Bid for new destination

Queenscliff project ‘reimagined’

THE Borough of Queenscliffe is again asking for community input to shape the beleaguered Destination Queenscliff project.

The council said the “reimagined” project had “significant changes to incorporate community feedback” since the council first resolved to improve the design of the Ocean View carpark in 2006.

The council hopes to make the area around the Ocean View carpark more accessible to users, including pedestrians, families and people visiting memorial sites.

“The Ocean View precinct has a lot to love, and we’re looking at ways to make the area more welcoming to all kinds of users,” Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Bob Merriman said.

“By making the site more accessible for pedestrians, honouring the significance of the remembrance markers, and creating more spaces to spend time in the fresh air, we can make the Ocean View precinct a destination for everyone.”

Changes to the original plan include: A PLANNED kiosk to now include a new building with modern facilities; THE BULL Ring location will be a focal point, with options to enhance the remembrance significance of the location; and, ACCOMMODATION changes including upgrading existing cabins and the construction of five new similar cabins next to them.

Queenscliff Community Association president David Connoley said the project documents presented to the community featured “little detail” and were “drawings of various concepts”.

“We don’t know if we have to comment on the detail or the mass of stuff they’ve got,” Mr Connoley said.

“There’s a lot that hasn’t been done right in the past, we’re hoping it doesn’t repeat the errors of the first part.”

He also raised concerns about the size of the Ocean View carpark, which he said “seems inadequate to deal with the numbers they get down there on footy days and Anzac Day”.

Council spokesman Connor Parker said the feedback would be compiled into a report.

“Project managers will then use this feedback to plan and inform the detailed design,” Mr Parker said.

Community concerns about the project came to a head last August when Bellarine MP Lisa Neville withdrew $2.7 million in state funding for the project after she received a petition signed by 1000 residents and 28 businesses calling for a “more appropriate use” of the funding.

Ms Neville redirected the funding to the Queenscliff Community Hub project.

The council is hosting a drop-in open house day from 10am-1pm on August 3 at the Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale RSL.

A survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/DQ19.