The origin of the idiom “The devil is in the detail” is attributed to Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher and poet who is quoted as having said in 1880 … “der Teufel stecktim detail”… or by its more modern interpretation “… read the small print” [see: https://tinyurl.com/5avfvhfy]

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority [GORCAPA] recently released the results of its Point Grey Community Values Survey conducted in March/April 2024. It sought to “… formally capture what community members and visitors have expressed about Point Grey over many years, and to understand any changes in sentiment”.

Borrowing from a prior report by John Higgins [Chairman: Committee for Lorne: SCT, 5/7/2024], GORCAPA received an extraordinary 1,141 responses—substantially more than for any previous survey. This response attests to the importance of the vexed and ever-unresolved Point Grey ‘problem’ in the hearts and minds of the Lorne community.
This [seemingly] umpteenth dip into the community mind by our coastal bureaucrats suggests that they still don’t quite understand the nature of the dragon they seek—yet still fail—to slay.

As John referenced, the report provides a re-run of several similar surveys over the past two [and more] decades. Moreover, its results yielded a near-identical data set… an outcome of no surprise to our community, even if the fresh-faced newbies in regularly renewing administrative staff of GORCAPA needed yet another survey reminder.

John’s synopsis [https://tinyurl.com/lorne-point-grey] lists five highlights. But rolling back to Nietzsche for a moment, his incisive observation that ‘the devil can be in the detail’ matters when interpreting the results of any survey. As an example, John Higgins noted that GORCAPA’s published survey results did not mention that ‘… less than 1% of respondents favoured a single building solution’.

[NB: ‘a single building’ refers to all amenities—including the LAAC—being incorporated into one facility under one roof … a concept clearly and uniformly opposed by LAAC members and the Lorne Community].

Though GORCAPA acknowledges a ‘broad preference for two separate buildings for the Aquatic Club (LAAC) and new food and drinks premises’, the vehement nature of the community’s wish is not conveyed by the wording of their report. ‘Less than 1% in favour’ is hardly the same as ‘a broad preference for’ in the summary statement and could be easily lost in the melee of bureaucratic interpretation.

Other possibly important qualifiers may also be hidden in the summarised data.

Taking each of John Higgins’ five highlights in turn:

The importance of views from a green, public open space …
80% thought ‘public open space’ was an important aspect of the Point Grey site. 72% believed (a) the site has a ‘strong sense of place’… whatever that actually means … while 72%—presumably the same people—believed (b) ‘maintaining a green open space’ is essential to the character. However, as the interpretation of public open space, green space, and the integration of seating, the siting of toilets and the intensity of lighting will inevitably mean different things to different people, while the generic phrases ‘public’ and ‘green’ open spaces may have received a voter ‘tick’, the detail of its design may still fall far below their expectations and still fail to satisfy.
The recognition and preservation of the precinct’s fishing history and character …
Lorne’s fishing village heritage matters to the town but—along with similar recognition for Lorne’s Indigenous heritage and that of the early timber industry—could be incorporated as a living exhibit in a refurbished or rebuilt facsimile of the current Co-Op building that showcased 21st-century techniques like interactive sound and light displays, and holography [NB: these latter are thoughts from this writer, and others].
Two separate buildings for the Aquatic Club (LAAC) and new ‘food and drinks premises’.
Uniform and strong emotions support this outcome and, equally, a reincarnation of the popular sea-front, Greek-style restaurant/taverna that so many miss. While accepting that this may fall outside GORCAPA’s vision that there be no ‘hospitality venues’ on their managed coastal land, strong community emotions dispute this bureaucratic view. It seems incongruous that GORCAPA could support the notion of a fast-food outlet yet oppose a relaxed dining option. The Lorne community fairly asks why? … please explain the logic, especially as the survey questionnaire [as worded] failed to explore both options.
The buildings should be modest and environmentally respectful …
It seems GORCAPA may have finally understood this point after previous designs had dismally failed this requirement. The fact that the buildings …NB: the use of the plural as the community wants, indeed >99% insist that the LAAC survives both intact and as a separate entity … should incorporate materials from the old Fishing Co-op is another strong community preference that GORCAPA needs to hear.
The LAAC is a vital part of the Point Grey ‘precinct’. The report does get this bit right when it states that the LAAC has developed into a vital part of the Point Grey ‘precinct’… though this is an understatement, given the club’s long history and integral role in Lorne’s social fabric.

However, GORCAPA rightly acknowledges the LAAC as ‘a recreational and social hub’ for many locals and visitors to the area and as a ‘pillar of the community’. It also documents the clear consensus that any relocation or significant changes to the LAAC would lead to a ‘disconnection with Lorne’. While in John Higgins’ words ‘… there are no surprises there’ … it is essential that GORCAPA first shows that it gets this and then faithfully translates these local sentiments into any future building construct.

John Higgins also noted that ‘… the Point Grey Community Reference Group [CRG]—formed late in 2023—was due to hold its fifth meeting in early July … but unfortunately, the meeting has been postponed for a few weeks pending ‘some further work’ being done. To date, the meetings have involved [1] the gathering of information by the project architects and consultants, [2] gaining an understanding of the myriad regulations and approvals required before the [design] project can be completed.’
Reading between John’s lines, no actual plans have yet been placed on the table for discussion, let alone for ratification, and, while his final words were ‘… watch this space’, I must confess to a certain sense of déjà vu. Put another way, haven’t we been here once, twice, or thrice before?
It seems this thorn in Lorne’s side has not yet shaken Nietzsche loose, and that … der Teufel stecktim detail … still!

John Agar
Feature Writer

A word from the chairman

Hello,
As we start to experience a taste of some early spring weather, our minds turn to outdoor activities and shaking off our winter hibernation (for those who didn’t just simply run away from it).

Whether it be planning a new garden or vegetable patch, preparing the barbeque for summer action, or walking off some of those winter kilos, Lorne is at its best at this time of year!

*****
If you are making plans for September, you need to be aware of some upcoming events.

Of course, there are the football finals.

Sadly, the AFL ladder is dominated by “foreigners” and there may well be weekends with interstate games only.

The “true believers” will pack their scarves and beanies away, empty the swear jar and turn their minds to something less stressful, more productive and controllable like gardening or the sock drawer!

We will still celebrate the Grand Final long weekend (27-29 September), but it’s never quite the same spectacle with interstate teams.

Let’s cheer for the Victorians and welcome all visitors!

Our Dolphins are still very much in the hunt for the Seniors Football premiership with a close loss to their nemesis, Alvie, last Saturday.

The Reserves are also safely in the finals. We look forward to a couple of resounding wins against Colac Imperials this Saturday before heading into the finals.

*****
On the weekend of 14-15 September, Amy’s Gran Fondo (big ride) comes to Lorne again. Over the weekend more than 5,000 cyclists of all abilities will compete in a range of events culminating in the 122-kilometre Amy’s Gran Fondo starting and finishing in Lorne on Sunday.

There will be an Event Village Expo on the Lorne Foreshore from Friday to Sunday and BMX demonstrations.

The event brings a huge boost to our local economy and once again puts our beautiful Great Ocean Road on show.

Such events entail significant road closures and traffic disruptions over the whole weekend, so if you have plans for that weekend, I suggest you consider rescheduling or relocating.

For more information visit amysgranfondo.org.au.

*****

In this publication last week, Jodie Sizer, Chief Executive Officer of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) launched their Respect Campaign.

The campaign is intended to address abuse experienced by GORCAPA employees in their workplace, in community forums and on-line.

The Committee for Lorne fully endorses the campaign and rejects any form of personal abuse.

As Jodie has said, we may not always agree with processes and decisions, but that is not an excuse to abuse or intimidate people going about their daily work.

This especially applies to keyboard cowards who hide behind the veil of anonymity.

As our community starts to open up again after our winter hibernation, let us commit to the respect and safety of all front-line workers.

Everyone is entitled to a safe workplace.

If you witness unacceptable behaviour, call it out.

Remember, “the behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept!”

Cheers

Lorne Ward Events Calendar

September

15 – Amy’s Gran Fondo, cycling event on the Great Ocean Road www.amysgranfondo.org.au

20 – Committee for Lorne Community Luncheon. Presentation of the Doug and Mary Stirling Community Award for 2024 to Clive and Lesley Goldsworthy. Start is 12pm for 12.30pm at Stribling Reserve Community Pavilion.