Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale main streets will be decked out with new decorations, as part of plans to bring back the spirit of Christmas.

After being criticised last year for missing the mark with its decorations, the Borough of Queenscliffe has splurged on new festive flags, wreaths and Christmas trees to add colour to the twin towns.

And the Lighting of the Christmas tree – held last year without crowds - is also in for a shake up, with plans to flick the switch from a community celebration in the heart of the Point Lonsdale village.

Mayor Ross Ebbels said Council had been working with traders and schools to reinvigorate the annual event with additional activities and in a way that supported local business.

“Obviously the first question is can you see the Christmas tree from the main street and yes, you can, so the aim would be to have a big community celebration and the lights would be lit remotely from there,” he said.

Mayor Ross Ebbels said Council would use $200,000 ,allocated to it under the latest round of the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund, to reactivate outdoor dining and support entertainment in the heart of both towns.

“We haven’t decided what it will look like but we’ve got some more outdoor dining opportunities and activitations coming as well so that locals and visitors can enjoy the outdoors and what we love about the borough,” he said.

Business owners in both towns have been working up ideas behind the scenes to bring life back to both CBDs after two challenging years of lockdowns and restrictions.

Point Lonsdale’s wish list includes a twilight events program incorporating live music, al fresco dining and street picnics. There would be more seating, tables and umbrellas, street stalls, trees filled with fairy lights in the adjacent park and shop fronts would be lit up like Myer Christmas windows.

“Covid’s been a blow but we’ve seen all the shops here taken over by new and energised people and I think this plan is just building on that energy. There’s a fresh commitment to come together as traders,” said Trish Berry, owner of Noble Rot wine bar.
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“This time last year there were four empty shops – one fifth of the shops – and then there’s been four new can do people come in and really really different shops. The offerings are so typical of here,” added Chris Dineen, who together with wife Sally Denehy owns specialty shop La Monique.

Queenscliffe's annual Australia Day ceremony will be scrapped and the Australia Day Awards program will renamed the Community Service Awards,  following a review of the existing awards policy and last year’s event.

All but one Councillor voted at the August meeting in favour of the shift away from a January 26 event, which was described as a “more inclusive” outcome for the community. Councillor Donnie Grigau abstained. 

“As part of the review of the policy and the Australia Day event, Council officers noted that over the past few years there had been a shift in the engagement and participation,” said Economic and Community Development Program Leader Shannon Maloney. 

“Whilst seen as a valuable recognition program, feedback received from stakeholders revealed a desire to move the community awards to another date which may be seen as more inclusive to the entire community and inspire increased participation in the acknowledgment and celebrations of service.”

Mrs Maloney said under the changes, the focus of awards would shift to a celebration of volunteerism and awards would be presented at the Borough’s annual Volunteer Week event. 

“Importantly, the revised policy shifts the focus to community service in general rather than linking it specifically to Australia Day,” she said.

The change means the Borough will no longer host a celebration and Flag Raising ceremony on January 26. Council will continue to hold citizenship ceremonies on the day on request, a spokesperson said. 

The decision reflects growing unease within the broader community about celebrations on Australia Day and an increased push for the date to be changed.

Councillor Fleur Hewitt applauded the decision; “I think it’s really great that we’re moving this to Volunteers Week, given the awards are a recognition of the wonderful contributions of service that members of our community make to the borough.”

The Borough of Queenscliffe has committed to playing its part in addressing increasing  homelessness and rental stress across the region, through the release of its first draft Social Housing Plan. 

However, it has acknowledged that with limited land options available,  there is little it can do to provide affordable housing within its own municipality. 

Queenscliffe CEO Martin Gill said the borough had been working with other G21 councils for several months to consider ways of boosting social housing options across the greater Geelong region. 

The plan, currently on exhibition, details a number of advocacy options, he said. 

“It’s given me some insight into the region but also our local community,” Mr Gill said. “In a community that is generally well looked after and generally in a pretty stable position, there is still some issues around social housing. 

“If you then extrapolate that to across the region, there are some significant issues around social housing and while our role may not be substantial in this, I think giving our voice to the issue and supporting the other councils as they pursue building opportunities and work on Housing Victoria plans to provide social housing helps with the advocacy, but also helps us recognise that we’re never far away from problems,” Mr Gill said.  

“While we won’t actually build any houses, we’re conscious that we need to do work with the community as to where that housing will potentially go.”

The plan’s release comes amid an unprecedented spike in housing prices in Geelong and along the coast, putting home ownership out of the reach of many and resulting in hefty rent increases. in some areas.

The current median house price in the Borough sits at around $1 million and none of the new properties that have been constructed in recent years would fall into the category of affordable housing, according to the plan. 

It described the high cost of housing in the Queenscliffe as a “critical barrier” to affordability, with median weekly rental costs among the highest in the region.

Council figures show upwards of 70 of the municipality's 1,234 households are living on very modest income and experiencing rental stress. At present, however, there are only 11 social housing properties within the municipality - less than one per cent of all housing - with an unmet demand for up to 47 more. 

In Geelong, an estimated 7,200 households who urgently need social housing with around 6,400 paying more than 30 per cent of their income on rent. 

The State Government's Big Housing Build allocates $5.3 billion for affordable housing, with 25 per cent to be spent in regional Victoria. In addition, Homes Victoria will provide a guarateed spend in the G21 region including: 

City of Greater Geelong - $180 million
Surf Coast Shire - $20 million
Golden Plains Shire - $15 million 

An allocation for the Borough of Queenscliffe has not been specified.
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The draft Social Housing Plan can be viewed on the BoQ website.

Point Lonsdale’s only petrol station will make way for a three-level residential development incorporating 12 apartments and four shops, under a planning application lodged with the Borough of Queenscliffe.

The proposal will dramatically transform the 2465m2 site on the corner of Point Lonsdale and Lawrence roads, currently home to the BP service station, and according to the applicants - Sincock Planning Pty Ltd and David McDonald Builders - would address demand for housing in the town. 

The proposed $3.5 million development, designed by SPL Architects, is for “three distinct building forms,” fronting Point Lonsdale Road, and a basement car park comprising 24 parking spaces.

Five two-bedroom dwellings would sit above the shops. A further seven two-level, three-bedroom townhouses will be located at the rear of the property - each less than 8.5 metres high and will featuring roof-top gardens.

Retail spaces will be 115m2 in size, with pedestrian access from Point Lonsdale Road. 

A carpark at the front of the building will provide an additional 13 spaces for commercial visitors.

The land is currently zoned for mixed use and is subject to a design and development overlay aimed at protecting significant Port Phillip and Swan Bay views, local environment and neighbourhood character.

According to the application, the proposal was “consistent with the zone, overlay and policy framework of the planning scheme,” and would meet a demand for “higher density and diversity housing “in the location.

“[It] is consistent with the strategic outcomes sought by the Queenscliffe Planning Scheme, and the proposal provides for a well-designed mixed-use development that will respect and complement the coastal character of the town whilst providing a medium density development and greater housing choice for residents,” it said.
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“This site is the only mixed-use zone in the municipality and the desire to provide a high-quality form of housing and appropriate density without under developing the land has been achieved. The site was nominated for mixed-use development given its two street abuttals and convenient access to the beach, other shops and services and public bus transport within the township.
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Queenscliff’s Marine Science Research Centre will undergo a $4.5 million redevelopment, as part of a trio of projects worth $22.1 million aimed at putting Deakin University at the forefront of water and aquaculture research.

The redevelopment will include new laboratories, teaching facilities and a high-speed speed optic fibre network for the community. 

According to Higher Education Minister Gayle Tierney, the investment will establish Queenscliff as the centre for excellence for temperate water marine science research and education in southern Australia. 

The Government has contributed $6 million to Deakin for the three projects, which also include a new $9.8 million state-of-the-art AcquaFI Hub innovation centre to explore animal nutrition and to support the expansion of fish and seafood farming and a $7.8 million upgrade to the university’s Waurn Ponds campus. 

“These exciting projects will push the boundaries of water science research but also provide great learning and job opportunities for Victorians” Ms Tierney said.  

Melbourne-based Root Partnerships will oversee construction, which will begin this year and finish mid-2022.

The projects would provide new opportunities for staff, students and traditional owners and create scholarships opportunities - 50 percent of which will be offered to women. 

“These projects are an extension of our investment in regional Victoria and commitment to sustainability and will also enhance our existing research capabilities,” said Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin. 
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Deakin established a formal presence with the MSRC under a 2017 agreement.

Four dilapidated former World War II huts will stay on the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve for the foreseeable future, following a new Council decision to “mothball” them. 

Borough of Queenscliffe CEO Martin Gill revealed Council had been unable to meet redevelopment  milestones set out by Regional Development Victoria (RDV) as part of a $600,000 funding agreement, because of delays in obtaining heritage, coastal and cultural planning approvals. 

The redevelopment was to have included removal of all but one of the huts. Council will now seek to have project timelines re-adjusted. 
 
“The timing of that [RDV] agreement required some milestones to be met early this year. Those milestones cannot be met due primarily to the approvals processes that we were going through and some advice from the cultural heritage management plan work that there are parts of the site that should not be disturbed for sub-surface testing,” Mr Gill told the April Council meeting. 

“In receiving that information, Council officers realised that not only did we need to think about the milestones, but we should also have a think about how we amend the activities that are part of that grant agreement.

“We’re recommending a change to the the grant agreement that would include the P1 huts as a project - to record those, remove asbestos and… for want of a better term, to mothball them until we can work out what the future of those should be,” Mr Gill said. 

Under the redevelopment plan approved in January 2019, all but MacDonalds Hall - the biggest of the four - was to be removed. The proposal also included paths, landscaping, a ship spotting platform, barbecue amenities. 

However, a subsequent Heritage Victoria decision to formally  recognise the site’s heritage and cultural assets -  renaming it the Point Lonsdale Maritime and Defence Precinct - committed the Council to having to undertake extensive planning investigations before any works could commence. 

As a result of the missed milestones, Councillors unanimously voted to amend the current plan.  

Cr Susan Salter, who was part of the 2019 Council that approved the huts’ removal, described the process as long and convoluted.

“The Victorian Government heritage listing extends all the way up to Winterley Road, so it is a much larger space than it used to be and of course in passing this, we are rescinding the motion of 2019… we’re tidying up quite a lot of work within our own historical records I guess.”

The Federal Government is still considering an application for the reserve to also be included on the National Heritage List - a move that would add even further protections from development. 

“I think it’s really important at this stage that we improve this precinct with the allocated funding, providing RDV does agree to the proposed redirection for some of the activities,” said Cr Michael Grout. “But in particular, I think we really do need to better secure and preserve the heritage of the P1 huts so that the unsightly temporary fencing can be removed.”

The State Government, through RDV, has committed $500,000 to the redevelopment.  A Council spokesperson said discussions were underway with RDV to vary the grant agreement. 

"Interim reserve works would include removing asbestos from the huts, ensuring they are structurally sound and re-cladding them in a material similar to the original, he said. 

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.
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Council erected fencing around the buildings in March 2017, after a fifth hut was destroyed in an arson attack and to prevent gatherings of young people.

Countless hours of voluntary work has been recognised with Point Lonsdale’s Peter Callaghan and Peter Deacon being jointly named Queenscliffe’s Citizen of the Year. 

The two were presented with the honour at the borough’s annual Australia Day civic awards on Tuesday, January 26. 

Mr Callaghan, described as one of the municipality’s "most recognisable faces," has over decades volunteered and helped secure pivotal funding for  numerous community groups and projects including the Queenscliff Music Festival, Football and Netball Club and the Point Lonsdale Tennis Club. 

"I do it because I like it, winning awards like this are the furthest thing from my mind, although it is an honour,” said Mr Callaghan. “There’s a huge number of volunteers that make our organisations run and we need people who can put in the time. I’m happy to do it, I enjoy helping out and I get more out of it than I put in.”

“If I had made a speech I would have thanked [my wife] Pam for her tolerance, although I sometimes think she quite enjoys the fact that I’m out of her hair so that she can do her own thing." 

As a member of the former Queenscliffe Rotary Club over many years, Mr Deacon helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars for community, national and international projects. In particular, he was instrumental in securing $150,000 for new exercise stations throughout the borough. 

“It was an idea I originally saw on the foreshore of Malaga in Spain when we were having a holiday years ago and I thought given the average age of Queenscliffe something like this would be great,” Mr Deakin said of the project. “But it took over three years including two presentations to Council. Luckily the Pick My Project came along, which enabled us to expand out from a small pod in Point Lonsdale,” he said.

Nine-year old Frankie Davis was named Young Citizen of the Year. The Queenscliff Primary School student instigated and distributed the ‘Cheer Up Weekly’ newsletter during the COVID-19 lockdown. 

Century old children’s charity Cottage by the Sea, which prepared more than 10,000 meals for those doing it tough during the pandemic, was named Community Organisation of the Year, while the Community Indigenous Nursery was presented with the Community Environment Project of the Year award. 

Last year the nursery propagated more than 20,000 plants, used in numerous revelation projects. 

Due to ongoing restrictions, the awards were presented to a small invite-only gathering at the pop-up Pelican Bar tent. 

Mayor Ross Ebbels said all recipients had continued to serve their community in “one of the most challenging 12 months” anyone could remember. 
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“Even though we have not been able to get together as we have in previous years, people such as yourselves have continued to contribute meaningfully to our community,” Cr Ebbels said.

Residents have been urged to embrace new pop-up eating zones, installed across the municipality to help local eateries recover from the pandemic. 

Twelve of the ‘skiplets’ will be located in parking spaces in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale - including busy Hesse Street and Point Lonsdale Road retail precincts - for the next three months. 

The modified skip bins, produced in Jan Juc, are fitted out with recycled timber flooring and benches and provide additional seating for 10 patrons.  

“Some businesses have done well during COVID and some haven’t, and we don’t know what the next three months will bring when the Jobkeeper program ends and people leave after the summer holidays” said Mayor Ross Ebbels.

“We want to make sure businesses are sustainable and can get through the next few months, and these skiplets can help with that. A lot of them are playing catch up now and we need them to be really busy this summer period. 

“There’ll be some people who say they want their car parks back and there will be some who really like the skiplets,... I just ask everyone to show some patience.

"We might find that after three months, a bit like Geelong where they were trailed for five months five years ago, that not only traders but customers also want them to stay,” he said.   

The Borough of Queenscliffe has fast-tracked the initiative after receiving $250,000 to progress outdoor dining, under a State Government initiative aimed at assisting businesses hard hit by COVID-19.

The first of the skiplets was installed outside the Queenscliff General Store. 

“It has some sort of novelty value I think and is going to be a really fun little space and something bit different for people,” said business owner Garreth Jones.   

The cafe managed to trade through the pandemic, despite being forced to remove tables and chairs.
“It was a bit scary there for a little while, it was unchartered waters. 
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“I have to say you’re only as good as your customers and ours were really supportive,” Mr Jones said.  
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Unsightly power poles have been removed from the South end of Queenscliff’s Hesse Street, as part of a $1.5 million project to beautify the sector. 

The project, jointly funded under the Victorian Government’s Fixing Country Roads and the Commonwealth’s Roads to Recovery programs, is nearing completion. 

It includes underfunding of power lines to improve beach views, the creation of 16 extra parking spaces, improved street lighting, drainage, re-surphacing and tree planting.   
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“Hesse Street South now looks modern and bright at both day and night, and with our new outdoor dining Skiplets being added further up the road for expanded hospitality options, there’s no better place to spend your summer than in the Borough of Queenscliffe, said Mayor Ross Ebbels.

Public consultation has opened on what is being described as one of the Borough of Queenscliffe’s most important documents. 

The new Coastal and Marine Management Plan (CMMP) will guide decision-making on almost all matters related to foreshore and coastal planning.

The existing document has not been updated since 2006.

Mayor Ross Ebbels said the new plan would go the heart of everything residents valued about living in Queenscliffe and would ensure coastline assets were safeguarded for future generations. 

“For so much of what we’ll do in the the future, we need to have this plan in place.  

“I know how much of a privilege it is to have such world-class coastlines on our door step – from the simple pleasures of walking your dog on the beach, to surfing at Back Beach,” Cr Ebbels said.

“I also know how much our community values these landscapes, which is why I’m calling on anyone who utilises our coasts to provide input into our Coastal and Marine Management Plan.”

The Council manages and maintains numerous bayside and ocean reserves and assets including the Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale Lighthouse reserves. It is thought to be the highest proportion of land in foreshore reserves in any municipality in Victoria. 

The new  CMMP, to developed in line with requirements of the Marine and Coastal Act 2018, will provide a blueprint on how these areas will be managed into the future. 

Consultation opens with the Borough hosting an interactive webinar at 6:00pm on Thursday 14 January, where residents and ratepayers can ask questions of the planning team.

An online survey is available to be completed by navigating to queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/coasts, where
visitors can also learn more information and read a detailed issues paper.
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Consultation on the plan closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 31 January.
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Three first-time councillors will join two returning to form the Borough of Queenscliffe’s new five-member Council. 

Incumbent Mayor Ross Ebbels was the leading vote-getter, polling 752 of first preferences. Queenscliff businessman Donnie Grigau was second elected, with 449 votes, followed by Michael Grout (434), Fleur Hewitt (363) and incumbent Councillor Susan Salter (331). 

3,609 of the 4,143 enrolled voters participated in the postal election - 151 were informal. 

“I’d like to give a warm welcome to the new Councillors, as well as those who are returning,” said BoQ CEO Martin Gill. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the new Council as we navigate the impacts of the pandemic, implement the new Local Government Act, and continue to progress a number of important projects.” 

Eleven candidates contested the election.  The Victorian Electoral Commission announced the final results on Wednesday November 4, 2020. 

A full breakdown of results can be found at: https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/results/2020-council-election-results/queenscliffe-borough-council

Poppies could be placed at the local graves of deceased service men and women on Remembrance Day, as part of tribute proposed by the Queenscliffe RSL. 

Spokesperson Graham Christie said the November 11 initiative would recognise the Queenscliff Cemetery as a key military site, and afford respect to the fallen within its grounds. 

Mr Christie is urging relatives to identify and nominate the graves of those who served, dating back more than a century, to ensure they are recognised with a poppy tribute.  

“The thought being, that should the national day be restricted under the COVID19 guidelines - in line with the ANZAC day and Vietnam Veterans Day services in 2020 - our RSL Sub-Branch could ceremoniously place a poppy at each of the historical military grave sites in this cemetery, as a tangible remembrance to all local heroes of the past,” Mr Christie said.

“These cared-for sites include many of our famous, including Violet Duddy, Sir Thomas and Dame Vera Deakin White… together with many Boer War fort soldiers [and] many other such heroes as Captain Colin Springall.”

As part of the initiative, poppies would be placed by relatives at graves in the week leading up to remembrance Day, allowing them to plan ahead. 

The tribute would remain in place permanently, and the graves would eventually be mapped by the Geelong Cemetery Trust.

“Our prestigious Avenue of Honour no longer displays the actual details of the soldier or nurse who were lost in war, died of wounds in the hospitals… and/or those who died on their return to their homeland,” Mr Christie said. “The grandeur of these Monterey Cypress trees remains but the identity of each of the fallen has been extinguished over time.

“It should be noted that many WW1 Queenscliff Lads who perished in the Great War are in the beautiful cemeteries of France and Belgium, but those who returned are most probably in this lovely garden area – but not known.

“A Poppy at each site would be rated a most popular activity by the entire Community.”

Raised in Queenscliff, Ms Duddy served on the frontline at Gallipoli. Her father was also Secretary of our First RSL Sub-Branch Committee in 1919.

Sir Thomas was a First World War pilot, prisoner or war and later Federal politician. Dame Vera, the daughter of Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, was appointed an Officer of the British Empire for her work with the Red Cross during the First World War, while Captain Springall manned pilot boats through Port Phillip Heads.
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“I am asking that our community consider such a memorial process, that I believe would become quite remarkable… irrespective if we are even permitted to hold a normal commemorative service,” said Mr Christie. 

Relatives wanting to participate in the project can contact Mr Christie at:  
ryandale31@bigpond.com or by phoning 0418 521579.

DONNIE GRIGAU
I have lived in Queenscliff for many years and, together with my husband Andrew, run the popular Shelter Shed restaurant in Hese Street.
Working closely with residents and visitors, and being involved with and supporting several clubs, charities and associations has allowed me to gain an insight into what we value most about our special part of the Bellarine Peninsula. 
My priorities will be firstly, to ensure the Council preserves these key social, economic and environmental values, and secondly, to empower the community to have a greater say in policy in policy development and the management of sporting, campaign and foreshore areas. 
My agenda is inclusive, ambitious, optimistic yet achievable, and some of the outcomes I’d like to accomplish are: 
Ensuring the Council remains viable through sound budget management while operating within the rate cap. Like any business, the Borough must provide good quality, value-for-money services which meet the needs of ratepayers ad residents. 
Ensuring new projects are only supported which reflect community values, and are based on a sound business case or demonstrable social need, such as the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club beach base. 
Incorporating environmentally-friendly practices into Council service delivery and greater advocacy of strategies to improve sustainability locally. 
Completing strategies and policies which maintain and protect the Borough’s distinctive character, such as the Coastal Management Plan, Heritage Review, Significant Tree Register and the appropriate amendment to the planning scheme to reflect these values. 
Preserving and promoting the Borough’s extraordinary military, maritime and architectural built heritage as a year-round tourism drawcard which supports local businesses. We need an agreement with the Commonwealth on Fort Queenscliff’s future which respects heritage while revitalising the site. We need more walking and improved cycling trails for health and encouraging visitors to move between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. 

*Edited

ROSS EBBELS
​I first moved to The Borough nearly 40 years ago when I started my hospitality career. I am married with two girls who attended Queenscliff Kindergarten and Queenscliff Primary and we have always been keen participants in community life, including being Board Member, Inaugural Chairman and Life Member of The Queenscliff Music Festival. 
Living and working most of my life in The Borough of Queenscliffe I want to continue to contribute to our community.
Why am I standing again?
I am standing again as I still have a lot to contribute to this great Borough. In this last term of council, I was elected the Mayor of The Borough of Queenscliffe. Although as it turned out not to be the year any of us thought, I have been able to connect closer with our community and would love the opportunity to again represent The Borough of Queenscliffe as an elected Councillor.
If re-elected as your Councillor I Will:
Continue to work hard, Engage, and Listen to our community and keep The Borough great and the envy of other municipalities
Continue to support our small business operators
Establish a significant tree register for the Borough
Continue council listening posts – post Covid-19
Remember that small things do matter to our residents
Ensure the Borough remains independent and financially viable
Continue monthly meetings with our community and business associations
Continue to be available to all our residents
Advocate for an upgrade to the existing skate park and create a new and exciting bike track for our youth
Ensure Council completes its current major projects before taking on any new one’s
Protect our pristine environment from the effects of Climate Change
Continue to provide stability and leadership during these difficult times.
I would like to thank all the residents in The Borough who have made contact with me over the past years as a councillor and as your Mayor. We live in such a beautiful and safe part of the world and with your help we can keep it that way.

FLEUR HEWITT
​Point Lonsdale-based Fleur Hewitt is an experienced lawyer. As a mother of two young girls, she is passionate about shaping a sustainable and bright future for residents of the Borough.
“I am excited to join the campaign trail and look forward to engaging further with our community on issues that really matter to the Borough,” she said.
“More action is needed than ever to respond to the twin crises of climate change and COVID-19. We are in the midst of a climate emergency; our beaches are eroding and we are vulnerable to rising sea levels. We’ve done a great job staying healthy in this pandemic, but we have not been immune to its economic impact.”
Key initiatives include:
• Installing electric vehicle charging stations in public spaces, which will not only encourage a local switch to electric vehicles, but also environmentally-friendly tourism;
• Reducing red tape for businesses, supporting increased outdoor dining and assisting with COVID safe plans;
• Improving and building new footpaths, bike tracks and safe crossings, refurbishing the skate park and establishing a hub for playgroups and a toy library
As a new voice for the community, particularly for young families, I will bring to the role extensive legal experience in all areas of real estate, having acted for both private and public sector clients.

ISABELLE TOLHURST

My husband Woody and I have decided to raise our family in the Borough of Queenscliffe, because my connection to this place runs deep -- I am a direct descendant of Henry Charles Dod, who established the first post office and bank in Queenscliff, and I attended Queenscliff kindergarten as a child. My family and I have been community members for more than 30 years. 
We live here because we love this place. We want our children to enjoy what we have - the waves crashing along the Point Lonsdale esplanade; the warbling magpies (who have a knack for remembering human faces, so be sure to keep them on side); a glittering Queenscliff harbour.
In loving this place, we also embrace its stories. I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years, including overseas in Jakarta and Copenhagen, and know the immense power of stories. They are great equalisers, for everyone has a story, and it is through stories that we learn about far away places, long buried secrets, and we come to understand each other and what makes us collectively human.
But COVID threatens our humanity, and all that makes this community great. Yet now is no time for isolationism or silence. The pandemic has reinforced that local people, places and stories are everything. Through them, we remain resilient to this great challenge of our time.
In October, I will run as a candidate in the Borough of Queenscliffe local government elections to represent this historic community and be a strong advocate for community consultation. I will listen, and I will act on the stories of this community. 
Stories - even those we discover late or don’t want to hear - are our identity. They can preserve history, upend and correct it, and inform the future. Stories are what make this community great, and the stories we tell each other, our children and those that visit this beautiful Borough, will help us survive COVID and beyond.
Offer your story up, and open your ears to the stories of others. You will be amazed at what you find.
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MICHAEL GROUT

COVID19 is dominating our lives, and climate change looms large. The current challenge is to stay healthy and solvent as we navigate these issues so we continue to enjoy Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.  We can meet these challenges if we work together, and I believe I can facilitate that. So I am a new candidate at the next local election, and I am standing for our community and the environment:

• Maintaining a financially viable independent Borough. We have a small rate base supplemented with government grants and caravan park revenue, but we have relatively few roads and infrastructure to maintain. We are viable when we keep rate increases low, improve our planning and resourcing, involve our community more effectively, manage assets and debt frugally and minimize spending on consultants.
• Uniting the community and Council to act on climate change. We should embrace renewable energy, be more energy efficient, mitigate erosion and storm damage, plant more, manage bush fire risk, better process waste and water, and switch to electric vehicles.
• Supporting businesses create a diverse and prosperous local economy. We should shop locally, and creatively promote our natural/heritage/hospitality assets, and our cultural events. We can improve collaboration with our region and the telecommunications that enable more of us to develop business.
• Better protecting our wonderful environment. We can do better maintaining our diverse coastal landscapes, parks and streetscapes through better education, management and resourcing. 
• Caring for our community wellbeing. Provide support programs for those who need it most, in particular older people, those with disabilities and the very young. Continue to deliver effective support to our community organizations including sporting groups, art groups, older citizens, the young and neighbourhood house.
• Protecting and promoting our diverse cultural and built heritage. Let’s celebrate the Aboriginal heritage of our area. We also have a valuable legacy of architecture to look after, including two lighthouse areas. I support new development that complements the characters of Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff.

I am keen to be part of a more open and engaging Council. When our community collaborates with our Council in common purpose we reboot trust, and we create a better Borough.

ZELDA WALTERS

I have been a permanent resident of Queenscliff for six years but have been coming down to stay in both Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff for around 30 years.
My background is in public relations, marketing and communication and I have a qualification in business administration.
Since living here I have become concerned at the Council’s lack of relevant community consultation.  I do not believe residents issues have been listened to or addressed well.
For example, over the last few years Council has undertaken numerous costly and repetitive surveys (eg improvements to Hesse Street) to gain insight into residents and visitors thoughts on the Borough.  These surveys don’t seem to have led to relevant changes or improvements –  there is a lack of follow through action by Council and they are a waste of ratepayer money.
As a result I believe many residents have become disillusioned with the Council and Councillors – the Borough has stagnated. Residents require action, not just talk.
There are some very serious challenges ahead of us, which Council needs to address.
It’s time for Council to look to the future, address these challenges (such as climate change, beach erosion, financial management, state of dune and foreshore management) and put in place measures to make the Borough a safe, viable and vibrant place.
It’s time for a change!

WHAT I STAND FOR:"
"I want to see:

• A Council that is efficiently and cost effectively run;
• A Council that listens and acts more with the community on issues;
• A Council and Councillors who communicate well and regularly with the community;
• Our rates used on things that are relevant to our community’s requirements;
• The ability for residents to discuss issues at Council Meetings.

ROB MINTY

I am standing again for Councillor to continue the recent important progress taking place. I am a Borough resident and have been a Councillor for the last nine months after winning the seat vacated by Cr Francis.
The appointment of the new CEO has seen real change in the way Council deals with community consultation in the Borough. I actively support the “get it done” agenda of 2020 and beyond.
I stand in support of a financially strong and independent Borough and a consultative Council focused on residents and supporting local business
We have progressed the Climate Emergency Response Plan and the Avenue of Honour action plan to replant this important memorial. The Hub, a substantial project which will improve resident and visitor experience in Hesse Street is progressing without cost or timing issues. 
I have advocated for years, as a member and president of the PLCA, for weed reduction on Ocean Road and improvements at The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve (PLLHR). Real action is finally underway. 
I believe our caravan parks need amenities upgraded. The income is important for Council and our  businesses need these visitors now more than ever.

AMANDA HOYSTED
I am proud to have been a member of the Queenscliff Point Lonsdale Community for my entire life; and over the years I have seen how this community has succeeded in dealing with challenges both big and small. 
However, Covid-19 and the current recession may be the greatest test that we will ever face.  I am asking for your vote so that I can join the Council and work to help the Borough at this important time.  
I am a true independent. I have no connections with any political party or special interest groups; and if elected, I will represent the ordinary ratepayers and residents of the Borough to the best of my ability. 
I have tertiary qualifications in Communications and Management and have successfully run my own retail business for over a decade. 
Running your own business teaches you the importance of managing your finances.  If elected, I pledge that I will work to ensure that the Borough manages your rates responsibly. Existing services to residents will be maintained and priority will be given to supporting local jobs and businesses.
There are many things that the Council does well, but these need to be expanded and promoted to benefit our community. I would establish a "Waste and Recycle Fortnight" to co-ordinate e-waste, chemical waste, and hard waste collections to assist residents in managing household waste more effectively.
The catastrophic fires at the start of 2020 highlighted the importance of having "Neighbourhood Safer Places" within the Borough. I believe that it is critical that a Fire Audit of the Borough be done this year.
This may be the most important vote that we cast in our local elections.  I am asking for your vote to ensure that an independent voice will be your representative on Council.

GEOFFREY MATHEWS
I moved from South Australia to Queenscliff in 2000 seeking a lifestyle change after having held senior positions in a family business and outside industry committee roles within Tafe South Australia and the SA Guild of Furniture Manufacturers.
My education comprises Bachelor of Arts (Flinders University), and Graduate Certificate Property (University of South Australia).
Since arriving I have renovated many houses and commercial properties within the Borough, enjoying the many components of restoration of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale’s beautiful, diverse post 19th century architecture in a sympathetic and complementary manner that conserves and enhances their historical significance.
I am actively involved in the Queenscliff Lonsdale Yacht Club, on the management committee and an enthusiastic sailing member with a passion to show the benefits of outdoor water activities to young and old. 
Key directions: 
Nurture discourse and collaboration to create coherent nuts and bolts plans for infrastructure and the community.
Re-ignite the Borough as a must visit regional destination.
Strengthen our community's rich history, culture, social, environment and economic life.
Recognise the Wadawurrung people’s history and culture in our future.
Support residents and visitor infrastructure to create an environment for local businesses to flourish.
Support museums, the Hub, sport and park facilities, caravan parks, public toilets, town footpaths, walking and cycling tracks and the twin main streets, beaches, jetties, Shortland Bluff and Swan Bay.
Engage residents and council to connect the Borough in matters of marine and history, from Queenscliff Harbour to the Point Lonsdale lighthouse, to tell a powerful and vibrant local story.
Choose environmental best practice for our future generations.
Encourage back to basic principles in governance, asset, and financial management with the resources available.
*Edited

SUSAN SALTER
I came to live in the Borough of Queenscliffe in 1984. It has been a serendipitous blessing. Living where the land meets water.
I have been a Maths teacher at Bellarine Secondary College until my retirement in 2016. I was a member of the Save the Borough Committee in the early 1990. Our Independence continues into this century, and I continue to advocate to expand the boundary. Independence is assured by good governance and financial accountability.
I was honoured to be elected to council in 2012.
Over this time I have been a very active councillor, delighted to attend many local events and to catch up with many of you. I was privileged to be Mayor in 2018.
I introduced our Community Listening Post system, in which many of you have participated.
I have always valued the history our communities, ancient and recent, the heritage of the built environment, the surrounding environment. I have actively and strongly supported the heritage of our towns. Pleasingly, Stage 1 of our Heritage Review is finished. This is the first time since 1984 that this work has been updated and  I look forward to completing Stage 2 and thus protecting our lovely towns into the future.
I have actively supported the Hub community complex in Hesse Street, and look forward to its completion.
During this term, Council has completed a wide range of tasks, including the netball courts, the cricket nets and drainage works such as Hesse Street south, in Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff, to manage flooding.
 I have been the chair of Anzac Avenue Reference Group. You will have all enjoyed the benefits of the new trees this winter. But there is more to done. I look forward to further working on this with members of the community.
 Over the last period of Council, thousands of native trees and plants have been located in streets and parks. I will be supporting more environmental work, including the removal of weeds. I look forward to working with community members to develop priorities in this area.
 Following a community petition of more than 2000 people, I moved a motion declaring a Climate Emergency. The Council has already completed some work towards addressing this and will continue to do so into the future based on community consultation in which everyone will be invited to participate.
*Edited

Authorities have been urged to further investigate Queenscliffe’s beach erosion hot spots, after a damaging month of high tides and strong winds. 

Narrows Beach was hardest hit through May, with a barrage of large waves breaking the protective timber fence,  hastening the collapse of sand dunes and dislodging nearby timber beach access stairs. 

The Queenscliff front beach was also noticeably battered, with big swells carving a two-metre sand cliff along the high tide mark between the ferry terminal and pier. 

“Part of what we value most about living in the Borough is its spectacular coastline and welcoming beaches. Council is focused on preserving that environment for the benefit of many generations to come,” said Queenscliffe Mayor Cr Ross Ebbels. 
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“When dealing with acts of nature such as these increased tides, we’re always looking with one eye to the future. This means ensuring repaired the damage, says it has asked the Department of the Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria to assess the erosion. 
​

The Borough of Queenscliffe is anticipating a “six-figure” financial hit from the closure of caravan parks alone as a result of the coronavirus, according to CEO Martin Gill. 

Council’s Draft 2020-21 Budget forecasts an underlying deficit of $901,000, with a minimum drop in revenue, particularly from tourism, of $698,000 (7.2%). 

“While Council’s financial position over the long term is secure, the short-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic are significant and unavoidable,” Mr Gill said.

“Revenue losses resulting from the closure of caravan parks are difficult to project, but are expected to reach six figures. 

“Additional expenses from Council’s subsidisation of many fees and charges to support our community are necessary stimulus measures, but nonetheless compound the effect on Council’s bottom line,” he said.

A new kerbside organic waste collection initiative and a revamp of parking in South Hesse Street are among few new projects to be undertaken next financial year. A $6.5 million capital works program will instead focus on completing existing projects, including the Queenscliff Cultural Hub and Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve.

Rates will rise by two per cent, in line with the State Government rates cap, however hardship provisions have been increased and a one-off waste rebate will be given to households as part off a $330,000 package to soften the pandemic’s impact on residents and businesses. 

The $120,000 Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) waste service will be rolled out in coming months,. Already operating in other municipalities, it allows households to dispose of green waste and organics such as food scraps, coffee grounds, tissues and dog droppings. 
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A controversial $1.35million project to create 59 new car parking spaces and underground powerlines in South Hesse Street, is also expected to commence in coming weeks.