- Published:
- Thursday 23 July 2015
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring that residents and visitors to Mornington will soon have even more reasons to visit the picturesque Mornington Pier with the $15.3 million reconstruction project nearing completion.
Minister for Ports Luke Donnellan visited Mornington Pier today with representatives from Parks Victoria to take a site tour of the nearly completed pier which will open to the public on 8 August at a community celebration.
The project included demolition of the outer section of the pier and more than 100 piles driven into the sea bed to support a new 75 metre reinforced concrete platform and timber deck.
Finishing touches include new timber decking, a lower landing, handrails, seating and lighting.
Wave screens were also installed along the entire 123 metre long pier as part of the project to provide increased protection for berthed and moored boats in Mornington Harbour.
The new screens and lower landings ensure local fishers and recreational boaters can safely access Port Phillip Bay from Mornington.
Infrastructure improvements will also enable the pier to accommodate passengers transferring from cruise ships by launch vessels, opening Mornington up to more visitors.
Additional works are planned to benefit visitors by improving access around the pier with an $800,000 initiative to upgrade visitor access to the pier and parking arrangements.
The access improvements include a $365,000 boost from the Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program with the remaining funding being provided by Mornington Peninsula Shire and Parks Victoria.
To celebrate the completion of the pier works, Parks Victoria is holding a community celebration on Saturday 8 August starting at 10am, including a sausage sizzle and other activities.
For more information about the community event or Mornington Pier call 13 1963 visit or www.parks.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ports Luke Donnellan
“With more than two million people visiting this iconic pier each year, this upgrade will ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors, as well as local boaters and fishers for years to come.”
“This project is good for locals, good for visitors, good for the tourism industry and it’s fantastic to mark its completion.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Daniel Mulino
“It’s fantastic to see the pier finally ready to open again and we’d like to see as many local residents, recreational fishers and boaters and tourists enjoying the pier again.”
“I’d encourage everyone to get down to Mornington Pier on the 8 August for the opening day celebrations.”