Joint Statement - Neglected Flinders Pier to undergo major restoration

Joint Statement – Neglected Flinders Pier to undergo major restoration

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change

Sam Groth, Liberal Candidate for Nepean

7 September 2022.

Flinders Pier, which has been left to rot due to years of neglect, will be brought back to life under the Liberals and Nationals’ plan to restore piers and jetties across Victoria.

Originally constructed in 1866, Flinders Pier hasn’t received any reconstructive work for more than half a century, leaving it in an unsafe state of disrepair.

That’s why a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will deliver $3.5 million to upgrade the Flinders Pier, with designing and planning works to be conducted in partnership with the local community and pier users.

Such is the condition of the pier, that it even caught the attention of Sir David Attenborough, who in 2021 penned a handwritten letter of support to the local community action group as the water beneath the timber is also home to the unique weedy sea dragon which feeds off the coral below.

The community has led the charge to save the iconic wooden structure, with a local petition calling for action receiving more than 40,000 signatures.

The pier is used by fishers, divers, onlookers and sailors, and enjoyed by children swimming in summer months. An application to have the structure heritage listed is under active consideration.

As many as 19 piers and jetties across Port Phillip and Western Port are now fully or partially closed to the public due to safety concerns, and urgent investment is needed before these much-loved assets are gone forever.

Shadow Minister for the Environment, James Newbury, said piers and jetties play a critical role right along Victoria’s shoreline.

“Too many piers and jetties have been fully or partially shut off to the public because the Andrews Labor Government has refused to invest in them. They are now falling into disrepair,” Mr Newbury said.

“It’s clear these much-loved community assets deserve support, and for precious species to be protected. That is exactly what we will deliver.”

Liberal Candidate for Nepean, Sam Groth, said it was so important that these structures are safe and open for everyone to enjoy.

“Piers and jetties play such an important role to communities right along the Peninsula and beyond,” Mr Groth said.

“The Flinders Pier is an important symbol of our maritime history and is much loved and used by locals and visitors alike.

“Working together, I’m pleased to help deliver $3.5 million to save the pier and renew this community asset for generations to come.”

Sam Groth, Liberal Candidate for Nepean

James Newbury, Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change