People power, the MP and bluff and bluster
THE Borough of Queenscliffe’s controversial eco-accommodation development took another twist this week when federal MP Sarah Henderson feigned ignorance of the proposal — a major tourism project that had already been granted $3.5 million in funding by her own government.
The planned works to establish 10 eco-cabins at Shortlands Bluff form part of the $7 million Destination Queenscliff project was successful in securing a grant under National Stronger Regions Fund.
While Ms Henderson claims not to have been told by council that the NSFR application she publicly backed included funding for the cabins, the council said she was “fully briefed” on all components of the project as early as November, 2015, and has since been kept up to date.
It would appear people power has swayed Ms Henderson’s stance on the issue, with a resident-led petition opposing the works collecting more than 1000 signatures.
The community’s most pressing concern is for the site’s heritage.
While most agree the site needs to be rejuvenated with a view to attracting visitors to the area, many fear the accommodation proposal will cause widespread, irreversible change that diminishes its historic significance.
Accommodation providers argue that the council has several caravan parks where it could house the cabins if establishing more accommodation was the main aim. However the Queenscliff lighthouse reserve master plan, endorsed in October 2014, also incorporates a visitor hub, ship-viewing platform, public toilets, car parking, landscaping and improved facilities for Anzac Day commemorations.
Council suggests the proposed cabins — a mixture of one and two-storey buildings — would boost tourism and be a revenue stream for the ongoing upkeep of the reserve.
Residents fear that, should the council run into financial difficulty, it may decide to privatise or further develop the parcel of land.
The cabins’ proximity to the navigational aids on the reserve is also predicted to cause a confusing, if not dangerous, flare and glare for ships travelling through the area.
Ms Henderson will be on-site tomorrow advising residents how to stop the development by applying for an emergency heritage listing.
It’s not the first time she’s broken with her own party, recently speaking out against the tampon tax.
She’s also made a name for herself as a regular rally holder, taking the same approach with Geelong Star trawler and local library protests in the past.
However, Queenscliffe council would understandably be asking itself if Ms Henderson’s new found reservation is truly for the heritage of the area or shoring up support in the marginal seat of Corangamite?