Community Update 6
Flinders Pier news

December 2022

Critical planning for repair works for Flinders Pier are underway following incorporation of the pier precinct  onto the Victorian Heritage Register.

$1.53 million funding was announced in the 2022-23 State Budget, however project planning was put on hold while an application to include the site on the Victorian Heritage Register was considered by the Victorian Heritage Council. This process recently concluded with a determination that Flinders Telegraph Cable Complex and Pier, located at The Esplanade, Flinders is of State-level cultural heritage significance and will be included on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR).

In accordance with the heritage registration outcome in October 2022, we’ve now commenced detailed planning and assessments to determine the best option for repair works and to ensure compliance with heritage conditions and relevant legislation.

As each pier is unique it needs a specific engineered design that considers heritage, environmental, community and operational factors.

The structural condition of Flinders Pier varies and a key priority for Parks Victoria is to retain public access to the entire length of the pier. The first stage of the project is to develop design options for repair and safety works based on the condition and criticality of the structural elements.  

Design options will ensure that works prioritise structural repairs as needed while identifying any areas which may be at risk of future closure.

Options planning has commenced with delivery as follows:

• Initial planning, design options and permit stages throughout first half of 2023
• Construction works to begin late 2023, dependent on statutory permit requirements.

Scope of works

We intend to deliver critical repair and safety works to ensure people can enjoy the entire pier, while also ensuring works comply with the recent heritage registration. We’ll provide the community with a detailed scope of the repair works after the design options report is completed.

Above - Aerial image of Flinders Pier

Project stages

Planning phase

• Planning and initial procurement of technical consultants – Summer 2022-23
• Commence a revision of the precinct Conservation Management Plan with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council – Early 2023
• Consultant’s options report delivered - Autumn 2023
• Marine biology evaluation (of options report) - Winter 2023
• Finalise project scope for repairs - Mid 2023

Delivery phase

• Contractor procurement – Spring 2023
• Construction commencement - Late 2023
• Repairs completed - Early 2024

Throughout the process we’ll keep you updated regularly as we progress through the stages towards completing this project.

Managing heritage values at Flinders Pier

Parks Victoria is responsible for the largest and most diverse collection of heritage places on public land in Victoria. Our heritage estate includes over 150 heritage places that are included on the Victorian Heritage Register, and many more that are of local significance to communities. To provide support and oversight in the conservation of the vast historic heritage estate, we have a specialist heritage team. This team of technical experts will work with our engineers and construction specialists on this project to determine appropriate design options for the works.

The Heritage Council determination means we’ll also collaborate with the Shire Council to ensure this important precinct is carefuly managed and its values protected, this includes revising the precinct’s current Conservation Management Plan 2013.

Protecting ecological values at Flinders Pier

We will continue to consider and protect the habitat of the incredible marine species which call this area of Western Port home. Home to Weedy Seadragons, the seabeds beneath Flinders Pier are alive with a diversity of species including Bluethroat Wrasse, Smooth Stingrays and Magpie Perch and many more.

As we’ve done in other locations, the proposed works methodology will be developed with involvement from our marine scientists and independently evaluated for their potential impacts on marine life and ecology.

Keep in touch

Visit our dedicated project page for the latest news or email us at engage@parks.vic.gov.au