Inner Harbour jetty project at Patterson Lakes has begun after lobbying from the public

WORK has at last begun on the crumbling public jetty at Patterson Lakes and locals hope the area could soon be a tourist hotspot.

Local residents Cameron Howe, Oliver Agius, Jeannette Shone and Maurie Thomas at the temporary new public jetty in Patterson Lakes. PICTURE: PENNY STEPHENS

WORK has at last begun on the crumbling public jetty at Patterson Lakes.

The Inner Harbour jetty concept came about after lobbying from local businesses and community groups, who believe a public marina would help attract boat users and reinvigorate the suburb.

The planned revamp had been help up for a while as State Government and Kingston council were at odds over who should cough up the cash for the project

Boat owners will soon be able to moor at the short-term public jetty and enjoy shopping and dining in the area once described as “an eyesore”.

When completed, the jetty will include public boating berths with short-term four-hour boat parking, a dedicated berth for shared use by Victoria Police and Volunteer Coast Guard and a ramp, extra gangway and mooring poles.

Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said it was hoped the jetty would be opened to the public in the next month.

Cr Staikos said the jetty would boost the local economy and help promote Patterson Lakes as a visitor destination.

“I want to thank and congratulate the local residents and businesses who have initiated the campaign for this fantastic new community facility for all to enjoy,” Cr Staikos said.

Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum founder Cameron Howe said the community had run a social media campaign calling for the upgrades.

“Residents have been calling for these upgrades for years to meet demand for recreational users and to transform this eyesore into a space that can be enjoyed by the broader community,” Mr Howe said.

“This investment will improve upon Patterson Lakes credentials as a boating destination by delivering improved public mooring facilities at our town centre.”

Patterson Lakes woman Jeanette Shone, who was a part of the campaign, said she was “thrilled” to see the project become a reality.

The project was funded with $499,000 from the State Government and $35,000 from Melbourne Water, with Kingston Council contributing to the design and construction of the project.

The council will oversee ongoing maintenance at the site.

The jetty is on waterways managed by the State Government and connects to the

privately-owned Harbour Plaza Shopping Centre.