At the PCG meeting on 13 October 2025, the PCG voted to request Council officers and Accuraco (project managers) to investigate the cost and timeline implications of amending the project scope to include additional works to the Directing and Ranging Station and create a viewing platform and an access stairwell on top of the defence emplacement. This request was presented to Council at the Ordinary meeting of Council on 28^th January 2026, where Council resolved to seek a variation to the scope of works and to extend the current project milestones.

The engineering plans for these works are currently being finalised. Once these plans are complete, all necessary regulatory approvals will be applied for and simultaneously the project will progress to the tender stage. Based on feedback, costs for the defence structure restoration during the previous tender process, it is anticipated that the remaining budget will only be sufficient to deliver one to two of the proposed defence structures, with only limited landscaping or fencing enhancements achievable within the current funding allocation.

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

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.

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.

All major works for stage 1 have been completed, with the installation of signage recognising the funding partner and installation of Wadawurrung recognition the only remaining deliverables.

These works are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.