PLCA urges last-minute support for heritage nominations

THE Point Lonsdale Civic Association (PLCA) is calling on locals to show their support for the heritage listing of Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve and Queenscliff Headland before time runs out.

A nomination for the National Heritage listing of the Queenscliff Headland, including Shortland Bluff and the Queenscliff Foreshore Reserve, was recently lodged with the federal government.

This follows the 2016 submission made for the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve, which resulted in the site being nominated for National Heritage assessment in 2017 and has now advanced to the finalised priority assessment list.

PLCA president Rob Minty said if successful, the association hoped these endeavours would ultimately link the three headlands of Queenscliff, Point Nepean and Point Lonsdale into one listing.

“This would ensure long overdue national recognition of the important story Port Phillip Heads has played in the early settlement of the colony and the defence of both Melbourne and the nation.”

He said Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson wrote to Minister for the Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg in May in support of the application.

“This is not surprising as from the outset Sarah has offered encouragement to include adjoining areas with the initial nomination for Point Lonsdale.”

Mr Minty said the PLCA was also pleased to see the Borough of Queenscliffe finally support the National Heritage Listing of Shortlands Bluff.

“It clearly shows what can be achieved by members of the community who take up the initiative in projects that benefit the community and our pristine natural and historic environment.”

He said the PLCA understood a decision by Mr Frydenberg would be made this month, so time was of the essence.

“We are at a point now where it would be very useful to have as many individuals and organisations as possible write to Minister Frydenberg, with support for heritage listing.

“Support letters from other people who have a knowledge of the significance of these places would be very effective in influencing government ministers.”

Any organisation or individual who would like to support this application should write to Hon Josh Frydenberg, MP, Minister for the Environment, House of Representatives, PO Box 6022, Canberra, ACT, 2600; or email onlineservices.environment.gov.au/contact-your-minister/eform.

For more information, including both the Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff nominations, head to lonsdalelighthousereserve.org/home.