Flinders Pier Project

Flinders Pier project summer update

Flinders Pier and its scenic coastal surroundings are known for their rich history, environmental significance, and cultural value. With the summer holidays approaching, we anticipate more people, locals and visitors, coming to enjoy the refreshing Western Port breezes.

As we wrap up 2023, we want to give you an update on our efforts to repair Flinders Pier.

This year we’ve worked with Save Flinders Pier to ensure the community has access to timely and relevant information. We thank the group for their effort, and we look forward to continuing to work together through the next stages of the project.

In 2023, we undertook a process to update the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the precinct to guide future management of the pier and safeguard its heritage values. Developed in partnership with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, this essential document reflects the current condition of the pier and acknowledges its addition to the Victorian Heritage Register in 2022.

The updated CMP is a guide for managing and maintaining the pier and the surrounding area, considering its heritage values. You can access and view the Flinders Foreshore Precinct Conservation Management Plan 2023.

Structural repairs are required, and these will be carefully specified to ensure heritage values are not detrimentally impacted. We are engaging a Heritage Consultant to undertake due diligence, contribute to design and specification work, protect heritage values, and prepare the necessary documentation for Heritage Act approval. This work is in progress.

We will assess the costs and marine ecology impacts associated with different repair options. These assessments will enable us to make a recommendation on the preferred repair works before commencing procurement.

Additionally, we are required to secure approval or exemption under the Heritage Act and other statutory approvals before proceeding with the delivery phase and repairs.

Summer safety

Safety is a key priority for Parks Victoria, and we are monitoring the condition of the closed timber section of Flinders Pier to identify any changes to the structure, such as further slumping.

This year, we've installed signs advising people not to venture under the closed section. This precaution aims to minimise potential risks, including the remote possibility of a collapse or of harm due to materials falling from the structure above.

Planning phase 

Subject to on-ground and industry conditions and heritage conditions, the timeline for the planning phase is estimated below:

• Planning and initial procurement of technical consultants – complete
• Update to the Conservation Management Plan with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council – complete
• Options Report (with proposed packages for repair works) - complete
• Heritage Impact Assessment (on Options Report) and Heritage Act permit application – First quarter of 2024
• Marine ecology evaluation on Options Report (and proposed repair works) – First quarter of 2024
• Costs evaluation on Options Report (and recommendation for repair works)
• Confirm Heritage Act approved project scope for repairs
• Obtain statutory approvals for proposed scope of repairs