One 3225: Borough open to boundary change

THE Borough of Queenscliffe has responded to a petition calling for Point Lonsdale to be unified under a single local government area, expressing its willingness to explore the idea.

The petition, which has been lodged with the state parliament’s Legislative Council, states that the existing town boundary lines are “undemocratic” contributing to a dilution of local representation and inequitable division of rates.

At present, the town is divided between the Borough of Queenscliffe and the City of Greater Geelong.

“The concept of a boundary adjustment to incorporate areas of Point Lonsdale west of Fellows Road into the Borough has been a topic of discussion and interest for Council for a long time,” a council spokesperson said.

“As recently as 2020/21, the Borough of Queenscliffe was in discussions with the Minister for Local Government to open up talks with the City of Greater Geelong concerning ‘One 3225 Borough of Queenscliffe’, with a view to commence a formal review of the local government boundary alignment.

“We are open to conversations with the state government to determine their appetite to support One 3225.

“The Borough of Queenscliffe believe the idea has merit and is worth exploring and always seek to do so when the idea is tabled by community members.”

Sharing his personal views on the issue, Borough councillor Donnie Grigau has previously stated he does not support the unification of the township.

He has cited a lack of information about the impacts of such a move and financial concerns for the Borough as reasons for this opinion.

“It’s a tricky situation,” he said.

“Living on the borders is always going to be contentious.

“Who’s going to pay for it?

“I would like to see our assets maintained, but [also] money poured into that as opposed to going down the track of defining the boundaries.”

The City of Greater Geelong declined to comment.