THE Victorian government has confirmed the inner timber section of Flinders Pier won’t be rebuilt, sparking concern from locals who say the decision contradicts earlier commitments.
As part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23, $1.53m was allocated towards repairs on Flinders Pier and works began in December 2025.
In a statement to The News, a Victorian government spokesperson confirmed the allocated funding has been used towards repairs where possible. In April, it was announced works on the pier would be halted due to a lack of funding (Flinders Pier works halted as funding runs dry, The News 21/04/2026).
In May, Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne’s office confirmed the inner timber section was too damaged to repair but that it would be replaced (Flinders Pier future uncertain amid funding concerns, The News 11/05/2026).
On 22 June, Horne said in a letter to the Save Flinders Pier group it would not be possible to rebuild the inner section because of the scope of the restoration.
Alex Woods, a media manager from the Office of the Premier told The News more than $150m has been invested in piers and jetties across the state, and asked the following to be attributed to a Victorian government spokesperson: “The new Flinders pier was constructed adjacent to the Old Flinders Pier – which remains open to the community.”
Chair of Save Flinders Pier, Charles Reis, said Horne is disregarding what is required of her by Heritage Victoria as the existing permit requires full restoration of the pier.
“I am extremely concerned that the Minister is treating the State’s Heritage protection process with deliberate contempt, and this is a serious betrayal of our trust in government,” said Reis.
He said residents are now mobilising to fight the decision and advocate for the pier to be rebuilt.
Reis has contacted Premier Jacinta Allen and asked her to intervene.
“For six years now, there has been an unexplained and persistent reluctance to re-build the pier by your Minister for Ports, The Hon. Melissa Horne and her Chief of Staff Samantha McArthur,” said Reis.
“Completing the project will immediately benefit many Victorians far beyond the Mornington Peninsula and would be good optics as we lean into this upcoming election period.”
The government confirmed repairs to the lower landings are finished and two tender ladders have been reinstalled along the rebuilt section. A balustrade has been installed along the edge of the concrete pier to help keep residents and visitors safe.
The new length of the pier will remain open, but the inner timber section will now be closed indefinitely.
Reis said locals want to use the power of public opinion to help fight the decision.
“Anyone who’s interested in helping us can get in touch through the Save Flinders Pier Facebook page,” said Reis.
First published in the Mornington News – 30 June 2026
