Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve

Project statusGrant variation approved
Last updatedDecember 2024

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and surrounding dunes

The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve contains some of Victoria's most important Aboriginal, military and natural maritime heritage areas. Through careful restoration and improved accessibility, we can protect the important history of this site for future generations.

About the project

Since being transferred ownership of the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve from the Victorian Government in 2012, Council has been working with various high-level stakeholders alongside the local community to restore and revitalise this cherished heritage space.

Council has since used ideas collected through community consultation to create an action plan for the reserve. The plan includes construction of paths, trails, interpretative signage and more, and has now been updated to include the preservation of the P1 huts (also known as the Toc H buildings).

Since this adoption, Council has worked closely with Regional Development Victoria, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to agree to a way forward on progressing the project, including making variations to the original grant.

December 2024 Update

Following the recommendation from the Project Control Group (PCG), Council resolved at its July Ordinary Meeting to request a variation to the grant agreement with Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). DEECA approved the variation request in October 2024.

Changes to the scope were driven by the condition of the defence structures, and advice received to complete works as soon as possible to prevent them from further deterioration.

The change in scope will increase the number of defence structures included in the restoration works.

The project will also see fencing and signage upgrades across the site and installation of both European and Cultural Heritage signage.

The project’s final scope now includes:

restoration of heritage defence structures, including the Directing & Ranging Station, Eastern Searchlight, Infrared Emplacement and Eastern Gun Emplacement Rocket Shed

upgraded trails, fencing and landscaping around the lighthouse and defence structures

connection to mains power for the site and;

new interpretive signage to tell both the European and rich Wadawurrung cultural history of the area

As the revised scope increased the number of defence structures to be remediated, it was important to engage a structural engineer to provide a detailed work plan. The structural engineer was appointed on 16 October 2024 and together with the Heritage Architect, they are currently developing the work plan. This plan will be presented to the Project Control in December.

The Project Managers will incorporate the work to be completed on the defence structures into a revised landscape plan. This landscape plan will be used in the process of gaining the required approvals including the Cultural Heritage Management Plan, Heritage Victoria Permits and Marine and Coastal Act Consent.

To ensure the Engine Shed has access to electricity, temporary power was connected to the building on 1 October 2024 with final internal works being completed on the 22nd of November. (The underground power supply will be installed at a later date). This important upgrade allows the Point Lonsdale Board Riders to be able to operate without the need for a diesel generator.

The next steps are for the PCG to approve the updated landscape plan, which will be used to gain all the relevant approvals required before works begin, including:

Heritage Victoria approval

Marine and Coastal Act consent

Cultural Heritage Management Plan

August 2024 Update

As recommended by the project control group (PCG), Council resolved at its July Ordinary Meeting to request a variation to the current grant agreement with Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Over the past 6 months the PCG has undertaken critical planning and preparatory work seeking advice and input from Heritage Victoria, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, DECCA; and Powercor in preparation of draft plans. In addition, the PCG engaged the following consultants to provide advice and assist with the project's delivery- Project Managers, Landscape Architect, Structural Engineers, Heritage Architects, Heritage Consultants, Electrical Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and CHMP consultants.

In response to the advice and feedback received from the various agencies and consultants, including the defence structure engineering assessment, advice about project timing and the receipt of preliminary construction costs, the PCG started to investigate a refined project scope. During June and into July 2024, the PCG started to develop a clearer picture about a proposed revision to the scope, and considered the following:

Projected project costs;

Complexity of specific project elements (e.g. all abilities access); and

Engineering assessment which recommended immediate works.

The key driver to make changes to the scope was the condition of the defence structures and the advice that works needed to be completed as soon as possible to ensure the structures didn’t deteriorate to a point where they were beyond repair. The change in scope will increase the number of defence structures that will have restoration work completed, meaning the construction of an all-abilities pathway to the pier and the provision of disabled car parking will no longer be delivered within the funding allocation provided in the current agreement. It is worth noting that the budget for this project remains at $1 million.

The next steps in the project are to obtain all the relevant approvals required before works begin, including:

Heritage Victoria approval

Marine and Coastal Act consent

Cultural Heritage Management Plan

Council is working with DEECA to process a formal request for variation to the grant agreement.

Stage One

Works began in late October 2022 and includes the following:

Cladded external walls, replaced roof sheeting, and restored windows, doors and base boards
Manufactured and installed interpretive signage
Restored existing pathways and landscaping.

Council is currently in the process of gaining the approvals required for the installation of the Wadawurrung sculptural element. With Wadawurrung guidance, this element now includes the interpretive signage component, which is necessary to complete this project.

Installation of the signage that recognises the Wadawurrung connection to the site will be subject to the obtainment of the Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP).

Council has received further funding from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) for Stage Two works at the PLLHR.

Stage Two

This phase of the project includes restoration of defence structures, upgrade of the areas around the lighthouse, electrical upgrades, and the installation of accessible pathways.

Council held an Expression of Interest process calling for community members to be involved in the Project Control Group (PCG) that oversees Stage 2 works. The PCG comprises two Councillors, representatives from DEECA, local community members Andrew Sutherland and Max Lazarus. In addition, representatives from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners have been providing guidance throughout the process.

Accuraco has been appointed as the Project Manager and is leading the Project Control Group through the initial design and procurement processes.

Stage 2 works at the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve continue, with background planning and preparation work still occurring. Following the receipt of the State Government funding, the Project Control Group has met on 14 occasions, commissioned engineering studies, held meetings with Heritage Victoria, prepared a landscape plan, which was shared with the community, engaged with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and commenced a Cultural Heritage Management Plan.