The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse reserve will be officially known as the Point Lonsdale Maritime and Defence Precinct after a decision by Heritage Victoria to give it greater protection. 

The ruling means the entire area, not just the lighthouse itself - as has been the case up until now - is deemed to be of significance for its maritime, defence and cultural role in the state’s history. 

All buildings, ruins, archeological features, roads, trees and landscape elements will be covered.
 
The decision formalises a Heritage Victoria recommendation made in September and takes the reserve a step closer to gaining National Heritage Listing.  
        
“The proposed changes in this amendment will ensure that other significant buildings and features are included in the registration,” said Heritage Victoria Executive Director Steven Avery. “It will also includes land to protect the cultural heritage significance of the place.”

The reserve was deemed historically significant for the strategic role it has played in maritime navigation and rescue dating back to the 1850s, for its associations with national defence including both World Wars and for cultural reasons including as the location of Buckley’s cave.  

Under the ruling, no works can be carried out on the reserve without prior approval.

It is unclear what it means for a current Queenscliffe Council plan to demolish three of the four remaining World War II (P1) huts on the reserve. Under that proposal, unanimously endorsed by Councillors in January in contradiction to the recommendations of its own community reference group, only the MacDonald hut would be retained and restored as an interpretive building. 
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Without clarifying the impact, Borough CEO Martin Gill welcomed the ruling: “The Borough of Queenscliffe is delighted by the announcement of expanded heritage protections for the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve. In fact, Council was actively encouraging residents to support the proposal on its website and in mayor’s columns,” he said. 

“This expanded listing not only ensures this much-loved location gets the protection it deserves, but ties in closely with Council’s plans to clean up and improve the existing site. 

“We are also actively seeking the view of the Waddawurrung to recognise and acknowledge the Indigenous heritage on the site. The expanded protections provide a strong base for partnership with the Victorian Government to protect and enhance the site.”

 “Improvement plans are currently making their way through the relevant approval processes. We hope to have more news to share with the community soon,” said Mr Gill.

The State Government has contributed $500,000 and the Borough of Queenscliffe $100,000 towards the $600,000 cost of the reserve masterplan, which also includes new pathways, improvements to the lighthouse surrounds and a ship viewing platform.
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The reserve has been placed on a priority assessment list  for inclusion on the National Heritage List.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Council will advise the Australian Heritage Council of its decision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"If you've ever swum between the flags," the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club wants
your help!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After more than a decade of being overlooked, Queenscliff’s Cultural Hub will finally become a reality. 

The Victorian Government has announced a further $1.2 million for the project, which includes the redevelopment of the Queenscliff Historical Museum, library and Visitor Information Centre. 

The new funding, granted under the state’s Community Support Fund, takes to more than $4 million the government’s pledged support. 

It comes on top of $2.5 million - recently re-directed from the Borough of Queenscliffe's Destination Queenscliff Project - and $450,000 already provided through the Living Libraries Fund. 

Welcoming the announcement, Museum President Gary Spry said the redevelopment would deliver a bigger facility to showcase its many artefacts and improve research capabilities. 

“It’s brought a smiles to the faces of all of our people. We’re happy to know that after 14 long years, since we first raised the issue of over-crowding, there’s finally a breakthrough,” he said.

“There’s a revitalised group of people running the museum who have a determination to move into the future with interactive stuff that will make our history relevant to a whole new generation of Australians. 

“We regard this, the hub, as Destination Queenscliff. This is at the heart of it and I think the project is even more relevant now than when we started.  

“In terms of recognising what history’s all about -  the fact that it gives you an opportunity to have some continuity in your own life, to look back on the past and see what’s coming in the future - it’s terribly important, not only to the local community but to all Australians,” Mr Spry said.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, who will chair a hub community project control group, stressed the new funding was not an election commitment and not contingent on her government being re-elected next month. 

The allocation was enough to immediately commence initial design works, she said. 

“Every conversation I’ve had about the the historical society and getting this Hub done has come with lots of passion from lots of different people. I do know how widely supported it is.
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“The original project was more in the $3 million  but I think the aspirations, particularly for the Historical Society, are greater than that. But I think we can absolutely move forward now and lock down those designs.”

A new breakwater is among options locals are being asked to consider, to help stem sand erosion from Point Lonsdale’s front beach.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DWELP) last month unveiled six proposals to protect the popular stretch – all but one involving construction of new rock or timber groynes. 

The options were revealed at two Open House sessions last month - the latest in an ongoing consultation program, funded by the state government and prompted by community concerns for the future of the beach. 

The most radical plan involves the construction of two additional rock groynes, two timber groynes and a breakwater, adjacent to the Point Lonsdale Bowls Club – at an estimated cost of $1 million. 

The structure would be approximately 10 – 15 metres wide and 65 metres in length, and according to research undertaken by DELWP, would assist in maintaining a more even beach. 

The options include: 
* Maintain extend the existing three rock groynes, with ongoing maintenance.
* Extend the existing three rock walls by 20-30 metres.
* Construct four additional rock groynes – similar in length and alignment to the exiting three.
* Build additional two additional rock and two additional timber groynes and a breakwater, and  
* Construct four additional timber groynes, between the existing rock groynes, to be capture sand and withstand high wave action. 

However the approach has been labelled “confusing” by a leading voice for action.  

“Unfortunately the options presented were a little confusing and repetitive. It was also a little strange that the community were being asked to vote on which option they thought would work, when such a decision requires quite a deep level of understanding of the coastal processes in action at the Heads,” said Save Point Lonsdale Front Beach group’s James Cotton. 

“The general consensus from those that understand the intricacies of the problem is that the groyne that was planned below the bowling club (Option 4) and never built needs to be put in place as soon as possible to save the promenade, which, since the last groyne open house has now had its foundations eroded.”
Mr Cotton said it was important locals maintained the momentum for action, by visiting the Lonsdale Bight website and having a say on the proposals. 

“The more feedback they get, the faster we should get a solution,” he said.  

The Department worked with coastal engineering consultants Cardno to investigate the options. 
Community feedback will be presented to the State Government in October for consideration. 
A community and monitoring group will also be created for interested participants.
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The website is: engage.vic.gov.au/lonsdale-bight

Amateur whale watchers are being encouraged to help track the movements of the mammals in out of the bay over coming weeks, as part of the Two Bays Whale Project.

Whale watching season is well and truly underway and experts are tipping increased local action with several sightings already, including a pod of Humpbacks off Queenscliff last month.

Launched in 2015, and run in conjunction with the Dolphin Research Institute, the project aims to provide a more accurate understanding of numbers and movements. 

“The 2017 whale season broke all previous records, with a total of 218 validated sightings of four whale species between May 15th and December 5th,” said the project’s co-founder and curator David Donnelly. 

“In total, the estimated number of individual whales was 458, which is a whopping 296 more than whales than the 2016 season. 

“Whether this is a case of more whales, more people looking or a combination of both is yet to be determined but one thing’s for sure, whales never fail to attract the attention of the public,” Mr Donnelly said. 

Having been hunted to the brink of extinction, sightings of Humpback whales have steadily grown in recent years, with eastern Australian numbers expected to reach around 33,000 this year. 

Southern Right whales are still classed as threatened, with between just 250 and 400 individuals and no noticeable population increase. 

“Understanding whale numbers and movements is critical to their management and protection but it is a huge challenge, taking decades of piecing together snippets of data, Mr Donnelly said. “This is where the Two Bays Whale Project has been making a difference.” 

Penalties apply for deliberately approaching a whale closer than 200m for vessels; 300m for jet skis; 500m height for aircraft and drones. 
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For project details, log onto www.dolphinresearch.org.au
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A local photographer says he “came as close to death as he’s ever been”, after being smashed by a rogue wave on Point Lonsdale pier. 

Peter James was taking footage of the giant swell, during stormy conditions last month, when the wave washed over the pier, forcing him to the ground and his $7,000 camera from his hands. 

Four fishermen, also on the pier at the time, rushed to his aid. 

“There was two things that stopped me from going straight into the ocean; the small four inch-high piece of timber that edges the pier decking and one of the fishermen who grabbed my backpack as I was about to go under the first railing,” Mr James wrote in a Facebook post. 

​His camera continued to roll, capturing the ordeal on video.

It left Mr James with sore ribs; “but I’m alive so that’s all that matters.”

​Point Lonsdale's Lester Hunt, was looking on from the Point Lonsdale lighthouse lookout and managed to photograph the dramatic moment. 

His stunning images went viral on The Rip Facebook page, with more almost 2,000 hits and more than a thousand shares. Many criticised those on the pier for putting lives at risk. 

The incident also prompted a safety warning from Parks Victoria. 

“While the structure itself is stable, it is definitely not safe for members of the public to be fishing or standing on the end of Point Lonsdale Pier during conditions where there are large waves crashing over the pier,” said Parks Victoria Chief Ranger David Ritman.

“Unexpected large waves can wash people off the pier in seconds and without warning. When there’s an obvious danger it’s important for people use common sense to stay out of danger.

“Not only were the anglers putting their own lives at risk, they also risked the lives of rescuers and emergency services personnel who would need to respond if the unthinkable happened and they were washed off the pier,” Mr Rittman said. 

Photos courtesy: Lester Hunt
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