May-June 2020
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THE QUEENSCLIFF AND POINT LONSDALE NEWS Published monthly on the first Wednesday and available in Queenscliff, MAY/JUNE, 2020 – Number 246 Phone: 5258 4828, e-mail: [email protected] Point Lonsdale and the Queenscliff/Sorrento Ferry. FREE – Circulation 2500 Website: www.queenscliffeherald.com.au Borough on the defensive Kinder kids back in the swing "We have loved getting back into the swing of things at Kinder in Term 2," said kinder teacher Heidi Volders. after DQ project dumped "The children were busy working on their own ANZAC lantern and learning about what ANZAC Day is so they too could pay tribute to our fallen heroes. The lanterns were After discussions with the Commonwealth Destination debacle decorated with poppies and placed in driveways on Anzac Day. Government, Borough of Queenscliffe CEO Residents are angered after this ‘on again, off We have enjoyed spending lots of time outside, even on the rainy days the children Martin Gill reports that many aspects of the again’ project was subjected to multiple con- suited up in raincoats and still enjoyed the fresh air, climbing trees, running races, building contentious Destination Queenscliff Precinct sultants plans, changes and interference by and creating fire pits out of pavers and branches. We can't wait to be out on Kinder Revitalisation of the Shortlands Bluff heritage councillors and officers. They should rightly be Explorers later in the year discovering all of Queenscliff hidden gems." precinct has been placed on hold indefinitely. concerned about the reactions and airing of a "For a number of reasons, notably including range of opinions from the community even challenges posed by the ongoing coronavirus though council believes it will benefit from the pandemic, the Destination Queenscliff project will project being put on hold. no longer be able to meet the milestones required Local trader Donnie Grigau, owner of the by the existing funding agreement," said Mr Gill. Shelter Shed restaurant, says: “Council has Works included refurbishments to the Ocean spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on View car park and the Bull Ring, underground consultations and the consensus of borough power lines and upgraded car parking. ratepayers is that this is yet another project that Two projects under separate grant agree- council hasn't delivered.” ments going ahead are: “I feel corona is a front and that council is - Sport and Recreation Reserve Upgrade attempting to hide the amount of money wasted - South Hesse Street Upgrade on the project.” Council will continue works on a new toilet Queenscliff Community Association presi- and an improved amenities building for the dent David Connoley says the association wel- caravan park. comed the halt of the project adding it was a pity The controversial project started out as a $6.5 Queenscliff lost the funding as he doubts the million-plus plan to redevelop Shortlands Bluff project will ever resume. by building 10 eco-cabins on the land surround- "We weren't calling for any of the funding to ing Queenscliff's historic black lighthouse. be withdrawn - we would have liked to see it go After a long campaign by locals to preserve to other projects in the community." the Bluff it was dramatically scaled back in 2018 “South Hesse St continues a sorry saga of after the State Government withdrew its $2.5 project works that lack full community engage- million portion of funding. ment and full explanations of all the design The funding was redirected to support the implications,” he added. development of the Queenscliff Community “However this has an extra twist that the Hub in Hesse St. The Federal Government perception of widening the street for a riskier made its remaining $3 million funding subject to parking arrangement appears to benefit some council meeting key planning conditions and selected beneficiaries that are itemised on the the relocation of the cabins. project detail websites.” It was lovely to see and hear the kinder kids playing outside in the sunshine while Harriet chose tree climbing. DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE See in store or check our Facebook page for details OCEAN GROVE – 12 Park Lane – Ph: 5256 1517 QUEENSCLIFF – 40 Hesse Street – Ph: 5258 1533 LEOPOLD – 670 Bellarine Highway – Ph: 5250 6101 OCEAN GROVE – 17 Marine Parade – Ph: 5255 2625 Page 2 – Queenscliffe Herald, May/June 2020 News from your Queenscliffe Rotary winds up Due to falling membership Queenscliffe Bricks that was popular defibrillatorfor Point Lonsdale Queenscliffe Rotary will be winding with LEGO enthusiasts and lighting Community Hall. At the barbecue at Local MP up at the end of June. "Attracting the Point Lonsdale Christmas Tree. Point Lonsdale Market members sold Coronavirus has presented the support Victoria's mental health system members to service clubs like Rotary "We're hopeful that Queenscliffe who gives a crap toilet paper for the Bellarine Peninsula with a range of to ensure Victorians get the care they or Lions has been a challenge for Bricks and the Point Lonsdale s c h o o l c o m mu n i t y mu s i c a l unprecedented obstacles, and people need as demand for services spikes. many years. Christmas Tree lighting will continue instrument library and they are doing an outstanding job of In Victoria the state of emergency is Many community members are but we're not sure yet how this will volunteered at Australia Day, Anzac keeping themselves and others safe in in place to the 11th of May to continue happy to volunteer but don't want to happen." Day, tree planting and other these difficult circumstances. I thank the measures designed to 'flatten the commit to joining a club and the Fundraising included a writing community activities. everyone for their efforts. curve' of coronavirus and give our increasing administrative obligations competition for primary students; a In 2016 our club brought RYDA, Of course, healthcare workers are health system the best chance of imposed by government and insurers book given to each newborn baby in an ongoing road safety program for heroes on the frontline of this crisis, managing the virus. make volunteering less and less the borough to encourage reading to secondary students, to the Geelong and we need all hands on deck to slow While we're starting to see signifi- attractive," said club president Karen children; sending a local student to region. Outdoor exercise equipment the spread of coronavirus. Healthcare cant improvement in the rate of trans- Pecar. Denmark as part of Rotary student for Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff specialists, including retired doctors, mission, now is not the time for com- During its 15 years serving the exchange; supported residents of the should be completed by the end of nurses, midwives, paramedics and placency. We still have a long way to go. communities of Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff Lodge; drug awareness May. allied health professionals are being By staying at home and limiting Queenscliff, the club raised an education and signage at the visitor Rotary is a global organisation of called on to return to work as part of your contact with other people, we can incredible $257,000 with about 60% information rotunda at the harbour. over 1.2 million volunteers which our coronavirus response. all slow the spread of the virus. spent on local projects and the Mental Health First Aid courses, offers the opportunity to work in local Locally, organisations like Barwon However, I do understand this is a remainder to national and inter- Clean up Australia Day, It's in the Bag communities and also participate in Health and Bellarine Community very difficult time for many Bellarine national projects and disaster relief. toiletries and sanitary items for national and international projects Health are doing incredible work in residents, so as always, please contact Ms Pecar said the club was best women in need, Bowelscan, youth with the aim of doing good in the difficult times. Again, I thank them my office if you, a family member or known for two major events - l e a d e r s h i p t r a i n i n g a n d a world. all. friend requires assistance. The State Government has pro- In addition, people can also call vided funding for 4000 extra intensive the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 Local government is a gamble that care beds across the state. In the 398 or visit the website: can have disasterous consequences Has climate action Geelong region Barwon Health has dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for when it fails. opened the former Baxter House with more information about support - Jay Reid, American Journalist strategy been stalled? specialist consulting rooms and a virus services. clinic. Thank you for your feedback and questions. I have In addition, the State Government received emails regarding a number of issues on matters is fast-tracking the recruitment of 120 MUSEUM IN SHUTDOWN in the Borough. Some are about Councils reaction to extra paramedics to boost the frontline In anticipation that the Covid19 crises might escalate the museum was the Covid-19 and what Council has done plus others on of Victoria's coronavirus response and closed to the public mid-March. The situation has worsened and only vol- Cr Rob Minty Climate Action and environmental matters. help ensure all Victorians get the unteers authorised to enter the premises are those keeping essential functions On my walks along the front at Point Lonsdale I have observed all residents health support they need when they operating. Key volunteer personnel are mostly alone when carrying out their doing the right thing in maintaining social distancing, almost all with a happy need it. duties. greeting or a smile.