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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​

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.
​
“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.
​
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. 
​
For project details, log onto www.dolphinresearch.org.au
​

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
​

Former Queenscliff High School Principal Rob Hurley is the Borough’s new Citizen of the Year. 

A resident for more than 30 years, Mr Hurley has been an active volunteer with many organisations including the Queenscliff Music Festival, Community Association, golf club, the Swan Bay Environment Association, Swan Bay Gardens for Wildlife, and Trinity Aid for Refugees. 

He was also instrumental in establishing the Queenscliff Neighbourhood House and, more recently, has volunteered his time to support those living with Parkinson’s Disease. 

“I am very honoured, but there’s also a lot of other people involved. This is a tremendous community for volunteers, it’s also a tremendous community for being involved with things like the music festival, or schools, the golf club,” Mr Hurley said. “It’s just so nice to be involved in a lot of those things. 

Talented junior water polo player Alexandra Scorgie and Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club junior captain Belle Kidd shared joint Junior Citizens of the Year. 

Alexandra has been identified a future star of the sport. She has captained the Victorian U/16 team and was named most valuable player in the State Water Polo Championships. 

Over the past two years Belle has reached 100 hours of voluntarily patrolling the Point Lonsdale back beach. She has assisted in Bronze Medallion and Cadet life saving camps and was instrumental in, and captained Queenscliff’s first all-girl football team. Belle is also a badged netball umpire and last season coached a junior Queenscliff netball team. 

Queenscliff Primary School’s Biggest Morning Tea is the Community Event of the Year. The event raised more than $1,300 for cancer research. 
​
Having removed 210,000 square metres of weeds from across 12 work sites in the Borough since 2013, Conservation Volunteers Australia was named Community Environment Project of the Year.

Concerned residents will have their chance to hear details of and ask questions about a proposed redevelopment of the former Sims Lodge nursing home at a Council meeting on March 15, amid concerns it could be used as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. 

Queenscliff Councillors have voted to remove the delegation of the borough’s planning officers to make a ruling on the application for 81 Nelson Road, after receiving a “substantial” number of objecting submissions. 

The application proposes to transform the 22-bed vacant building into the Bellarine Wellness Centre – a “short stay retreat and respite centre” offering off-site for individuals and couples such as yoga, snorkeling, swimming and day trips.”

 “The proposal would make use of an under-utilised building on the site” and would be a “positive addition to the community, providing further health-related services,” according to the application.

“The facility would be staffed 24 hours and visitors would be encouraged not to bring their vehicles. “The facility will offer a shuttle bus to and from Geelong,” it says.
  
Guests would be offered stays of up to one month. 

The application makes no specific mention of drug and alcohol treatment, however the individual whose name appears on it is understood to be a drug and alcohol counselor with links to another rehabilitation facility.
Queenscliffe CEO Lenny Jenner said the interest in the application warranted a separate planning meeting, giving those for and against it to have their say. 
“There is a very high number of submissions Council has received. It would be clearly appropriate to provide the proponent with that significant number of submissions and to provide an adequate level of time for both submitters and the proponent to prepare, so that we get the best out of that meeting,” Mr Jenner said.
The building adjoins Council-owned land in Murray Road, earmarked for a residential development estimated to deliver as much as $4.7 million. 
Mr Jenner said there was no risk of Council having a conflict of interest, because no voting Councillors stood to benefit personally. 
Councillor Ross Ebbels, who lives nearby the centre, did not participate in last month’s vote. 
“The Local Government Act outlines in a level of detail the question of when does a conflict of interest apply. If there is a direct, personal, individual gain then Councillors would need to consider and where appropriate declare a conflict of interest,” Mr Jenner said. 
”That’s Council land and council is responsible for making a decision as and when is necessary in relation to that property. There is no private or personal gain to be achieved by any individual councilor, so there is no conflict of interest.”
​

Stingray feeding has been scrapped in favour of a new interactive walk highlighting our fishing and seafaring history, under Queenscliff Harbour’s new vision for Fisherman’s Wharf.

A revised planning application currently before Council includes a full rebuild of the badly damaged wharf, formalised car parking and landscaping.

Derelict sheds will be demolished, but the Peter Locke/Cayzer slipway will be retained for the launch of small craft, such as kyaks and dinghies.

Interpretive kiosks would be placed along the full length of the harbour waterfont, with potential elements including periscopes for underwater viewing, telescopes or touch screen displays.

“These works will substantially enhance the functionality and amenity of Fishermen’s Flat, benefitting both the local community and visitors to Queenscliff,” said the vision's author, Echelon Planning.

“The interpretive trail will allow visitors to tap into the rich history of the location,”. “Along the way the trail will direct visitors to other information sources such as various local museums and tourism features within the township.

“The discovery trail is about bringing the harbour to life.”

The new proposal was created after extensive consultation and following widespread anger over initial plans for a stingray feeding stadium and outdoor cinema.

It appears to have won the approval of nearby Fisherman's Flat  residents, some imploring Council to approve and “get on with” the project.
​
“For many years this issue has been unresolved, but thanks to the Queenscliff Harbour Pty Ltd we have a long-sought after result,” one supporting submission said. “Workshops were financed by them and experts were hired, Parks (Victoria) and residents were invited, all in collaboration and with good will, to find an alternative to the objections and outcries of residents to the stingray proposal. Amazingly we all agreed.”
​

Do the four remaining P1 huts on the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve have any historical significance and should they be retained?

That is the question Borough of Queenscliffe councillors will need to determine, when the recommendations of the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reference Group are put before them in coming weeks. 

Members of the group have met four times in the past month, chiefly to thrash out the future of the huts, which date back to WWII.  

A community-backed resolution, reached some three years ago,  favoured their removal, however an application to have the reserve to included on the National Heritage List – supported by the Council and local state and federal politicians - has shifted the goal posts and made it difficult for a demolition order to be given, said group member Councillor Bob Merriman. 

“The starting point is that we have a resolution from the community that there should be no buildings on that site. But early in the life of this reference group, the question was raised as to the heritage value of those huts and given that there’s been an application made for Australian Heritage Council recognition of the whole area, the question has been raised as to the effect of moving all of those huts, moving three of those huts or  leaving one hut,” Cr Merriman said. 

“The Reference Group is looking at those three alternatives to make a recommendation to Council. It hasn’t been finalised in any detail yet. 

“The concern of the reference group is that they want to be able to be confident that whatever we do with the P1 huts does not in any way affect or put at risk the heritage application."

Council would also have to consider the cost of each of the alternatives and whether they can be met, he said. 

“That is the other main consideration, what is the cost of the three alternatives and can we afford it.” 
Utilising one of the huts - the McDonald Hut - as an interpetive centre - is undestood to be among the group's favoured options. 

According to the heritage application, the P1 huts are important for their association with our military past including the Australian Women’s Army Service [AWAS] and the housing of Italian prisoners of war. 
The Toc H charity took over the buildings in 1946. 
​
In recent years however the discarded buildings have been targeted by vandals, with one being burned to the ground in suspicious  circumstances.

Queenscliffe is set to become the first municipality in Australia to have almost entirely LED street lighting.

Councillors have voted to replace more than 400 existing mercury lights in coming weeks, in a move expected to significantly reduce energy costs. 

“The decision to transition to LED street lighting is both financially and environmentally sound,” said Mayor Tony Francis. 

“LED technology produces up to 75% less carbon emissions than the mercury vapour lights currently used, and has the potential to save Council up to 50% per month in operational expenditure.”

Street lighting is the single largest contributor to electricity use within the Borough of Queenscliffe, generating 206 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2016-17. 

Council pays all operating costs for 325 streetlights and a further 117 on VicRoads-managed highways and roads. 

Seven of the 325 Council street lights feature a style of fitting for which there is currently no approved LED equivalent available. Council has been advised that there may be an approved fitting available for these lights in the near future and will continue to pursue a complete transition to LED technology.
​
“Based on discussions with specialist consultants in the field, we believe that the Borough of Queenscliffe will be the first municipality to use LED technology for all Council street lighting,” said Cr Francis.

A former boat builder, a champion footballer and a popular GP are among five residents picked to carry the baton during the Queenscliff leg of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay. 

Jack Beazley, Tom Limb and Jacquie Johnston will be joined by former Young Citizen of the Year Meagan Canaway and Point Lonsdale Tennis Club stalwart Sue Winton in performing the honour, during the February celebration. 

Mr Beazley, a lifelong resident and former Port Phillip Sea Pilot Servive master shipwright of 50 years, said he was honoured to have been nominated by neighbours but joked he’d prefer a downhill section. 

“I’ve lived here all my life and to finish up doing something like this is very nice," Mr Beazley, 88, said. 

"If they put me at the top of the Royal Hotel hill going down to Bethune Street, that would be perfect,” he, joked.
   
Mr Limb, Queenscliffe Council's nomination,  is something of a local sporting hero, having, in 2011, captained Queenscliff to its first Bellarine Football League premiership in 36 years, then coaching the club to a further two. 

“I recognise that this is an extremely rare opportunity provided to me and look forward to the special experience,” he said. “I’m always proud to represent our town and appreciate being given another chance to do so again next year.”

News of the nomination was the perfect 30th birthday gift for Point Lonsdale secondary school teacher Ms Canaway; “When you see the other names that are doing it around Australia, it’s a pretty big honour to be listed among them and it’s great to see other Borough residents on the list as well. The borough is big on community and I think that is reflected in the participants selected,” she said. 

Another nine Bellarine residents, and former Australian netballer Bianca Chatfield, will carry the baton when it arrives in Queenscliff on February 12. 
​
“The baton bearers have been nominated and selected for their achievements and contributions to their community,” said Mayor, Tony Francis. “This is a great honour and presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of history in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

Queenscliff needs a “common, shared, compelling narrative” to attract visitors and  promote a strong year round economy, according to a newly-released blueprint for future growth of our municipality. 

The Draft Economic Development Strategy, prepared by Deloitte, has listed our failure to properly tell our own story as one of the borough’s key challenges.  

“Previous efforts in developing this have not been thorough and inclusive, and so have not been successful,” the report says. 

The $65,000 strategy, jointly funded by the state government and Borough of Queenscliffe, highlights a “fractured” retail and hospitality landscape and warns against further fragmentation. 

Our size, ageing population and rents and rates are also listed as challenges to growth. 

“The relatively small size and the peaceful village atmosphere is undoubtedly more opportunity than challenge when looking to the future. But the borough is not an island and cannot see itself as such. Proactive, managed economic activity is the key to not just preserving the past but also enabling the future,” the strategy says. 

Unlocking and maximising the tourism potential of Queenscliff Fort, an integrated arts and culture calendar and building our reputation as a health and wellness destination are listed among potenital measures for success. 

The Queenscliff Council has just awarded Deloitte a $200,000 tender to prepare a Fort tourism masterplan. It denies the contract undermines the objectivity of the Economic Development Strategy's recommendations. 
​
‘The resolution to appoint Deloitte to undertake the EDS work was undertaken under the CEO’s delegation on 20th March 2017 and the resolution to appoint Deloitte head of the Fort of Queenscliff business case was made at the Council meeting of 24 August 2017,” said Phillip Carruthers, General Manager Organisational Performance and Community Services.