Mayor's Column – 22 September 2022
Published on 22 September 2022
Hello to all residents, ratepayers and visitors to the Borough of Queenscliffe. As we move through spring there is a buzz in the air, with the Cats in the grand final and the Queenscliffe Hub looking as pretty as a picture ahead of its planned opening next week. Earlier in the fortnight, we also said goodbye to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly passed away after a 70-year reign.
Vale Her Majesty The Queen
One of the more significant events to take place in our lifetime sadly occurred earlier this month as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. Over her remarkable 70-year period on the throne, she displayed the grace and good nature that would hold in her reverence the world over.
Queenscliffe has always had a royal connection given its name, and I was heartened to see the various defence organisations and indeed residences around the Borough lower their flags to half-mast in honour of the Queen. The flags at Council offices have been lowered to half-mast throughout the entire period of mourning.
Residents are encouraged to leave a message of condolence to be sent to Buckingham Palace by visiting: pmc.gov.au/condolence-form
Welcome to our newest citizens
The Queen’s presence was still felt in the days after her passing with her official portrait forming a part of the Borough’s citizenship ceremony held at Council offices last week. It was a privilege to welcome Queenscliffe’s newest Australian citizens, Nicky and Massimo, to our wonderful community. They are clearly both valued members of the Borough already given the sizable crowd in attendance and the lovely well-wishes seen on our Facebook page.
The afternoon began with a powerful Welcome to Country from Wadawurrung man Ash Skinner, who spoke from the heart about coming together to protect Country and asking that we all ‘do no harm’. Following the official oaths read and recited, attendees then all sung the national anthem and presented the pair with a local indigenous plant and framed certificate. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of these significant occasions and the overwhelming feeling of happiness really permeates through the room.
New natural bench logs at Point Lonsdale
Last week Council installed three new timber log bench seats at Point Lonsdale Foreshore by the south-end playground. The seats have been carved from natural timber and have a smooth flat top perfect for sitting on while enjoying a takeaway coffee. The placement of the timber also helps protect planned revegetation of the area, which will take place after the school holidays. Best of all, it’s been installed by locals! Thank you to the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund for providing the funding for this installation.
Traffic calming on Kirk Road
We're coming to the end of the trial period for the temporary roundabout at the corner of Kirk Road and Winterley Road. During the trial period, we've received feedback from residents that the temporary roundabout has raised additional concerns around road width, parked cars and driveway access.
Moving forward, Council officers have suggested three options for a more permanent solution at the intersection. Next week, we'll be seeking your feedback on these suggestions via an online survey. Visit boq.news/kirkrd to take part in the survey once it opens.
Bellarine Railway works soon to begin
Stage 2 of the Bellarine Railway Rehabilitation Project is about to get underway soon, which upgrades the track between Drysdale and Queenscliff. Throughout September and October, Bellarine Railway will commence off-track preparation works in anticipation of starting main track upgrade works in October. Residents and visitors nearby the rail line are advised to be aware of these works and follow any safety directions where applicable. More detailed information can be found at the Bellarine Railway website.
As always, if you have anything you’d like to discuss with me about the Borough, drop me a line via the contact details on Council’s website.
Kind regards,
Cr Ross Ebbels
Mayor, Borough of Queenscliffe