AGM highlights Borough successes

THE Point Lonsdale Civic Association held their annual general meeting on January 11 at the Point Lonsdale Primary School where they discussed key community, environmental, economy
objectives and achievements for the Borough of Queenscliffe.

Incumbent president Rob Minty was re-elected unopposed as well as vice president David
Kenwood for a second term; the Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Cr. Bob Merriman, and CEO, Lenny Jenner, were guest speakers.

Cr Merriman discussed the council objectives for 2019 including key projects The Hub; Shortlands Bluff; PLLHR; Avenue of Honour; the Hesse St revitalization project as well as the
upcoming Heritage review; upgrade of council caravan parks in the Borough; activation of Queenscliff front beach and surrounds and redevelopment of the former high school site.

Cr Merriman said they finished the 2017/2018 financial year with a surplus of $75,000 and council were committed to maintaining a sustainable financial position.

He listed significant achievements including finalisation of projects – including those initiated
by former councils – the Point Lonsdale Village Foreshore/ Playground; Queenscliffe Sporting
and Recreation Precinct and the Low Light Festival.

Cr Merriman confirmed they had secured $4.3 million in finding for The Hub project and were
waiting on an additional $1.5 million from the Federal Government.

He said the Searoad Ferry Terminal project is readying to start, having secured $10 million
from the federal government and plans endorsed November 7 of last year.

He assured those in attendance council would continue to work on the Coastal and Marine
Management Plan in conjunction with DEWLP; that $360,000 had been allocated with works to begin on Bowen Road in March to fix drainage and kerbside/parking.

The AGM concluded with a Q&A with committee members, who highlighted a particular interest in the duplication of Bellarine Highway from Wallington to Queenscliff.

They stated two elections earlier that it was a high priority with Bellarine MP Lisa Neville,but had not been on the agenda since and was not a priority with VicRoads at present.

The next general meeting will be on February 15. For more information, head to plca.org.au.