Middle Brighton Pier to be repaired, but future unclear for Hampton and Half Moon Bay piers
A “passionate campaign” has secured cash to repair Middle Brighton Pier. But what about closed jetties at Hampton and Half Moon Bay?
South East
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Locals are “quietly celebrating” a commitment to repair and reopen the much-loved Middle Brighton pier.
The structure, which was closed by Parks Victoria suddenly in late May, has been included in a State Government program to provide jobs in the wake of COVID-19 and boost fishing, aquaculture and tourism.
But there was no mention of cash for piers at Hampton and Halp Moon Bay, which were also closed due to safety concerns earlier this year.
General Manager of Brighton Yacht Club Hannah Catchpole said the announcement was encouraging.
“There are still a lot of details to be worked out but to have the promise in writing is good news,” Ms Catchpole said.
“We’re expecting to hear more from Parks Victoria next week about what work is required, possible start and finish dates and if the pier can be partially reopened in the meantime.”
The club has been forced to ferry members to their vessels while the pier was closed.
“Under social distancing rules we can only take one owner at a time which means some days the ferry is making up to 30 trips,” Ms Catchpole said.
“We’ve also had to set up QR codes so we can keep track of people using the service and their contact details.
“It has been a lot of work, but we’re making the best of things.”
Scant details about the Brighton works were included in the announcement and closed piers at Hampton and Half Moon Bay were left off the list altogether.
Boat owner John Barton, who has been lobbying for the Hampton pier to be repaired and reopened, said while there was no money “this time” the announcement offered hope.
“It is a positive step in that it means a precedent is being set,” Mr Barton said.
“Hopefully Parks Victoria is changing the way it regards piers.
“They need to be considered in a social context rather than regarding them as just another piece of infrastructure.”
Mr Barton started a community campaign to save the 150 year old pier after it was closed without warning by parks Victoria on June 9.
A petition started by another boat owner Graham White had collected 1630 signatures by Friday.
The petition was expected to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly by Sandringham state Liberal MP Brad Rowswell on August 4.
A Parks Victoria spokesman said Black Rock and Hampton jetties would remain closed until further notice for public safety, with further investigations underway to determine the full scope of repair works.
“Parks Victoria is working with local community members and stakeholders to minimise the impact of all pier and jetty closures,” he said.
Brighton state Liberal MP James Newbury said he had campaigned “like a rabid dog” for money to fix the Middle Brighton Pier after being inundated with calls from concerned community members.
“The pier is much loved,” he said.
“I literally received thousands of calls from people wanting to know what was being done to fix the problem and when the pier would reopen.
Mr Newbury said it was vital the work was completed in time for the Great Australia Day Swim on January 26, 2021.
“The pier must be open for that event,” Mr Newbury said.
“It would be a monumental loss for community groups and charities that rely on funds raised by the swim if it didn’t go ahead next year.”
A written statement from Bayside Council welcomed the funding announcement for Middle Brighton pier and said the council would continue to push for a “clear plan” for the repair and reopening of the other two structures at Sandringham Harbour (Hampton) and Half Moon Bay.
“These piers are important community assets which must be reopened as soon as possible,” it states.
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