Community Update 4
Flinders Pier - structural condition inspection

October 2021

As part of Parks Victoria’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and efficient local port facilities, we undertake regular inspections of all our piers and jetties.   

Shortly, Flinders Pier will undergo a routine engineering inspection to ensure it remains safe for everyone to enjoy over the approaching summer season.  

The inspection, which includes both the above and below water components of the entire pier, will assess the structural condition identifying any potential structural risks.    

An experienced contractor has been commissioned to undertake the inspection and will follow an agreed environmentally sensitive approach.    

To undertake the underwater inspection, each of the piles (144 timber / 60 steel approximately) is partially cleaned to allow any defects or issues that may affect safety to be observed.  This involves removing marine life attached to the piles such as algae, sponges, or sea squirts, from a narrow strip (200mm in width) along the length of the pile from high water to seabed level to reveal a section for inspection.  No pressure cleaning of piles will be undertaken underwater, and above the water all inspections will be visual assessments only.   

Any of the attached marine life living on the piles removed through the course of cleaning is expected to regrow as has been seen at other piers where similar inspections have occurred, and no long term changes are expected. No impacts of the inspection on larger mobile creatures such as fish (including the Weedy Seadragon), rays or crabs are expected as these creatures can move away while the inspection is being carried out.     

The inspection is planned to take about five days depending upon weather conditions.  Visitors and commercial operators can continue to use the pier, excluding the current closed section.    

Once complete, we will assess the findings and determine if any measures are required to ensure public safety at the pier.  If necessary, additional restrictions to access may be implemented.  Any changes to access will be communicated in due course.  

Parks Victoria is committed to ensuring public safety and will continue to monitor the condition of the pier ahead of a decision on the future of the inner timber section of pier.  

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