The Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club, a beloved community institution on Victoria's Surf Coast for 75 years, has served its final drink and held its final meeting. The club officially closed its doors on Sunday, May 19, 2024, marking the end of an era for locals and visitors alike.
A History Cut Short by Redevelopment Uncertainty
Founded in 1949, the club was a cornerstone of the Lorne community, providing a social hub for anglers, families, and residents. Its closure was not due to a lack of patronage or passion, but rather the prolonged and unresolved future of the Lorne Pier redevelopment project. The club's committee made the difficult decision to wind up operations after determining they could no longer continue in a state of indefinite limbo.
The club's final president, Peter Spring, confirmed the closure, stating the committee felt they had "run out of options." The uncertainty surrounding the pier's upgrade, a project led by the Surf Coast Shire Council, left the club unable to plan for its own future or invest in its facilities. This state of flux ultimately forced the hand of the volunteer committee.
The Long Wait for a New Pier
The fate of the club has been intrinsically tied to the Lorne Pier redevelopment for years. The existing pier is ageing, and plans for its renewal have been discussed and delayed. The club's lease was contingent on the progress of this larger infrastructure project. With no clear timeline or certainty on when—or even if—a new club facility might be incorporated into the redevelopment, continuing became untenable.
This closure represents a significant loss of a dedicated community space. The club was more than just a place for fishing enthusiasts; it hosted meetings, social gatherings, and was a piece of living history for the coastal town. Its demise highlights the tangible impact that protracted bureaucratic processes can have on local community groups.
What Comes Next for the Iconic Location?
The immediate future of the club's site on the Lorne Pier is now in the hands of the Surf Coast Shire Council. The council has acknowledged the club's closure and the role the delayed redevelopment played. A council spokesperson indicated that planning for the pier renewal is ongoing, but could not provide a definitive commencement date for the works.
The closure leaves a void on the pier and in the social fabric of Lorne. Members and the public are left to mourn the loss of their gathering place while hoping that any future development will honour the site's long history. The council faces the challenge of progressing a vital infrastructure project while recognising the community asset that has been lost in the interim.
The story of the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club serves as a poignant reminder of how local institutions, steeped in history, can become collateral damage in lengthy planning disputes. For now, the winds off Loutit Bay will blow past a quiet, closed door where for 75 years, stories were shared, friendships forged, and the community came together.
