THE historic Flinders Pier is set to be revitalised, with construction now under way to restore the iconic structure.
Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne announced that Bridgewater Marine has been appointed as the lead contractor for the project, part of the Labor Government’s $18m investment in restoring Victoria’s heritage piers.
“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,” Horne said.
The full 327-metre length of the historic pier remains open to the public, but the old part of the jetty, a 180-metre timber approach section to be repaired, has been closed since April 2020 following the deterioration of piles and decking.
The works will focus on repairing the inner timber section and lower landings, strengthening foundations, and enhancing the heritage structure with new piles, beams, crossheads, capping beams, and decking.
Construction is expected to be completed by the middle of 2026.
The original Flinders Pier, built in the 1860s, has not undergone major restoration since the 1970s.
Campaigners from the Save Flinders Pier group welcomed the announcement but voiced concerns about the pier’s outer section.
Chair Charles Reis said, “I am pleased that repairs to the inner section of the pier now have traction and look forward to seeing the works commence”.
“However, data we have from Parks Victoria shows that the outer section of the pier is also degrading and will need attention. Many of the piles that extend out to the end of the pier are in fair to poor condition; and failure of this outer section is likely in the foreseeable future.”
Reis acknowledged the Minister’s commitment to preserving the pier but warned that future funding will be critical.
“Flinders Pier is a valuable marine amenity for all Victorians. It will be important that funding is available to complete the restoration when repairs on the pier’s outer section are needed. As for when that might be, the partial collapse of the Portsea Pier last year suggests that it could be anytime,” he said.
The restoration aims not only to maintain the pier for public use but also to protect the unique marine life that inhabits the waters beneath it, including the weedy seadragon. The project would also secure the pier’s future for fishing, boating, and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh said, “Investing in Flinders Pier means we’re ensuring this iconic site remains a cornerstone of our coastal community and can continue to be enjoyed for decades to come”.
Parks Victoria said the timber inner approach section would remain closed during the construction period.
Authorised vehicles will be able to access the concrete pier head. Some restrictions may occur during the works, but the outer section of the timber pier and concrete pier head will still be accessible to pedestrians.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 3 December 2025
