Flinders Pier will be repaired thanks to $1.5m from State Budget
One of Victoria’s best dive spots has been saved after a plan to demolish part of a popular pier was scrapped.
South East
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A historic Mornington Peninsula pier slated for partial demolition has been saved.
The State Government on Tuesday allocated $1.5m for “critical works” on Flinders Pier in the State Budget.
Nepean State Labor MP Chris Brayne said the money would be used to restore the 158 year old wooden pier.
Parks Victoria was planning to remove part of the pier after engineering inspections revealed extensive deterioration and a section of the structure was closed over fears it would collapse.
Save Flinders Pier campaign chairman Charles Reis said the change of heart was a win for people power after about 45,000 people including Sir David Attenborough, joined the fight to save the old jetty.
“This is a significant outcome for the Mornington Peninsula,” Mr Reis said.
“It is a win for our divers, visitors and commercial operators. And a victory for the people of Flinders, who came together and fought hard to protect an amenity that is popular with many Victorians”
Mr Reis said the pier was an important symbol of Victoria’s maritime history.
It is also home to the weedy sea dragon, which divers say are as important to Mornington Peninsula tourism as the quokka is to WA.
Mr Reis said the community was looking forward to working with Parks Victoria to restore the pier and re-open it to the public.
Flinders Pier was first built in 1864 and realigned about 50 years ago.
Heritage Victoria has recommended that the historic pier be added to the Victorian Heritage Register and a final decision was expected in June.