The Tasmanian Liberal Government is improving infrastructure across our regional communities as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, helping make them among the best places to live, work and raise a family.
The new Bridport pier is one step closer to delivery with the preferred location, Croquet Lawn Beach (accessed via the Council's caravan park), now agreed to by all parties.
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said that this decision is the result of extensive community consultation and specific site assessments.
"The consultation involved meetings with key stakeholders, a public drop-in session and an online/paper survey with over 400 submissions received. We are very pleased that Croquet Lawn Beach is the preferred site with not only the community, but also with the Dorset Council, Bridport Pier Group and is supported by MAST," Minister Abetz said.
"MAST has received specific engineering advice on coastal processes bathymetry and wave climate for this site. It has also discussed the land-based infrastructure and access requirements, the distance from the town centre and the potential impact on traffic and residents with Dorset Council.
"That delivery of the 126 metre public jetty would be an exciting development for the Bridport community and would provide additional capacity for recreation and tourism vessels, providing a central focus for tourism and attraction in Bridport."
Liberal Member for Bass, Simon Wood, said Bridport is the place to be over summer, the town is really coming into its own as a destination and this development will really help take the coastal paradise a step further.
"We know locals and beachgoers have missed having a pier so the confirmation of the pier's location will be welcome news to all of those in the community, and Bridport's visitors, after their many years of passionate campaigning," Mr Wood said.
"It's a project close to my heart and it's great to see the community supportive of the proposal we've put forward.
"For the people in the town, this pier has been a long time coming and I cannot wait to see this become a reality."
Site assessments covering Aboriginal heritage, terrestrial flora and fauna, marine values and planning have all commenced and it is anticipated that a development application will be submitted in late 2024.
Approximately $4 million has been allocated for the approvals, design and construction of the new pier.
