Angry residents, traders call for answers and action on damaged Portsea Pier
The future of a 144-year-old Mornington Peninsula pier is clouded and rumours are swirling part of the historic structure will be removed.
South East
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Fears an iconic pier will be “cut in half” are growing on the Mornington Peninsula.
Portsea Pier has been partially closed since a freak storm stripped planks from the head section and left piles unstable.
Parks Victoria fenced off the top of the L-shaped structure following the September 2 storm but no further action has been taken.
Local Rod North said rumours the damaged section would be permanently removed were “growing stronger by the day”.
“It’s been months and we’ve heard nothing about any kind of plan to fix and reopen the pier,” Mr North said.
“We’re only a few weeks away from the peak summer/holiday period when hundreds of thousands of people will come to the peninsula, including Portsea.
“What a total mess Parks Victoria have left us in with what appears to be total inaction.
“We want answers and action!”.
Trader Loic Duchet, who owns Le Capucin Cafe in the town, said the pier was “really all Portsea has left”.
“It brings the divers, the fishermen, the school groups and tourists,” he said.
“Without it, what do we have?”
He also questioned the viability of the classic Portsea to Perignon swim in January which traditionally began from the pier.
“The closed section of the pier has steps that swimmer use to enter the water safely, it can be too rough to do it elsewhere.”
Both men feared complacency would lead to part of the pier being lost forever.
“We need to be French about this and revolt!” Mr Duchet said.
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Parks Victoria provided did not comment on the possibility of part of the pier being removed.
IN a written statement the authority said options to reopen the damaged section of the pier were still being assessed.
When the Herald Sun visited the pier on Monday afternoon fencing blocking the end section of the structure had been cut.
Several anglers had navigated the missing planks and were fishing, including one who caught a large squid.
“The anglers want to be able to access the deeper water,” Mr North said.
A group of children on a snorkelling tour could be heard swimming beneath the closed section.
The front section of the pier was closed in October 2022 for routine maintenance including replacing broken decking and pile replacement.
The works were completed and the pier reopened in January 2023.