QUEENSCLIFF WILL NOT BE DENIED SOME FEATURES

WE are writing to correct comments ( 1/9) by Queenscliffe’s Mayor, Susan Salter, following the withdrawal of State Government funding for the controversial Destination Queenscliff project.

We can sympathise with her confusion resulting from the complex Federal and State governments cofunding of the multi-faceted $6.19 million project across the adjacent Shortland’s Bluff/Queenscliff Headland and Rec Reserve.

However, it is demonstrably false and, indeed churlish, to suggest that due to the loss of the state’s contribution, our community will miss out on a number of enhanced Shortland’s Bluff facilities, including pathways, new public amenities and public areas.

A review of the federal National Stronger Regions Fund funding application shows that along with $1.242 million for six cabins, over $400,000 was approved to take in the above enhancements, along with improvements to the Anzac Day commemoration facilities.

The provision for new public toilets was included in the $525,000 allocation for a cafe/visitor hub.

Cr Salter’s statement that “it is important to reinforce that this funding (for these features) was not part of the NSRF Destination Queenscliff project” does not stand up to scrutiny. Queenscliff Community Association president David Connoley