Community support continues to impress

Hello to all our residents, ratepayers and visitors to the Borough of Queenscliffe.

As we continue to take steps towards finding that COVID-normal once more, it’s been heartening to see the people of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale continuing to support each other through frequenting local businesses, socially distant outdoor gatherings and a good old fashioned phone call. Our community continues to impress in that regard.

The number one way you can help join in the fight against coronavirus right now is of course to get vaccinated (if you’re eligible), just like I did at the Point Lonsdale Medical Clinic last week.

To check your eligibility and book a vaccination appointment, visit the Australian Government’s website at covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au or contact your GP.

Officially opening our new pedestrian crossing

Among all the wild weather of the last fortnight it was nice to find some respite to head down to Gellibrand Street in Queenscliff and officially sign off on the new raised pedestrian crossing built there near the Hobson Street intersection.

We heard loud and clear from Borough residents during last year’s consultation that Gellibrand Street could be made safer for pedestrians, and this combination of a raised walkway, road narrowing, signage and new lighting will help achieve that.

The upgrade was funded in part by a $15,000 grant from the Transport Accident Commission, and we are certainly very grateful for their continued support in ensuring safety improvements for not only pedestrians but all road users.

Excitingly, this is just one of many pedestrian upgrades that you’ll see taking place over the next few months. There are also planned crossings or refuges for high-traffic areas in Hesse Street, King Street, Flinders Street, Ocean Road and Point Lonsdale Road.

Vision and Plan progressing well

The Community Vision and Council Plan are two of the borough’s most important strategic documents, outlining focus areas for our entire council term and beyond.

Thanks to the large amount of considered and detailed feedback from our community, these documents are now progressing closer towards reaching the draft stage. Our randomly selected 25-person community panel has been analysing the main themes and priorities that were present in the first round of consultation, and are now collaborating with council to further these documents.

Boat ramp closed for upgrade works

As you may have noticed on the roadside electronic signs entering Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, the Queenscliff Boat Ramp will be closed from June 7 through to August 30 as part of Better Boating Victoria’s upgrade to the facility. Stage one of the works will see overflow parking constructed and dredging at the boat ramp completed.

Better Boating Victoria has recently posted a project update on its website, which also houses other important information such as site plans, and frequently asked questions.

As always, if you have any questions or just want to chat about the borough, feel free to drop me a line.

Kind regards,
Cr Ross Ebbels
Mayor Borough of Queenscliffe