The Rip

12/11/2025

Who caught the light show last night?
This pic was snapped by Maggie Stowers over the Fisherman’s Flat at around 10.30 last night 🤗

10/11/2025

The hunt is set to begin for a new BoQ CEO, with Martin Gill to step aside at the end of this month, after 6 years in the role.
A statement this morning said Councillors and Mr Gill had “agreed to terms” on the early finalisation of his existing contract.
McArthur recruitment agency will oversee the search for his replacement.
An interim CEO is likely to step in after and Gill finishes up on 28 November.

03/11/2025

🚧DEECA has been given consent to commence repairs to the sea wall at Point Lonsdale front beach.
🌊It is anticipated that works will commence later this week. We understand access to the beach will be impacted while the repairs are undertaken.
🦺While the work is in progress, please stay away from restricted areas to ensure the community's safety and that of the workers.
👉Council apologises for this inconvenience and will continue to update the public as works progress.

20/10/2025

An update from Alison Marchant on the proposed Cole’s development:
“As per my statement in September, no formal planning application has been lodged by Coles. That remains the case today…”

I understand that the proposed Coles development has caused great concern in the community, and I thank all the constituents who have contacted my office and spoken to me about this issue.

As per my statement in September, no formal planning application has been lodged by Coles. That remains the case today.

The pre-application enquiry for this site is still in its preliminary stages to determine if it is eligible for the Department’s Development Facilitation Program.

Despite speculation, this project has not entered any formal assessment under the Development Facilitation Program, nor does an acceptance into the program guarantee approval.

I can confirm that if a formal planning application is lodged at any stage, the community will have the opportunity to have their say.

Since my previous statement, I have taken steps to ensure that community concerns are clearly understood at all levels:

• I have met with the Mayors and CEOs of both the City of Greater Geelong and the Borough of Queenscliffe to discuss the proposal.
• I have written to both Councils, making it clear that the City of Greater Geelong retain the authority to initiate rezoning should they determine that the current zoning is not appropriate for this unique coastal township.
• I have met the Stop Coles organisers multiple times, to hear the communities’ views and to communicate directly about the process.
• I have continued to liaise with the Minister’s Office to ensure that local views - and the protections provided by the Bellarine Distinctive Area and Landscape Statement of Planning Policy - remain front of mind.

The City of Greater Geelong’s and Borough’s Point Lonsdale Structure Plan outlines a vision for this entry corridor, including consideration of more suitable zoning, such as a Special Use Zone focused on tourism or accommodation rather than bulky retail.

Questions surrounding the Structure Plan and its implementation should be directed to the City of Greater Geelong, as they are the planning authority responsible for its interpretation and application. The Minister has written to the City of Greater Geelong to confirm its responsibilities as the planning authority.

The recent announcement to expand the Ramsar-listed wetlands on our coastlines further strengthens my deep commitment to safeguarding the most environmentally significant parts of our region.

I remain committed to representing the interests of our community - listening, advocating, and keeping you informed as developments unfold.

17/10/2025

Happening today - if you’re looking for something to do!
The Annual St George’s Church Flower Showu

17/10/2025

Update Point Lonsdale Shipwreck.

Danielle Wilkinson offered a captivating analysis of the recent shipwreck discovery at Point Lonsdale. Notably, the shipwreck was discovered on Friday, 10th October, and the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum contacted Heritage Victoria on the same day. We are eagerly awaiting Heritage Victorias findings.

Link to Danielle Wilkinson interview, Heritage Victoria's senior maritime archaeologist

Link in comments.

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tour bookings QMM website.
Queenscliffe Escape Room open Saturday and Sunday.
Photo copyright Jamie McKechnie.

13/10/2025

Has a shipwreck been discovered on the Point Lonsdale back beach 😲⚓️

02/10/2025

The QMF has unveiled its first floating venue!

02/10/2025

Through the Heads and back again! The Spirit of Tassy did a u-turn and returned to dock today. Reports of a medical emergency!

25/09/2025

The Royal Park makeover is complete!!!!

🏉 We’re excited to share Royal Park Oval is back open to the community, just in time for football fans to enjoy a kick before the AFL Grand Final this Saturday.

🤩 The fencing upgrades are nearly complete, and doesn't it look great. While a few finishing touches remain, this will not affect the use of the oval.

🤝 Thank you for your patience during the works. We hope you enjoy the refreshed space.

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.