Works complete at Barwon Heads jetties

WORKS to improve safety at two popular Barwon Heads jetties are complete ahead of the peak summer holiday season for the benefit of locals, tourists, boaters and anglers.

The $140,000 maintenance project was funded by the Victorian government’s Local Ports Program and delivered by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management.

Main Jetty has been a focal point in the town for more than 60 years – new timber deck, fixings, and handrails will ensure it remains a popular spot for pedestrians and recreational anglers.

Nearby Ozone Jetty, constructed in 1978, has undergone repairs to the timber deck, support beams and handrails to ensure it is ready for the thousands of visitors expected throughout summer.

The Barwon Coast Committee of Management manages the jetties and other infrastructure, and 19 kilometres of the Bellarine Peninsula’s coastal Crown land reserves.

Victoria’s piers and jetties span Port Phillip and Western Port, and are important focal points for communities, businesses, boaters and anglers.

Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant recently inspected the completed works.

“These maintenance works will ensure Main and Ozone Jetties will remain focal-points where families and friends gather to enjoy the best of the Bellarine Peninsula for decades to come,” Ms Marchant said.

The Victorian Government announced $46 million in the Victorian Budget 2023-24 for critical works at other piers and jetties across the state including St Leonards Pier, Williamstown’s Workshops Pier and Dromana Pier.

It follows previous investment for rebuilding and critical works to piers and jetties at Altona, Flinders, Hampton, Mornington, Lakes Entrance, McLoughlins Beach, Raymond Island, Rye, St Kilda and Williamstown.

“We’re repairing and improving our piers and jetties so locals and visitors can make the most of these landmarks which we know are critical for recreation and tourism in our coastal communities,” Ms Horne said.