Rye Pier
Reconstruction

Community Update

April 2023 - Issue 5

A second round of upgrades for Rye Pier starts after Easter!

It’s official, Rye Pier on Bunurong Sea Country has been the place to be this summer! It’s been fabulous to watch the community and visitors head out in droves to experience the beautiful waters of the bay via a stroll on the upgraded pier, which provides a host of wonderful viewing opportunities.

Known for abundant and diverse marine life, the pier is a wonderful a place to spot stingrays and glimpses of small, silvery fish glinting in the shallow waters. The low landing often hosts visiting seals who enjoy perching there to sunbathe during the warmer months.

For those who have walked out to the pier head, you will have observed the contrast between the old outer pier and the newly built reconstructed section. To complete the reconstruction of Rye Pier, we have a final stage of work ready to begin. After Easter, contractors will get underway to rebuild the outer section and pier head, meaning the entire pier will be renewed and upgraded. The work is planned to be complete in time for another wonderful summer!

Final upgrades underway soon

Between 11 April and late 2023, contractors GTK Constructions will be busy reconstructing the remaining old section of Rye Pier. This section will be completely rebuilt, with all the benefits delivered in stage one, including a wider timber deck, solar lighting and safety handrails. The pier’s existing single low landing will be extended right along the northern side of the pier head providing extra berthing space for visiting vessels. The pier head will be stronger too with a new elevation to strengthen it against climate change and, buffer piles and new fenders.

Visiting the pier while works are underway

In the heart of Rye Village, the pier is a favourite spot to take the family for a walk with a gelato or coffee from your favourite local café. The good news is on weekends the first 300 metres of the pier will be opened to provide ongoing access for people who wish to visit. On weekdays, the entire pier will be closed to keep staff and the public safe while works are underway

In the image above, Zone 1 shows the area which will be closed for the duration of the project, to protect boaters, divers and swimmers while construction barges are present, the zone extends 30 metres from each side of the pier.

Once safe to do so and the old outer pier is removed, Zone 2 is planned to be opened from August to allow access to the low landing for divers and berthing vessels. The best place to check on project progress is via dedicated project page.

If you are looking for other spots to dive and snorkel over the coming months you could try Portsea or Flinders Piers, while alternate boat berthing is available at the Rye boat ramp and at Rosebud Pier.

Telling a special story

Rye Pier is a focal point which provides a positive opportunity for greater connection with the natural world by enabling people to connect with the waters of Port Philip.

As part of the reconstruction, we’re planning a special signage trail to share what is going on in the mysterious underwater world beneath and learn a bit more about why this habitat should be protected.