CONCERNS have been raised by Dromana residents who are questioning whether public feedback is reflected in the final design of Dromana Pier.
The concerns centre around the width of the pier and the design for the end of the pier. In 2021, Parks Victoria developed three early designs and sought community feedback before finalising the project.
Peter Low, who has lived in Dromana for seven years, said community members were originally showed concept designs featuring a wider structure.
“In the original concept drawings, it was shown as four metres,” said Low.
He said his concerns grew after witnessing the first stages of the build and speaking with workers onsite.
“One of the workers said he wished it was wider because they’ve only got about 120 millimetres, or something like that, either side of the crane when they’re laying the decking,” said Low.
He said his concern is that the narrower design could affect accessibility and emergency vehicle access.
“It was announced that it was going to be wide enough for pedestrian traffic on either side and that emergency and maintenance vehicles could still get up through the middle, if need be,” said Low.
“And also, that there was going to be handrails both sides and more additional seating along the full length of the pier. Well, if it’s three metres and they do put the seating in, there’s no way they can fit a bloody ambulance or nothing up there.”
He said he contacted Parks Victoria in April for clarification but is yet to receive a response.
“The frustrating bit is that [Parks Victoria] wanted the community consultation,” said Low.
“And then people commented about it and then [they] totally just ignored it.”
In a statement, a Parks Victoria spokesperson said the final design has not changed since it’s release.
“The final design for the new Dromana Pier was released in 2024 and there have been no changes,” the spokesperson said.
“Construction is moving ahead well, and we expect the new pier to open in the coming months.”
The spokesperson said the design incorporates feedback from extensive community consultation in 2021.
“It’s going to be a fantastic asset for Dromana,” the spokesperson said.
According to Parks Victoria, the start of the pier is 3.6m wide, before a 3m wide section and then widening out to 4.5m at the ramp to the low landing.
They said the design maximises seating space while still allowing Life Saving Club vehicles to access the pier.
Parks Victoria confirmed the lower-level landing will remain in place to support boating and short-term berthing, with the pier to continue welcoming boats and fishing as it has for more than 160 years.
Dromana Association member and former councillor, Simon Brooks, said residents have been lobbying for the structure to be rebuilt for years.
“It was a significant campaign during roughly 2012, up until COVID, to at least get a commitment out of the state government that they would replace the pier,” Brooks said.
“It had reached the end of its design life and the community was concerned that, like a lot of assets that are seen as a cost rather than an asset, that it would get pulled down.”
Brooks said when community consultation took place, he believes the majority were in favour of the design that included a round-headed end to the pier. The final design of the pier includes an L-shape at the end, rather than the previously stated round-head.
“I suspect once they got into the detailed design, they decided to switch the process in terms of reducing costs,” said Brooks.
Despite concerns regarding design, Brooks said he is glad the rebuild is taking place at all.
“We’re pleased that the pier is being replaced,” he said.
“The other option was that it could have been demolished.”
Brooks said many residents were advocating for the pier to extend into deep water to support larger vessels and create more tourism opportunities.
“We saw it as potentially an opportunity to add value, and perhaps even put some enterprises or something on the pier that would provide a level of revenue coming in to help maintain it,” he said.
“So, you’re not just building something to replace something that we have now, you’re building something that has capacity into the future.”
He said for now, residents are embracing what they are calling “Stage One” of the redevelopment, in hopes there is potential for more upgrades and extensions of the pier.
Brooks said the transparency and meaningful consultation are critical to maintaining public trust in government agencies.
“When processes are not undertaken properly or undertaken as a tick the box with predetermined outcomes in mind, that’s when people lose trust,” said Brooks.
First published in the Mornington News – 12 May 2026
