FOLLOWING the announcement that the full length of Flinders Pier is unable to be rebuilt, community members have been advocating for additional funds to be released to allow completion of the project.
A statement released by Parks Victoria on 22 April revealed the timber inner section of the pier was in far worse condition than previously revealed. This means the timber inner section will need to be replaced and it will not be possible to rebuild the full length of the pier.
In a statement provided to The News by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne’s office, a Victorian Government spokesperson confirmed there were limitations to inspecting the condition of the timber until the deck was removed but that the timber section will be replaced.
“Works are continuing on the timber inner section of Flinders Pier – work on the inner lower landings will be completed this month,” the spokesperson said.
“The timber crossheads, beams and piles on the pier are more deteriorated than previously anticipated, which is why we will rebuild the timber inner section completely, rather than just repair it.”
Timber piles have been removed, and a balustrade will be installed along the edge of the concrete pier to ensure community safety.
The repaired section is expected to be opened to the community once works are completed but at this stage the full length of the pier will not be rebuilt.
For locals, this announcement is devastating. Mary Iles, who has lived in Flinders for 40 years, said the pier is a key element to residents’ daily lives.
“The pier is an integral part of the Flinders community and tourism,” said Iles.
“I go down to the pier nearly every day, and to see it destroyed and not put back together again, is just heartbreaking.”
She said she watched construction crews working daily and it seemed the pier was progressing well.
“We were all excited about the work going on and then the plug was pulled,” said Iles.
Chair of Save Flinders Pier, Charles Reis, wrote to Horne when he first heard the news to request the release of additional funds (Flinders Pier works halted as funding runs dry, The News 21/04/26).
As of last week, he had not received a response.
“My letter to her was really requesting her to provide some funding under a previous budget initiative and also in accordance with her own media release that she did in November, which talked about providing funding for the additional funding for the pier,” said Reis.
In her statement on 24 November 2025, Horne said “Once complete, access will be restored to the inner section of the pier, to preserve this piece of infrastructure that is important to Victorians in the Mornington Peninsula.”
Reis also said he is frustrated and disappointed by the lack of clear funding commitments in the recent state budget.
“There were two items in the budget, but they didn’t necessarily relate to the Flinders pier,” said Reis.
The Victorian Budget 2026/2027 includes $5.5m towards ports critical maintenance, however, that amount is spread across the state. There is also $10.05m remaining for more piers and jetties opportunities, but it is unclear what these funds will go towards.
Reis also reached out to Heritage Victoria, who confirmed the existing permit for the works remains active.
Reis said the permit requires the restoration works to be completed in full, however, Parks Victoria’s public statement indicates they will no longer be fully reconstructing the pier.
“I feel very strongly that Parks Victoria is not acting in good faith,” said Reis.
“My feeling is that Victorians have been let down, and we hold Parks Victoria to a very high standard of ethical behaviour and conduct when it comes to the commencement and completion of these important projects for Victoria.”
He said the prolonged closure of the timber section, which has lasted around seven years, has not only affected local residents but also tourism and small business owners.
“The pier has been such an important tourist drawcard,” said Reis.
“We’ve been unable to enjoy that amenity, and it’s not just us, it’s everyone who travels down from Melbourne on the weekends to cast a fishing line or to go diving or whatever else.”
First published in the Mornington News – 12 May 2026
