Calls to fix St Leonards Pier

COMMUNITY concern is growing about the St Leonards Pier, with residents and fishers keen to see the deteriorating jetty preserved and repaired.

In an advisory notice posted on their website, Parks Victoria – which manages the area – has recommended divers, snorkelers and swimmers do not dive beneath the reinforced concrete pier and its piles because of “observed deterioration of concrete” on the underside of the deck.

“This deterioration can result in possible concrete spalling into the water.”

Signs have been set up at the pier, to the east of the intersection of The Esplanade and Bluff Road, to warn the public of the hazard.

According to Parks Victoria’s Annual Report and Safety and Environment Management Plan (SEMP) 2020-21, the St Leonards Pier was listed in a “failed” condition as of July 2021.

Better Boating Victoria has just closed public consultations that asked boaters for their input into the design process for upgrading the nearby four-lane boat ramp in St Leonards, and some fishers and locals have written to this newspaper and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville to stress the importance of the pier and the need for the pier to be upgraded too.

In an email to a constituent, a staffer for Ms Neville said Parks Victoria anticipated it would be able to repair the pier in the short term.

“Works would include decking and capping replacement, pile concrete patch repair, crossheads concrete patch repair, the removal of fenders and walers, and pile concrete patch repair. There is an opportunity to increase economic and social value of the jetty by redeveloping as a recreational harbour, but this would solely be dependant on funding,” the staffer said.

“I know this is an important community asset and will ensure the repair works are conducted,” Ms Neville said earlier this month.

“The jetty is an iconic part of the St Leonards foreshore.

“I will do my utmost to seek future funding for restoration works.”

Parks Victoria says it will continue to monitor the condition of the pier and advise stakeholders of any further change in condition.

The 2020-21 SEMP states a third (33 per cent) of Parks Victoria’s Port Phillip and Western Port assets are in “poor” or “failed” condition (such as the St Leonards Pier), and 10 piers and jetties were closed either entirely or in part as of June 30, 2021.