UPGRADES to Point Lonsdale’s Lighthouse Reserve could take longer than anticipated, with a two year-extension on the project being proposed,<\/p>\n
At its July 24 meeting, the Borough of Queenscliffe council accepted a new report providing an update on the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve works.<\/p>\n
The borough is looking at reworking the scope of works and extending the completion date of the project’s second stage from September 30 this year, until May 31, 2026.<\/p>\n
Stage two includes the installation of power to the engine shed and amenities block, the restoration of defence structures, new accessible pathways and fencing and signage upgrades.<\/p>\n
The borough received a grant for stage two of the works from the state government and Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) in its 2022-23 budget.<\/p>\n
“The amendments to the works at the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve are steered by the PLLHR Project Control Group,” a borough spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
“Council is in discussions with DEECA to determine if the change of scope aligns with the intent of the original grant.<\/p>\n
“Council will be able to provide further details once the project variation from DEECA is received.”<\/p>\n
Ownership of the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve was transferred from the State Government to the Borough of Queenscliffe in 2012.<\/p>\n
Since then, the borough has been working with stakeholders and local community to restore the site.<\/p>\n
Point Lonsdale Civic Association (PLCA) president David Kenwood said their group welcomed the potential scope change.<\/p>\n
“PLCA are pleased Queenscliffe Council will now request a grant variation from DEECA for the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve Project which includes a reworked scope of works and new completion date.<\/p>\n
“Following years of inaction and some recent much needed external repairs to the former military huts, it now appears we can finally move the project forward.”<\/p>\n
Mr Kenwood did say the public toilets at the site were in need of renewal.<\/p>\n
“Still of concern is the terrible condition of the public toilet block on site.<\/p>\n
“Council has a separate funding to rebuild this facility but as yet nothing has happened, the lack of a masterplan for the site and details of internal fitouts needed for each of the buildings to make them usable again.<\/p>\n
“We will continue to monitor the monthly council reports and watch with interest as the project finally moves forward.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
UPGRADES to Point Lonsdale’s Lighthouse Reserve could take longer than anticipated, with a two year-extension on the project being proposed, At its July 24 meeting, the Borough of Queenscliffe council accepted a new report providing an update on the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve works. The borough is looking at reworking the scope of works and […]<\/p>\n