Bass Coast Shire councillor Rochelle Halstead fights to save the Newhaven Jetty that closed off to the public due to safety hazards

A Bass Coast Shire councillor is fighting to reopen a popular Phillip Island jetty that’s been a “sad loss” for the community, after it closed “indefinitely” due to posing a safety hazard.

The Newhaven Jetty, best known for fishing off the pier, was suddenly closed off to the public “indefinitely” due to structural failures that pose a safety hazard to visitors. Picture: Jack Colantuono

A Bass Coast Shire councillor is fighting to save a popular Phillip Island jetty from deteriorating, after it was forcefully closed “indefinitely” due to structural failures that pose a safety hazard to the community.

At the council meeting in May, councillor Rochelle Halstead called on the Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos to restore the “locally valued” Newhaven Jetty that suddenly shut.

“I’ve had a lot of contact from community about the closure — it is a piece of infrastructure that’s been enjoyed for a long time by the local community — particularly families that want to take their young children fishing,” Ms Halstead said.

She said although people were advised they could fish at the San Remo Jetty instead, she described it as a “commercial operation” and was concerned for childrens’ safety.

“It concerns me for the tourist side of it that it (the Newhaven Jetty) provides quite an iconic view of the San Remo Bridge — it’s just a great little spot and I think it’s a real shame that it’s been allowed to deteriorate to the point where it’s been closed ‘indefinitely’,” she said.

A "DO NOT ENTER" sign was put up at the Newhaven Jetty, advising the public it was closed. Picture: Jack Colantuono

“At the moment we’re hearing there’s no plans to either refurbish it, replace it and I think that’s a really sad loss for our community and beyond.”

Ms Halstead said she hoped that councillors would support a letter from mayor Clare Le Serve going to Mr Dimopoulos in order to request the jetty to be “retained”.

The motion was carried, with all councillors voting in favour.

At the end of April, Parks Victoria released a statement announcing the jetty was closed for public safety.

“Engineering assessments have revealed structural failures meaning it poses a significant hazard to visitors,” the statement said.

“Parks Victoria apologises for any inconvenience caused by the closure of the jetty.”

District manager Port Phillip and Western Port Graeme Davis said engineering inspections at the jetty determined the area is no longer safe for people to access.

“We understand that Newhaven Jetty plays an important role in the local community for fishing, walking and recreation,” Mr Davis said.

San Remo’s Jim’s Bait and Tackle local fishing industry leader Craig Edmonds said he regularly sends customers to the Newhaven Jetty to go fishing. Picture: Jack Colantuono

Speaking to the Herald Sun, San Remo’s Jim’s Bait and Tackle local fishing industry leader Craig Edmonds said the jetty had been closed for about a week.

“We knew nothing about it — we send an awful lot of customers over there — it’s popular for fishing,” Mr Edmonds said.

He said the jetty wasn’t used much for boating anymore and there was little information on the closure.

“The word ‘indefinitely’ is in their (Parks Victoria’s) little statement,” Mr Edmonds said.

He added that when you hear the word “indefinitely” from the government, it could potentially mean a closure of up to six months or even years.

“They said they’re doing some structural testing and everything else,” Mr Edmonds said.

“Who knows? Everybody’s a bit in the dark because nobody really knew what was going on.”

It’s understood the fate of the jetty depends on the results from the structural testing.

“So much unknown, just at the moment,” Mr Edmonds said.

He said he had people come in on the weekend asking where else they could go fishing.

“We’re probably one of the ones that send most people there (to the Newhaven Jetty) or get asked about it the most,” he said.

In December 2021, works on the jetty were expected to begin as part of renewal plan upgrades, with the jetty had been damaged due to age and wear and tear from waves.