Police are appealing for information about a “suspicious” fire at a historic Queenscliff shed.
Victoria Police said they were investigating after a fire started in Queenscliff on Friday, July 7.
“Investigators believe that a historic shed on Queenscliff Pier caught fire sometime after midnight,” a spokesperson told the Voice.
“No one was inside at the time, and the shed received minor damage. At this stage, the fire is being treated as suspicious.”
Parks Victoria acting regional director Jodi Heath said the damage had occurred at the historic Waiting Shed on the Queenscliff Pier.
“We’ve been very disappointed to find vandalism damage to the historic Waiting Shed and Queenscliff Pier twice in the last three weeks and have reported the incidents to the police,” she said.
“Some decking boards have been burnt, sections of seating removed, holes kicked in timber lining of the Waiting Shed, and some smaller damage to the gate.
“We estimate the cost of repair will be around $10,000. We’d really appreciate the local community staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious behaviour around the pier to the police.”
A concerned local, who did not want their name published, said they hoped those responsible for the damage would eventually be “named and shamed”.
“It should be called vandalism as that is what it is,” they said.
“The shed had some of its cladding removed and ripped up, and saw the destruction and removal of its seating, with a fair amount thrown off into the bay.”
They also said the alleged vandalism had spread from Queenscliff to Point Lonsdale and that they were concerned about the region’s safety.
“Why don’t the authorities put some form of security out at the sites of heritage buildings,” they said.
Anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage of the Queenscliff fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
