Community Update 5
Flinders Pier news

May 2022

Parks Victoria recognises the significant value of Flinders Pier to the community. Earlier this month the Victorian Government made an announcement regarding Flinders Pier in the May 2022 State Budget. For more information, please visit https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/freight-ports-and-piers-support-local-jobs 

Flinders Pier structural assessment update and outcome

Flinders Pier recently underwent an above and below water engineering assessment as part of our routine management program across Port Phillip and Western Port.

The assessment identified several degraded beams within the current publicly accessible 1970s timber section of the pier.

We’ve also found that the closed section of pier has further deteriorated and slumped in a number of areas with a significant risk of structural failure. Deterioration has occurred in the adjoining timber section of the pier and both sections are now considered unsafe for pedestrian and vehicle access.

As a result, to ensure public safety, we’re extended the existing closed timber area by a further 60 metres seaward, towards the pier head. This closure extension will take place in the week starting 23 May 2022.

We recognise the value of this pier to the community and are working to minimise the impact to visitors and the community. Public access to the pier (built in 2011), the pier’s outer landing and pier head won’t be impacted by this closure.

This means visitors will be able to continue to enjoy the pier for activities including walking, jogging, fishing, snorkelling and sightseeing. We’re working to offer alternative arrangements to a small number of berth and mooring holders who use this section of pier.

Image - Closed sections of Flinders Pier timber section

Heritage Council recommendation update

We are awaiting the outcome of the Heritage Victoria process. Public submissions regarding the recommendation to include the Flinders Telegraph Cable Complex and Pier in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) closed on 17 May 2022.

If the Heritage Council of Victoria accepts the recommendation to include the Flinders Telegraph Cable Complex and Pier on the Victorian Heritage Register, the first step will be to develop a heritage management plan for the precinct with Mornington Peninsula Shire and community stakeholders.

The Victorian Government, under the 2022-23 State Budget, has committed funding to the pier to plan to undertake safety works.

The scope of works for the pier will be determined following completion of the heritage assessment process, and further planning and assessments.

For the latest information on Flinders Pier, visit the project page or email your enquiry to engage@parks.vic.gov.au.