State Government gives timeline on pier plan

THE Victorian Government will release its draft plan for a new pier in St Leonards this summer.

A $46 million allocation of funds from the state government’s last budget is ready to be put towards critical works at several piers across the state, including St Leonards Pier.

Preliminary work by the State Government will involve developing a precinct plan to consider the community’s needs, the local environment, and site conditions.

The work done as will help inform a draft plan which will be released for wider community consultation by the end of this summer.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant says the pier located on the Bellarine town’s coastline is a key part of the community’s fabric, as well as the region’s.

“St Leonards Pier is a jewel of the Bellarine Peninsula,” Ms Marchant said.

“This investment ensure it remains open for the community and the thousands of anglers and tourists who visit the town each year.

“The pier is an iconic and much-loved part of the St Leonards community.

“I am proud to see investment come to the town, with locals having input into the new pier.”

St Leonards Pier is currently only open with safety restrictions in place and is now approaching the end of its design life.

Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne says Victoria’s landmark piers and jetties are important focal points for local families, communities, businesses, boaters, and anglers.

“We’re getting on with planning a new pier for St Leonards,” she said.

“It will be better than ever thanks to our ongoing investment in piers and jetties and will be a boon for Bellarine Peninsula residents and visitors.

“Across the state we are continuing the revitalisation of our piers and jetties which will ensure they can be enjoyed by communities, boaters, anglers and tourists for years to come.”

Parks Victoria currently recommends divers, snorkelers, and swimmers to not swim beneath the pier and its piles due to deterioration of concrete on the underside of its deck.