Shift plan for Deakin house

Karen Hart
A BELLARINE Peninsula resident is in negotiations with the owners of Alfred Deakin’s former Point Lonsdale holiday home to save it from demolition.
The negotiations follow Heritage Victoria recommending against a heritage listing for the rundown former weatherboard property of Australia’s second Prime Minister.
But a woman, who does not want to be identified, wants to relocate and restore the house.
The woman hoped to move the house to a site not far from Point Lonsdale.
Mr Deakin’s greatgranddaughter, Dr Belinda Coyte, who has been fighting to save the house, welcomed the relocation bid.
“I just hope the owners agree to let this woman move the house so it can be saved for future generations,” she said.
“It will be a huge task to restore it, though, but definitely worth it.”
Borough of Queenscliffe has given the owners permission to tear down the dilapidated building.
A spokesperson for the owner, Amanda Ryan, was not available for comment.
Heritage Victoria executive director Ray Tonkin said he recommended against putting the residence on the register but said Heritage Council of Victoria, an independent statutory authority, would make a final decision.
“It is important to note that my recommendation is not the final decision. The heritage council will make the final decision after considering any public submissions,’’ he said.
Mr Tonkin recommended the house remain on a heritage overlay in the borough’s planning scheme.
“If the heritage council agrees with my recommendation, the decision to retain the house on the heritage overlay would rest with Borough of Queenscliffe,” Mr Tonkin said.