Conserve the Lonsdale Rocket Shed as an interactive heritage site

The State Heritage Rocket Shed , built in 1869 to store warning and rescue rockets / mortars is a key element in the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Precinct which has been accepted for assessment for National Heritage Listing. Funds have been obtained to develop the site for heritage and community purposes and Tract Consultants, in liaison with a community based Reference Group, have planned a wheel-chair accessible boardwalk from the end of a new walking trail to the Shed and a viewing platform. No funds are available to restore the Shed which now requires maintenance to the brickwork,joinery and roof.

The life saving role of the Shed from 1869 to 1911 is important to the maritime history of the settlement of Melbourne. The original rockets and "breeches buoy" used in rescues from wrecks are conserved at the Maritime Museum.The Rocket Shed is the only one in Victoria near a lighthouse and each year on International Lighthouse Weekend, Geelong Amateur Radio Club (GARC) establishes a temporary radio station to link with some 400 stations around the world. The Museum and GARC propose to create an manned interactive educational operating display of the original lifesaving and radio equipment.