NEXT STEPS Henderson asks borough to strike eco-cabins from project

CORANGAMITE federal member Sarah Henderson is calling on the Borough of Queenscliffe to rescope its Destination Queenscliff project and remove the proposed five-star eco-cabins.

The Destination Queenscliff project is supported by $3.48 million from the Morrison Government and is subject to a binding funding agreement.

“With the ongoing controversy over the proposed eco-cabins, I believe council needs to revert to constructing a limited number of new ‘camping ground’ cabins consistent with the cabins already at the Queenscliff Recreation Reserve,” Ms. Henderson said.

“This, I believe, would be much more acceptable to accommodation providers and the community at large.

“Under such circumstances, I do not believe there will be the same issues with obtaining planning and coastal consents.

“As the camping ground cabins will be much cheaper to construct, this will release more funding to be spent on public infrastructure.”

At its ordinary meeting in September 2018, council resolved to request changes to the Destination Queenscliff concept plan in relation to the Bullring and the proposed kiosk.

“Councillors have met with Sarah Henderson, who has requested council to consider further changes to the design of the tourist accommodation in the Queenscliff Recreation Reserve,” a council spokesperson said.

“Council is considering this request and will be in a position to make a public statement in the near future.”

Ms. Henderson said she would also like to see funding injected into central Hesse Street, where most of the shops are located.

“I trust that council will welcome this initiative and work constructively with the Commonwealth to vary our funding agreement and to consult positively with the community.”

Ms. Henderson has again questioned Bellarine MP Lisa Neville’s decision to withdraw funding from Destination Queenscliff and re-allocate $2.5 million to the Queenscliff Community Hub.

“As the community now knows, Lisa Neville did not deliver on this commitment prior to the state election as she promised,” she said.

Ms. Neville said in October that the state government was working with the borough to amend the funding agreements.