UPDATE, TUESDAY 3.30pm: Detective Sergeant Jason von Tunk, of the Portland police crime investigation unit, said Zachary Thomson, 26, appeared in the Portland court and was remanded in custody until September 21.
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UPDATE, TUESDAY 10.35am: A Melton man on an ice-fueled rampage is expected to be charged with dozens of offences after being remanded in custody.
Detective Sergeant Jason von Tunk, of the Portland police crime investigation unit, said Zachary Thomson, 26, would appear in Portland Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
He said Mr Thomson would be charged with dozens of offences, but he ruled out allegations that he was a terrorist.
"This was not a terrorist attack," Detective Sergeant von Tunk said.
"There are investigations into criminal damage to gates at the Spotswood entrance to the Port of Melbourne.
“The allegations is that Mr Thomson rammed gates into a restricted area on Sunday. He was intercepted by police but was released due to a lack of evidence. He has now made admission to that offending."
The detective told a bail justice at a remand hearing that Mr Thomson drove to Portland, where he has relatives, after the Spotswood incident.
He said Mr Thomson had been taking ice and went to the Cape Nelson Lighthouse complex where he caused damage worth tens of thousands of dollars to the lighthouse, cafe, cottages and the weather centre.
Mr Thomson was then alleged to have gone on a burglary spree Monday afternoon before being arrested.
Detective Sergeant von Tunk said there was major damage caused to the Cape Nelson meteorology centre where Portland's weather was recorded.
Dirt was put in a rain gauge, wires damaged, power cut to the lighthouse and a back-up generator smashed.
"Windows were smashed everywhere, the cafe broken into, items stolen and a fire lit. Water pipes were severed to the guest houses and water tanks drained," he said.
"Mr Thomson evaded police during the day and is alleged to have committed a further four burglaries at semi-rural properties west of Portland on Monday afternoon."
The detective said Mr Thomson opened all the farm gates at one property, mixing cows and destroying a water trough, and when confronted by a farmer he drove into the man's vehicle before fleeing.
"We were getting reports thick and fast. He's driven to another property where he has stolen a red Kia station wagon and a phone.
“He’s committed another burglary at a neighboring property where he smashed a window, ransacked the house and took food," Detective Sergeant von Tunk said.
"He then smashed a window at another property where he stole a phone and computer.
“The owners arrived home, there was a confrontation, Mr Thomson assault one man, got in the Kia and drove at the victim who had to take evasive action."
Detective Sergeant von Tunk said Mr Thomson then attended at another property where he tried to steal a dog before being arrested.
He said police alleged Mr Thomson had been using crystal methylamphetamine.
The detective said Mr Thomson had relatives in Portland but he did not visit them during the week. He last visited the town about six months ago.
EARLIER: An axe wielding burglar caused a fire at the Cape Nelson Lighthouse facilities early Monday morning.
Portland police reported the alarm was raised at 4.25am after an offender smashed his way into the lighthouse cafe through the front glass door.
The offender caused damage to doors and water pipes.
The lighthouse facilities include three cottages, the cafe and several sheds.
Damage was also caused to an electrical box, the power was cut off and a fire was started.
Police put out the fire and inquiries into the offending are ongoing this morning.
Anyone with information is requested to contact the Portland police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
