Stingray show on ‘hold’ over wharf

MICHELLE HERBISON
PLANS for a stingray-feeding tourist attraction are stuck in limbo amid inaction on a crumbling Queenscliff wharf, according to the proponent.
Andrew Malouf said he had a permit to feed the stingrays but the “absolutely disgraceful” condition of Fisherman’s Wharf was stopping him submitting an application to build a 150-seat auditorium.
“I’ve been pushing this for four years. We finally got a permit through and now we’re just waiting on bureaucracy,” Mr Malouf said.
Parks Victoria fenced off the damaged wharf, between Queenscliff Harbour and Swan Bay bridge, more than two years ago.
The Independent reported in 2008 that Mr Malouf wanted to operate feeding shows to entertain and educate tourists about Queenscliff’s stingrays in their natural environment.
Mr Malouf said his twice-daily, 45-minute shows would rival Phillip Island’s penguins.
“I’ve got an attraction that will bring in $60,000 to $80,000 a year.”
Mr Malouf said a 10-week trial in 2008 attracted 5500 spectators.
Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Bob Merriman said the wharf was a victim of “the greatest inactivity ever seen”.
“The previous (state) government put in $1.8 million and since the election nothing’s happened. I’d like to see the government get off its backside and do something about the whole project.”
Cr Merriman said he was unable to comment on the stingray proposal because council had yet to see plans.
Labor Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville accused State Government of treating the community with “contempt”.
“It’s a disgrace that the money is there and this work has not commenced,” she said.
A Parks Victoria spokesperson said stabilising works on part of the wharf started in June but were on hold for review.
“Parks Victoria and Queens-cliff Harbour are reviewing and re-scoping the Fisherman’s Wharf renewal project to ensure it allows for the future development of a stingray feeding tourism attraction in line with community expectations.”
Queenscliff Harbour’s Sean Blackwood hoped the show could begin by Christmas.
Queenscliff Harbour leases the wharf area from Parks Victoria.