A REVAMP of the century-old Flinders Pier is set to get under way next year after Parks Victoria announced it was progressing its efforts to obtain a heritage permit to undertake repairs.
Critical safety works are needed to restore the 1860s-built wooden pier on The Esplanade, as one section of the jetty remained closed to the public since April 2020 because of a “significant risk of structural failure”. The jetty is a popular place for walking, diving, snorkelling, angling and boating, and is part of the Western Port aquaculture industry. The seabed beneath the pier is also home to the weedy sea dragons as well as a diversity of species including the bluethroat wrasse, smooth stingrays and magpie perch.
According to Parks Victoria, the old section of jetty, which was rebuilt in the 1970s, had reached the end of its life and was failing because of “sustained exposure to harsh marine conditions”. “As the condition of the decking and piles continues to deteriorate due to age and weather exposure, it will become an ongoing risk to public safety and a financial burden,” it said. “Removal of this section would allow resources to be focused on continual improvement of the concrete deck, berthing facilities and outer timber section extending from the northern landing to the jetty head, rather than maintaining a defunct and unsafe asset.”
While the full 327-metre length of Flinders Pier remained open to the public, the unsafe 180-metre timber approach section remained closed “until a course of action has been determined”. In October, Parks Victoria said in a statement that “work is progressing on Parks Victoria’s application for a heritage permit to deliver repairs to Flinders Pier”. But a heritage impact assessment including an analysis of information about the marine archaeology and ecology beneath the pier was needed before any restorative work could begin.
Once an assessment was finalised, Parks Victoria confirmed it would apply for a heritage permit to undertake safety works. “While the application process may take up to 12 weeks we are working towards post summer 2024 to begin works,” it said in a statement in October. “At this stage works do not include the outer section of the pier.”
The state government had initially planned to demolish the pier in 2020, prompting a community outcry and petition to save the landmark, which ultimately led to the jetty being listed on the Victorian Heritage Register for its cultural heritage significance. The cost to demolish and reconstruct the 180-metre timber jetty is estimated between $3 million to $5.5 million with the state government having committed in its 2022/23 budget to providing $1.53 million towards immediate works. Parks Victoria has been contacted for comment about the current cost of the project.
Meanwhile, a trailer, which was used as part of the Flinders Community Association’s “Save Flinders Pier” campaign (Moving Plea for Pier, The News 18/02/22) has found a new life after it was recently donated to the family services charity, Saltbush Balnarring Beach.
The trailer’s owner and Save Flinders Pier Campaign chairperson Charles Reis said given the pier was one step closer to being repaired, now was the time for the trailer to be put to a more practical use. “Saltbush Balnarring Beach does an incredible job providing short-term respite accommodation to people from disadvantaged backgrounds including those with disabilities, physical or mental illness, asylum seekers, refugees and families recovering from domestic violence,” he said.
Saltbush CEO Maree Feutrill said they were grateful to receive the trailer, which “comes at a very handy time as we prepare the grounds and make them safe for the upcoming summer season”. “Saltbush operates six homes and sits on a substantial parcel of bushland which is maintained year-round by a wonderful team of volunteers and school groups,” she said. Saltbush is holding an open day on 19 October to promote its work to the community.
Mr Reis convened a community meeting at the Flinders Civic Hall on 5 October to present an update on the pier. “The treads and piles will be replaced with like for like; and the project is expected to take about six months,” he said, adding that it was his belief that works would not get under way until May or June next year, taking into consideration the tender process and any unforeseen delays.
First published in the Mornington News – 15 October 2024
