The Rip

20/09/2025

Our iconic Couta boat will be showcased in a proposed upgrade of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

Fishermen’s Co-op Redevelopment - Concept Plans Now on Display

This morning, we welcomed members and Fisherman’s Flat residents to a special Open House at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, where we shared the exciting concept plans for the Fishermen’s Co-op redevelopment.

The plans – now available to view in our Museum foyer.

Key points.
✨ Retain the Co-op’s historic façade,
✨ Create a flexible new display space for exhibitions and community use,
✨ Extend the building to house a couta boat, and
✨ Showcase exhibits celebrating our proud fishing heritage.

The Fishermen’s Co-op is a Borough-owned, heritage-listed building and a cornerstone of our town’s maritime identity. This redevelopment is about protecting that history while opening up new opportunities for community, heritage, and tourism.

The concept plans will remain on display at the Museum for the next six weeks, with feedback forms and surveys available. We very much want to hear from the community on what you think. Your input will help shape the future of this important project.

The next step, following this six-week engagement program, will be to raise the funds needed to progress to detailed design.
Together, we can safeguard our heritage while building a vibrant future for Queenscliff.

19/09/2025

Looking good 👍

19/09/2025

10/09/2025

“Please be assured that I am monitoring this matter closely and will continue to respect and support the community’s position”
- from Bellarine MP Alison Marchant

Last night the community came together to discuss Coles’ proposal to develop a site in Point Lonsdale.

Unfortunately, as Parliament is sitting this week, I was unable to attend. However, I did provide a statement to the organisers, after meeting with them on Monday. I understand that not everyone was able to see my statement on the night, so I have provided it below -

Thank you for your invitation to attend this evening and I regret that I have been unable to attend due to Parliamentary sitting week.

I appreciate your interest and engagement on this issue that may affect our community. I understand that there are a wide range of views on the proposed development, and I have heard from many residents who have shared their concerns with me directly.

At this stage, there is no planning application before the Minister. Coles is currently engaged in the pre-application process, which allows a proponent to engage with the Department of Planning to determine whether a proposal is eligible for the Development Facilitation Program. The Department will then provide advice based on that assessment.

It is important to note that:
• This pre-application process is not a formal application.
• Eligibility for the Development Facilitation Program does not mean approval of the development.
• No formal lodgement has been made.

I also recognise the concerns raised about the site itself, which is currently zoned commercial. The City of Greater Geelong Point Lonsdale Structure Plan states ‘this zoning which encourages bulky goods retailing and manufacturing industry, is inappropriate for the land considering the tourism focus of Point Lonsdale and the location of the land acting as a gateway entry to the town. Opportunity exists to rezone the land to a Special Use Zone to facilitate the development of an appropriately scaled tourist accommodation or tourism related use’.

In addition, I want to confirm that the Bellarine Distinctive Area and Landscape Statement of Planning Policy is now in place and must be applied in all planning decisions on the Bellarine, including any consideration under the Development Facilitation program.

Please be assured that I am monitoring this matter closely and will continue to respect and support the community’s position.

Finally, I want to thank you for the strong advocacy and commitment you continue to show in protecting what we all value about the Bellarine.

09/09/2025

Big turn out to a public meeting in Point Lonsdale tonight aimed at stopping a Cole’s supermarket being built at the entrance to Queenscliffe (photo supplied)

05/09/2025

Just spotted cruising out through The Heads!

03/09/2025

The Esplanade it is!
Great decision 👏👏

22/08/2025

Go Coutas! 🔵🔴⚪️
Senior footballers
Reserves &
A-Grade netballers all playing in qualifying finals at Portarlington today, having each earned an second chance….

11/08/2025

The Lonsdale Reef strikes again!
Some great teamwork by Coast Guard and PLSLSC

10/08/2025

Huge day at the Couta Bowl yesterday with the Coutas knocking off reigning premiers Torquay in their last home game. With one away game to come, our senior footballers, Super Twos (reserves) and A-grade netballers are all locked into the finals!!! Not sure when that last happened?

21/07/2025

How good gave these winter skies been! These pics shared by Mary Mauger