Vic Coalition provides $1.2m to fund St Kilda Pier works
Minister for Ports Denis Napthine visited St Kilda Pier today to announce $1.2 million in funding for works to St Kilda Pier precinct in a project that will improve public access and future-proof breakwater infrastructure to allow for further development in the future.
Dr Napthine said the project consisted of two components with the Victorian Coalition Government firstly funding the redevelopment of a public access jetty located near the St Kilda Pier kiosk and extending into the bay.
"St Kilda Pier is a historic and popular landmark attracting more than 2 million visitors per year," Dr Napthine said.
"As part of this project, the Coalition Government is providing $1 million to reconstruct a public access jetty that extends from the Pier. This jetty has fallen into a severe state of disrepair and is in desperate need of an overhaul.
"This funding will ensure public access to the jetty is maintained and will provide potential future public berthing options for recreational boaters.
"The St Kilda Pier precinct is a drawcard for locals and tourists alike and I am sure that restoring these public access areas will have wide ranging benefits for the community.
Dr Napthine said the timing of the works would also take the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron's (RMYS) breakwater and marina extension project into account with an additional $200,000 allocated to future proof the RMYS breakwater works.
"The Coalition Government supports the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron's breakwater and marina extension project, and recognises its importance for all users of the pier," Dr Napthine said
"This $200,000 investment will see vertical steel sleeves installed at the southern end of the RMYS's 100 metre breakwater extension to provide an important foundation for future redevelopment of the pier.
"By conducting this work and the public access jetty redevelopment now, in conjunction with the RMYS development, the Coalition Government is saving costs as minimal alterations will be required with any future redevelopment of the broader Pier precinct," Dr Napthine said.
RMYS Commodore Linda Goldsmith said she was pleased the Coalition Government is supporting the project.
"We are very pleased that the Coalition Government is providing this funding now as it ensures the marina will be able to remain open when further developments occur. It also means there will be minimal additional work required on the southern breakwater," Ms Goldsmith said.
"St Kilda Pier is a historic and popular landmark attracting over 2 million visitors annually. The RMYS development will provide protection from rough weather conditions, improve access and increase capacity for boating enthusiasts.
