ACTION TIME

Ramsay tells Parliament it’s time to fund the Queenscliff Hub

A FIGHT to secure funding for the Queenscliff Cultural Hub has been put in the spotlight at Parliament House.

Liberal Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay told Parliament last week that the project was overdue.

“I have asked the Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford to get cracking and fund the project that this Government has left in limbo,” Mr Ramsay said.

The proposed Queenscliff Cultural Hub would link the Queenscliff Library and Queenscliffe Historical Museum to create a light-filled, accessible community space that extends the existing library and museum facilities, and expands and modernises the Visitor Information Centre.

Mr Ramsay said there was also the possibility of moving the local police station to that site.

“The people of this community deserve action.

“They’ve given a lot and deserve a little in return.”

Labor Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said she had been working closely with the Borough of Queenscliffe on the development of its hub proposal and that a final proposal was still to be lodged with the government.

“The redevelopment of the sports precinct, the lighthouse reserve in Point Lonsdale and the lighthouse reserve in Queenscliff have been priorities for the council and I am pleased we have been able to contribute millions of dollars to these projects.

“I am now looking forward to receiving the final proposals on the community hub from the council.

“I will, as always, strongly advocate for this project within government.”

In March, the proposed Queenscliff Cultural Hub was a key discussion point raised by the G21 delegation that visited Canberra.

The borough’s G21 delegates, Cr Susan Salter and chief executive officer Lenny Jenner, were impressed with the level of engagement demonstrated by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and senior members of the federal government and opposition.

“We went to Canberra with ideas for our region that are respectful of our environment and heritage. We need to protect our heritage for people to come and enjoy,” Cr Salter said at the time.

“The hub project was met with great enthusiasm.”