LAAC’s outdoor area approved for summer

A POPULAR part of the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club (LAAC) will be back this summer, with the club’s outdoor beer garden given consent approval.

Announced today (Wednesday, November 1), the approval from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) means the extended “Outer Sanctum” outdoor area can reopen temporarily, pursuant to Section 68 of the Marine and Coastal Act 2018.

The Victorian government temporarily changed state-wide regulations so that licensees could utilise specified areas of coastal Crown land in the vicinity of its main premises to enable operation under COVID-19 hospitality restrictions.

That permission first expired at the end of June 2022, with LAAC unsuccessfully campaigning to keep the Outer Sanctum in place and ultimately dismantling it in August 2022.

However, the state government announced in late October 2022 a change in legislation to allow Crown land managers to apply for permits for outdoor dining on adjoining public open space, which saw the outdoor space re-established.

The regulations were always intended to be temporary, and GORCAPA says it was advised the regulations would not be extended beyond September 30 as Victoria’s pandemic declaration had concluded.

GORCAPA has been consulting with DEECA to find a way to again extend the use of the outdoor area as planning continues for the wider Point Grey redevelopment.

“It’s a fantastic day for the Lorne community with the news the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club can continue to operate its popular outdoor area in time for the peak summer period,” GORCAPA chief executive officer Jodie Sizer said.

“We received confirmation from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action that the necessary consent approval has been put in place to enable the extended outdoor area to reopen temporarily.

“We know it is a treasured hub for locals and visitors, and the club will now be able to operate the vibrant space while planning continues for the Point Grey redevelopment.

“We worked closely with the LAAC and DEECA to reach this wonderful outcome that we believe benefits all involved.”