Curious about the smallest local government area in Victoria? That’s the Borough of Queenscliffe. Here we stand in a place of unique survival and surprising stories.
The Borough of Queenscliffe covers just over 10 square kilometers. It had a population of nearly 3000 in 2018. This includes the settlements of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. We are located on the south coast. It is south-east of Geelong on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Established in 1863, the Borough of Queenscliffe was built for government services. These included postal services and military defence. It also provided lighthouse and sea pilot services.
Queenscliffe holds the distinction of being the last borough in Victoria and Australia. It uniquely survived local government restructures. Between 1993 and 1995, Victoria restructured its local governments. Queenscliffe was the only LGA to avoid boundary or name changes. Other municipalities were absorbed, often into larger entities like the City of Greater Geelong.
Why was Queenscliffe excluded from this restructure? That question sparked debate in the Victorian Parliament. Liberal Premier Jeff Kennett said Queenscliffe was well-run. He stated its people wouldn’t benefit from amalgamation. Labor member Neil Cole suggested political motivations within the Liberal Party. Another Labor member, George Seitz, thought the area’s elderly population played a role. The reasons remain debated. Some say influential Liberal Party members in Point Lonsdale exerted pressure.
In 2008, the number of councillors was reduced. It went from seven to the current five. Today, the Queenscliffe Borough Council governs the area. The council headquarters are located in Queenscliff. Councillors are elected to represent the entire municipality.
The 2021 census recorded a population of 3276 for the borough. This is up from 2853 in 2016.
Queenscliff itself boasts a rich history. Originally Shortland’s Bluff, it was renamed in honor of Queen Victoria in 1853. It soon became an important cargo port. This supported steamships in Port Phillip. The shipping pilot service started in 1841. Fort Queenscliff was built between 1879 and 1889. It commanded a network of forts around the port.
In the late 19th century, Queenscliff blossomed as a tourist destination. Visitors arrived from Melbourne via paddle steamer. The railway in 1879 increased tourism. Luxury hotels were built.
The advent of the car decreased Queenscliff’s popularity. The railway closed in 1976. It reopened in 1979 as a heritage train service. The 1980s saw a return of tourism.
Queenscliff is home to several heritage-listed sites. These include the Fisherman’s Shed and the Ozone Hotel.
Today, Queenscliff hosts the Queenscliff Music Festival. It is also home to three museums. They are the Queenscliff Historical Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Fort Queenscliff Museum.
As you explore the Borough of Queenscliffe, remember its unique journey. From government hub to tourist destination, it has retained its distinct character. Its survival as the last borough is a testament to its resilient community.