The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with works to redevelop one of the most popular piers in Melbourne.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today visited St Kilda Pier to inspect how works are progressing and see firsthand how the foundations of the pier are coming together to form a new curved design.
Hundreds of steel piles, concrete headstocks and deck panels have now been installed topped with sections of sustainably sourced Darwin Stringybark timber decking, forming a strong base for the new pier.
Construction on the new terrace area near the historic Kiosk will begin in the next few weeks, which will provide a better, more accessible space for visitors. The outer end of the pier at the St Kilda Pier will be closed to public access while the works are carried out.
St Kilda Pier’s breakwater is home to a colony of Little Penguins. The $53 million project includes the development of a new penguin viewing area, offering a better viewing experience and additional protection to the pier’s most famous feathered friends. Work on this section around the penguin nesting area has been scheduled to avoid disrupting their important moult and breeding stages.
Parks Victoria rangers and EarthCare St Kilda volunteers have been undertaking regular monitoring throughout construction to ensure the safety of penguins and other local marine life.
A new low landing will also be built as part of the project. It’ll be constructed off the main pier to support passenger ferry services, including the St Kilda to Williamstown Ferry and provide better water access for kayakers and paddle boarders.
The Labor Government is investing in rebuilds and critical works at piers and jetties across the state, including at Rye, Raymond Island, Lakes Entrance, McLoughlins Beach, Williamstown, Flinders, Mornington and Hampton.
For more information visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects
As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“St Kilda Pier remains a popular destination for locals and tourists with hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the pier each year, and we’re safeguarding its future by getting on with these important works.”
“Once complete, the new pier will not only be better and more accessible but also a safer and better-protected habitat for the little penguins that call it home.”
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
“St Kilda is renowned for its relaxed, beach-side environment and the pier has always been at the heart of that, connecting locals and visitors and providing unrivalled views across the bay.”
“This redevelopment will provide a huge benefit to the community, with great experiences and memories for years to come.”
