16 Feb FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
February 2026 Newsletter
It has been a busy and warm summer, and things are now settling as we look ahead to the long weekend and Easter.
We congratulate our local traders and hope the season delivered strong results. It has been encouraging to see businesses thriving and the foreshore active. The Lobster Pot welcomed more than 500 visitors this summer — an excellent outcome.
The BHA committee thanks the volunteers of the Barwon Heads CFA for keeping the community safe during a demanding fire season. We have invited representatives from the CFA and Bellarine Police to speak at our 20 March meeting about summer operations and priorities for the year ahead. We also acknowledge the Ocean Grove and 13th Beach lifesaving teams. Despite large and sometimes challenging crowds, they again ensured our beaches remained safe.
Olympics
Congratulations to Jakara Anthony on serving as Winter Olympics Flag Bearer. She is a proud representative of Barwon Heads and an inspiration to the community. Her Gold Medal win, performance and the way she conducts herself is a great example for us all.
Duck Race
Remember the Sheepwash classic and the Barwon Heads Primary School Easter Fair on the 29th March and the Duck Race on Easter Saturday.
2026 Meetings
Suggestions for speakers and topics are welcome.
We are finalising the 2026 schedule. Meetings will be held at a variety of venues and times — details will be circulated in advance.
Current topics include:
– Community safety and amenity — CFA and Police (likely 23 March, 7:00 pm)
– Our town: Barwon Heads Hotel — Joel Taylor (date TBA, at the BHH)
– Our town: The Lobster Pot — Paul Saunders and team (11 May, 7:00 pm)
– Our town: Beaches and Crown Land reserves — Barwon Coast
– Our town: Council update — City of Greater Geelong
We are also planning a visit to the Barwon Water facility.
VCAT Decision
VCAT decision: Luckock v Greater Geelong CC [2026] VCAT 80 (11 Feb 2026)
The proposed riverfront development in Talbot Street has been the subject of significant community discussion. Following a December VCAT hearing regarding an amended application, the decision has now been published.
We thank Member Jane Tait for her on-site inspection and detailed assessment. A copy of the 34-page decision will be available on the BHA website.
Key excerpts from the decision include:
> “The key issue in this matter is whether an increase in overall height of the dwelling by 1.2 metres responds to the landscape character objectives and decision guidelines of the SLO9…
> Planning does not seek ideal outcomes… acceptable outcomes are the measure by which planning decisions are to be made…
> I find the proposed amendments… fail to respond to the landscape character objectives… the additional height… will dominate [the landscape]…
> I have decided to set aside Council’s decision and direct an amended permit… to reduce the overall height to a maximum of 7.5 metres…”
What is SLO9?
The site sits within Significant Landscape Overlay 9 (SLO9), covering Barwon River frontage properties. Its objectives include:
– Protecting the open landscaped character and recreational value of the riverfront
– Encouraging building forms that complement the setting and allow reasonable sharing of views
– Supporting vegetation retention and enhancement
– Ensuring development is compatible with the existing scale and bulk of surrounding buildings
– Maintaining visual permeability and established building rhythm.
Talking Heads
The Summer edition of Talking Heads is available here:
https://www.flipbookpdf.net/
Roads and Footpaths
Exercise caution at the Hitchcock/Geelong Road roundabout. The south-west corner presents a hazard for cyclists following a recent accident.
– Works on pedestrian crossings at the Barwon Heads APCO roundabout are expected to begin shortly.
– Airport roadworks are nearing completion.
– Golf Links Road functions as a shared pedestrian and cycling corridor as well as a busy school drop-off area. We will lobby Council to fund safer shared-space design from Bridge Road to the Golf Club.
– Cleanliness along Hitchcock Avenue and Bridge Road remains a concern. We are seeking improved footpath maintenance over peak periods.
Lithium-ion Battery Safety
The Barwon Heads CFA has responded to several recent house fires caused by lithium-ion battery charging, particularly involving e-bikes. These fires are increasing across Victoria and can result in serious injury and property damage.
Safety guidance:
– Know which household items contain lithium-ion batteries
– Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries
– Do not charge devices overnight or unattended
– Install smoke alarms near charging areas, including garages
– Charge in ventilated spaces away from flammable materials
– Avoid unbranded or low-quality replacement batteries
Further information:
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/
https://www.frv.vic.gov.au/
https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.
https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/
Blue-bottle Alert
Local veterinarians report increased canine injuries from blue bottle stings at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads beaches.
Advice:
If a dog is stung, rinse the area in saltwater for 30–60 seconds. Do not use vinegar, which increases venom release in blue bottle stings. Warm water or ice may reduce pain. If discomfort continues beyond 20 minutes, seek veterinary care.
Membership
Thank you to our longstanding members. Membership subscriptions are due from 1 July. We welcome new members and fresh committee ideas.
Membership form:
https://
Please include your full name when making online payment:
Account Name: Barwon Heads Association
BSB: 633000
Account Number: 130256704
2026 COMMITTEE
President — Sandy Gatehouse
Vice Presidents — Tony Judd & Geoffrey Waite
Treasurer — Brian Cook
Secretary — Paul Brewster
Committee — Philip Bade; Paul Saunders; David Littleton; Karen Firth; Rod Ashby