gardens and the scale of vegetation removal undertaken in response to damage from last October’s significant storm.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Fleur Hewitt, called for an immediate end to further tree management works and restricted public access to areas that could pose a safety risk. 

It also called for an immediate ban on all future bookings of double-axle or ‘big rig’ caravans on the western side of the park.

“Council acknowledges the concerns raised by the community in relation to Victoria Park and the vegetation loss in the area,” said Cr Hewitt. “In moving this motion, we’re seeking to halt further works so we can better consider alternatives for managing the damaged vegetation and consider options for revegetation. 

“As a council, we’ll also need to look to establish a long term strategy for Victoria Park determining how we can bets protect the core environmental values of the park and set the appropriate nature and extent of camping needs for the future,” she added. 

As a result of the motion, Council officers must now prepare a plan for re-opening closed areas of the park within five months and provide a detailed tree management and planting schedule. 

A Council spokesperson confirmed that as a result of the motion alternative accommodation had to be found for some campers, who had already booked for Easter. 

He also defended the extent of vegetation clearing undertaken to date.

“The major storm in October 2021 inflicted serious damage on a large number of trees throughout the Borough, particularly in Victoria Park. In the weeks following the storm, Council commissioned an independent arborist to examine the health and safety of the trees in Victoria Park,” the spokesperson said.

“This independent arborist made a number of recommendations to trim or remove damaged trees that posed an unacceptable risk to public safety. Council’s subsequent tree works in Victoria Park have been carrying out these safety recommendations. While it is always disappointing to have to remove established trees, the sudden failure of limbs or entire trees can be deadly, and Council prioritises public safety in its tree management practices. 
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“Following [the] resolution, Council will pause works in Victoria Park and close affected areas to all public access while the scope of works is reassessed. Council is reaccommodating existing guest bookings at other sites wherever possible,” he said. 

Victoria Park is the site of Queenscliff’s original Botanic Gardens, established in 1868 - 17 years after the bigger Geelong Botanic Gardens - with the advice and support Ferdinand Von Mueller, who frequently holidayed in the town. 

As Victoria’s chief botanist, Von Mueller also founded the National Herbarium of Victoria and was first curator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens.
 
Recent community efforts have been made to return the remaining 1.5 hectares of the original space to a botanic park and limiting any future camping to Christmas and Easter.  

"Victoria Park is one of three of the large public parks in Queenscliffe and it’s’ really important that we get the tree management and planting as well as the vegetation projections right if we continue to have public enjoyment of this area as well as seasonal camping in the park,” said Cr Michael Grout. 

​The motion called on Council to:

Cease the post-storm tree management program
Restrict all public access to the closed areas
Ensure all future booking that no double-axle or big rigs
Ensure a handout is given to all site users in relation to protecting vegetation
Prepare a tree management and planting schedule for the whole of Victoria Park within five months

The Borough said its existing tree management plan already included new plantings within Victoria Park.
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After more than a decade of lobbying and fundraising - and another 18 months of covid-delayed construction - the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club’s (PLSLSC) new $5.7 million clubhouse is finally open, just in time for what is expected to be a busy summer for life savers.

Dignitaries from all sides of politics, including Police Minister and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, Federal Senator Sarah Henderson, Corangamite MP Libby Coker and Geelong, Queenscliffe and Melbourne Mayors - Stephanie Asher, Ross Ebbels and Sally Capp - participated in a smoking ceremony and official ribbon cutting event on Saturday December 11.

Club president Charlie Pitney told the gathering the new facility marked a new era for the club, in building on its emergency response capacity and in becoming more representative of the broader community.

“It’s going to be a great building for us to train new life savers, to bring in more community organisations to use this facility,” he said. “This is going to be a facility that helps us as a club grow, that helps us to keep the community safe on the beaches.”

Planning to replace to ageing K.D. Allen clubhouse commenced in 2005 with the formation of a building committee. That was followed by an exhaustive search for a potential new site.

The striking two storey facility was funded by all tiers of government, with the State contributing $2.25 million, the Commonwealth $1.25 million and the Borough of Queenscliffe handing over land for the development on a $1 peppercorn lease.

It was designed by leading architects Jackson Clement Burrows and built by local building firm Lyons Constructions.

“It has been a mammoth effort,” said Ms Neville, who played a key role in brokering the land deal.  

“For almost 75 years… you’ve been servicing this coastline and it is one of the most dangerous coastlines in the state. You’ve played a really critical role for opening u this coastline to so many Victorians to enjoy.

“And it’s never been so important, this year again we’ve seen record deaths in our waterways – the highest we’ve had in two decades,” she said. “What you do absolutely matters.”

The biggest thank you, however, was to the community which donated a staggering $2.25 million towards the building’s construction.

“To the Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff communities, I have never worked on a campaign where more people gave us money so quickly and in the bank, it has been amazing,” said capital campaign committee chair Kirsten MacLeod.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child and I can tell you it takes a village to give their money to build a beautiful new surf club that hopefully will contribute to raising a lot of children.”

Describing the PLSLSC as the “heart and soul” of the Point Lonsdale community, Senator Henderson said the new facility would build on its legacy of saving lives.

“It is a truly magnificent building and it is here because you serve a very important purpose in our community, principally, you’re all about saving lives.
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“Not only are you the heart and soul of this community in so many ways, you have done the most incredible job to keep our beaches safe for locals and for thousands of visitors every year,” she said.
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The financial future of the Lonsdale Links golf club has been secured following the sale of the final two lots of land in its ambitious course redevelopment project.

The residential blocks were auctioned by Kerleys Coastal Real Estate on Saturday January 15 for $1.24 million and $1.282 million – record prices for the 100-lot Lonsdale Shores estate and a far cry from the $360,000 - $550,000 paid when the first 12 blocks went on sale in Gill Road five years earlier.

Those initial blocks were offered up with sweeteners including free stamp duty and 10-year gold club membership to get them moving in a flat market.

Lonsdale Links President John Christophersen said the final sales provide a huge sigh of relief for the club.
“It was in 2000 that the original concept of the redevelopment was first floated. At that time it was to drought-proof the course that the original concept was contemplated. And then it grew into redevelopment,” he said.

The club faced significant planning hurdles and costs before approvals were finally granted and works began on a re-alignment of the course and construction of a new clubhouse.

“And of course land sales were initially flat but it’s just been a fantastic finish as we all know. For the past 12 months real estate has taken off and it’s come at the right time,” said Mr Christophersen.

“What it’s done for us, and it was always the plan with the whole redevelopment, is to ensure our viability going forward.

“We are now in a position to establish a future fund and that will be in perpetuity, so it won’t be able to be touched but the club will be able to access the earnings from those investments to support any future capital needs they have.
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“And we recognise that we’re very fortunate to be in this position because we all know that for member-based clubs, whether it be a golf club, bowls club or football club, it’s never easy running member-based clubs and in these pandemic times, it’s even tougher,” Mr Christophersen said.

Who would have thought that the Rolling Pin Bakery’s nationally-acclaimed pies were actually soared powered!

The Queenscliff bakery is among local businesses and organisations at the forefront of efforts to address climate change to feature in a new documentary, aimed at inspiring other communities across Australia.

The Climate Council, which is producing the documentary, chose to highlight Queenscliffe after it was recognised in December with a national award for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions through its Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP).

Among those interviewed during two days of filming last month were Mayor Ross Ebbels and Queenscliffe Climate Action Group (QCAG) founder Kitty Walker.

Others included Nathan Ulph, owner of the Point Lonsdale Health and Wellness Clinic, which has transitioned to 100 percent renewable energy, members of the Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House Boomerang Bag initiative, who since forming have sewn and made freely-available hundreds of reusable fabric bags, and Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club Vice President Rodney Nicholson.

“For a bit of fun, Queenscliff's Rolling Pin Bakery gave away a few free pies to punters willing to chow down on camera to show that they were consuming solar powered pies - much to the entertainment of the small crowd who gathered on Hesse Street to watch,” said Ms Walker.

“[We] had planned a major, all-in 'Sea of Red' activation to highlight erosion issues at dog beach but, in light of high COVID-numbers, decided to cancel.

“The response received by community members wanting to show up in red and take part in the film was inspiring and QCAG were gutted not to be able to go ahead, deciding to create a small moment with QCAG Committee Members and their families instead,” she said.

The documentary is an initiative of the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership (CPP) – Australia’s largest network of local councils, including Queenscliffe, who have committed to a zero emissions future.

"As a national organisation that's working with over 165 communities from across Australia to tackle climate change, the community of Queenscliffe is an absolute stand out,” said CPP director Dr Portia Odell.

“The level of enthusiasm, innovation and collaboration across community groups, local businesses, council and individuals is truly inspiring. That’s why, to make our next video highlighting local action on climate, we chose to focus on the Borough of Queenscliffe. “From solar powered bakeries and health clinics, to a genuine partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Queenscliffe is leading the charge to a sustainable and healthy future," Dr Odell said.
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The Queenscliffe CERP, adopted in May last year, includes 49 separate actions and a commitment to transition to a zero carbon community by 2031.

Home grown band Bones and Jones have been a little luckier than some others during the pandemic, according to founding member Jasper Jolly.

“We chose to release some songs every month and stream them during the first lockdown and then we had a bunch of shows scheduled and it just so happened that they were for the two months that there was no lockdowns, so we’ve kind of managed to dodge COVID a bit," Jolly said.

Nevertheless, when the five-piece outfit finally takes to the stage next month at Queenscliff’s much-anticipated By the Pier Festival, it will have been many weeks between live gigs.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun. I think it was meant to be our sixth show of the year, but instead it will be our first now.,” said lead vocalist Jolly. “It will be great to be playing live again, we’ve got a bunch of new songs that we’re going to play and it will be good to get the year going.

“It’s great that there’s going to be a festival again for young people to go to.”

Pandemic setbacks aside, the band – best friends from Ocean Grove, Geelong and Surf Coast - have been on a steady climb since coming together in secondary school. Their dynamic live shows have been described as a “must see,” their first album ‘Living Given’ was picked up by Triple J and the band named one of the station’s ‘Top 5 Victorian bands to keep an eye on.’

Despite their youth - the oldest member is just 23 – the band also notched up an impressive resumè of performances at festivals and live venues across the country and alongside distinguished international and Australian artists.

“We started writing songs when we were pretty young, the five of us were inspired by Creedence and the Beetles and those types of bands and we’ve kind of grown from there,” said Jolly. “We all write differently from song to song but everybody’s has got input to throw in.”

Having first performed at the Queenscliff Music Festival, where Bones and Jones was awarded an emerging talent grant, Jolly welcomed By the Pier’s focus on a younger demographic of music lovers.

The Bellarine in its entirety was fast becoming an important player in the industry, he said. A new seven inch album to be released this month, a collaboration with Folk Bitch, was produced entirely from Bonsai Records, his partner’s Wallington-based recording studio.

 “I grew up playing at Queenscliff so it’s good to see that shift. Music has really grown across the Bellarine over the past 10 years and the festival probably played a big part in all of that,” Jolly said. “And with the Point Lonsdale Arts Collective and the events they are running at New Hall, and with more people living down on the coast every year, there’s definitely a growing crowd for it.”

The inaugural By The Pier Festival will run from March 25 to 27.  
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The lineup also includes Vera Blue, Client Liaison, San Cisco, Julia Stone, Briggs, Electric Fields, Jarryd James, Harvey Sutherland, Thandi Phoenix, Kim Churchill , Pierce Brothers, Sam Teskey, Didirri, Southern River Band,Telenova, Mama Kin Spender, Ryan Downey, Maple Glider, Cry Baby, Isabella Khalife, Hassall + Weekend and DJs Chook & Moluck.

The arrival of 43 trucks carrying 300 cubic metres of cement for the first floor slab has signalled a major milestone for Queenscliff’s $15.9 million ferry terminal redevelopment. 

Politicians from all tiers of government - including Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Paul Fletcher and Victorian Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas -  gathered on site on Tuesday 25 January to review the project's progress. 

The tour was in lieu of an official sod turning, cancelled late last year due to COVID-19. 

The upgrade is part of the $382.48 million Geelong City Deal - a commitment between the Commonwealth, State and City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the local economy. 

“The upgrades will provide significant improvements to the ferry services at this major tourism gateway for Geelong and the Great Ocean Road and will drive growth in the local visitor economy by strengthening this region as a leading tourism destination,” said Mr Fletcher. 

Searoad Ferries is Australia’s busiest vehicle ferry service with over 8,200 crossings between Queenscliff and Sorrento annually and carrying over 950,000 passengers.

It is anticipated that number will grow to one million passengers by 2023, injecting as much as $125 million into local economies.

“We are very excited to be able to offer a world class facility that will bring significant benefits to ferry customers and visitors alike, including safer access for pedestrians, high quality experiences and improved disability access,” said CEO Matt McDonald.
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“The terminal will deliver up to 85 new jobs in the construction phase and an additional 25 new ongoing jobs within the ferry operations.”

Olympic distance walker Rebecca Henderson capped off an eventful 2021 by winning the Open Women’s section of the 1.4 km Point Lonsdale Rip View Swim Classic on December 30. 
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It was the second consecutive win for Henderson, 20, who also won the title in 2019. The 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“It was really nice out there, the waves died down and it was a beautiful day for it,” said the Berwick-based Henderson, who earlier in the day finished second in the 3.6km event. 

Earlier in the year, Henderson wore the green and gold while competing in the 20km road walk in Tokyo. 

“I like to do a bit of everything and obviously race walking I’m training for a lot at the moment, but I was doing triathlon a few years ago and open water swimming and I’ll come back to racing that competitively  at some point. But at the moment, whenever I can, I just try to get in the water because I love it, it’s so much fun.”

After threatening over recent years, Matt Gilling finally secured a win in the Men’s Open event, defeating multi-race winner Sam Sheppard, who finished second. 

“It’s always good to get one back on Sam because he’s definitely got me plenty more than I’ve got him,” he said. 

Originally from Ocean Grove, Billings now lives and trains on the Gold Coast.

“I’ve transitioned from a pool swimmer into a surf ironman, which is what I do now… obviously being from down here I still come home for Christmas and I try to do as many swims as I can.

The event attracted around 900 swimmers, despite COVID and the event being held mid week. 

“We did in fact have the highest number of pre-registrations we’ve every had but I think some of those factors were at play and kept some away on the day,” said Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club president Charlie Pitney.

​"It’s actually been really challenging to host the event this time and we were really lucky to get some new sponsors come on board,” he said.

An Independent Standing Committee will be appointed to review a key planning policy for the Bellarine Peninsula, following pressure from interest groups to finalise protections against over-development as quickly as possible. 

The State Government declared the Bellarine Peninsula a ‘distinctive area and landscape’ (DAL) in 2019, recognising the threats urban development on the local coastal environment, unique green spaces, local producers and lifestyle. 

That declaration resulted in a draft Statement of Planning Policy for the area being developed, to ensure identified significant landscapes, environmental and cultural values were protected. 

Supporters of the policy however have expressed concern the government has not moved quickly enough to finalise it leaving the region open to the threat of inappropriate development. 

Planning Minister Richard Wynne said referring the draft DAL to a standing committee would fast-track the process. 

“This process is the best way to deliver a thorough investigation for this important area − ensuring the character of the Bellarine Peninsula is preserved while taking the views of the community into account,” Mr Wynne said.

“I want to make sure the character of the Bellarine Peninsula is protected as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s work to preserve our distinctive areas and landscapes.”

The draft policy was developed in collaboration with the Wadawurrung, the Borough of Queenscliffe, the City of Greater Geelong and following extensive consultation with community and industry. 

Once finalised, it will guide the future use, development and management of land in the Bellarine Peninsula declared area over the next 50 years. 

While many have welcomed the plan, some local businesses fear it will limit growth and cost thousands of jobs. Last year a consortium of 13 business owners wrote to the government asking it to reconsider the DAL’s proposed regulations. 

the Independent Standing Committee will only consider submissions made to the panel’s earlier work on settlement boundaries and will undertake its review as a matter of urgency, Mr Wynne said.
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“Delivering the final Statement to Planning Policy for Bellarine is a priority, and we will be acting with urgency to finalise it by mid-year.”

​NETBALL – Former Queenscliff A-grade netballer Katrina Daws is returning to the club in 2022 at senior coach.

Daws, who has also played with GFL clubs Belmont and St Marys, is a familiar face having played for the Coutas in 2017.

In recent years she has held several youth coaching roles including with regional representative team the Geelong Flyers and as Head coach at Geelong College.

“Katrina has been mentored by some of the state’s best coaches, so she brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience and the drive to take on her first senior coaching role at Queenscliff,” the club said.

“Her values and professionalism align with our club culture; she is engaging, positive and inspiring. Katrina is passionate about player welfare and her coaching philosophy is something we are very excited about.”
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Daws replaces Bridgitte Burns, who held the senior coaching role for two seasons.

FOOTBALL - Queenscliff’s new senior coach says he will not be setting unrealistic goals for the club ahead of next season.

Instead, after two challenging years, with limited matches and social events, Rory Nicol wants his players to enjoy being back on the field and kicking a footy again.

“I feel not a heap needs to change to be honest. I just need to grab the baton that [former coach] Steve Clark was carrying and run with it,” he said.

“Obviously I’ll implement some different things because I have a different style, but I’ll just be looking to compliment Steve’s hard work and look to develop the exciting list, which I’m looking forward to.

Clark stood down at the end of last season after four years in the role.

“I’m not going to have big expectations. We’ll just try to be the best we can be and see how far that takes us.”

As coach for four years up until 2020, Nicol is credited with turning around the fortunes of rival BFL club Newcomb and ridding it of its ‘easy beats’ tag. He has also coached at VFL and GFL levels.

Nicol has signed on for two seasons, becoming the 135 year old club’s 35th senior coach.

He said was not necessarily looking to take on a new coaching role, but Queenscliff’s culture and its talented list of youth proved too tempting.

“I was really impressed with how the club’s travelling off field, they’re very organised and have a strong volunteer base. I just found it was a very welcoming, warm community football club.

“The flip side to that is what Steve’s been able to do over the last couple of years to put some game time into the younger guys, the 17, 18 and 19 year olds. They’re at a point we’re they’re probably ready to develop further and play some more regular senior football. There’s a lot of improvement in the list,” he said.

“If you use Ocean Grove as an example, they’ve gone through a youth policy and everybody probably tipped them to finish in the bottom two or three and they just came out and surprised everyone and won a final.

“We’re going to be young, so who knows what we can achieve.”

Queenscliff Football Netball Club president Rowan Martin said Nicol was appointed after an extensive recruitment process and from a field of impressive applicants.
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“Of the short-listed candidates whittled down from an early list of eight potentials for the role, the final candidates presented and interviewed extremely well but Rory was deemed to be the best fit for our club,” he said.