Mayor's Column – 25 August 2022

Published on 25 August 2022

Hello to all residents, ratepayers and visitors to the Borough of Queenscliffe. Winter is winding up and we're hopefully about to hit some springtime sun. At Council, we’re busy gearing up for the warmer months by making improvements to a number of outdoor areas. 

More space for outdoor dining
Locals and tourists in Queenscliff will have more opportunities to eat, drink and relax in the sun with the recent installation of some new picnic table sets on Symonds Street. Located adjacent to eateries such as Trident Fish Bar, Cliffes Café & Pizza and the Queenscliff Brewhouse, the tables will surely be a popular addition to the streetscape, allowing families to set up for a picnic and eat their takeaway nearby. These tables have been installed using funding from the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund, and we thank them for their support in what has been a successful program for the Borough.

Rec reserve amenities block taking shape
The installation of the brick façade at the new Queenscliff Recreation Reserve amenities block has revealed the true shape and scope of what will be an important and necessary upgrade to the tourist park. Having completed the frame in the weeks prior, tradies have been working on the installation of the brick outer, which includes a stylish curved edge on the corner of the building opposite the park office. Council is looking forward to having this building completed in time for the Queenscliff Music Festival and the summer rush of visitors who will be able to use the facilities – whether they’re staying at the tourist park, eating lunch at the kiosk, or having a day on the beach at Shortland’s Bluff.

Queenscliff Boat Ramp to reopen soon
Better Boating Victoria’s upgrade of the Queenscliff Boat Ramp is just days away from completion, in what will be welcome news to local boaters and fishers. Crews have been putting the finishing touches on the ramp over the past week, laying the asphalt and rolling out the line marking when weather allows. At the time of writing, only a few final checks are required before the brand new three-lane concrete ramp can be reopened to the public. Ahead of what will certainly be a bustling and active summer season of fishing, there is definitely a real sense of excitement across the community to use the new facilities.

Save the date for our Christmas Tree lighting
No, it’s not December yet – but before you know it, Christmas time will be here again. This year, with things a little more ‘normal’ in terms of large-scale public gatherings, we’ll be returning to the traditional Lighting of the Tree event under the tree itself in Point Lonsdale. Mark down Saturday 3 December in your calendars for the return of one of the most popular annual events in the Borough. I’m looking forward to sharing the occasion with everyone, and I’ll be sure to share more updates on the layout of the evening as we get closer to the date.

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