Culture hub fresh start

Wider consultation planned

THE future of the Queenscliff Cultural Hub is looking more certain, with Bellarine MP Lisa Neville to chair a group that will oversee delivery of the multimillion-dollar project.

The State Government on Monday announced a further $1.2 million investment for the hub’s redevelopment in addition to the $2.4 million already committed to the project following the controversial redirection of the Government’s share of Destination Queenscliff funding.

Ms Neville has pledged to personally chair a project control group to ensure the cultural hub project was undertaken in “a transparent and inclusive manner”.

“The State Government is investing in the Queenscliff Cultural Hub to meet the expectations and aspirations of the local community,” she said.

“I indicated in my original announcement that the State Government would play a role in ensuring appropriate engagement with the community in the process and design of the community hub.

“I now look forward to working with the community of Queenscliff in delivering this great project.”

The project control group will include community members and representatives from the Queenscliff Historical Museum, library, Queenscliff council and Department of Regional Development.

The group’s initial role will be to undertake the design work and develop the community consultation process.

The cautious approach to community consultation by Ms Neville follows a public outcry by some traders and residents of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale over the handling of Destination Queenscliff.

More than 1000 residents and 28 businesses signed a pet- ition calling for a “more appropriate use” of the Destination Queenscliff funding.

In a statement released to media, Ms Neville’s office said the Government wanted to work with the Borough of Queenscliffe to deliver a project that had strong support from locals.

“We’re not in the business of dictating to residents about what they need,” the statement reads.

The council welcomed the funding announcement.

The hub development will see the construction of a new building connecting the Queenscliff Visitor Information Centre, Queenscliff Library and Queenscliff Historical Museum.

It is hoped the project will help rejuvenate the main shopping district of Hesse St while improving the delivery of library services, visitor information services, research and historical services offered by the museum.