The future of Williamstown's vibrant local port has been set out in a new plan from Parks Victoria.
The waters, piers and jetties of Williamstown help make the suburb one of Melbourne's most popular destinations for fishing, boating, diving and many other marine activities.
It's an important economic, community and tourism asset, not just for Williamstown but the entire inner west of Melbourne.
On Bunurong Sea Country, visitors can enjoy magnificent views across the water, fresh seafood, ice creams and other delicacies from thriving local businesses.
The port is also a piece of Victoria's maritime heritage. It hosts the Seaworks Maritime Museum and historic HMAS Castlemaine and is one of the few remaining places small commercial boats, like fishing charters, can dock close to Melbourne's CBD.
Over the last few months, Parks Victoria has developed a new Local Port Area Plan for Williamstown that sets out the future for the port's five piers and jetties.
It's focused on how the port can operate in a sustainable way while protecting what makes it a special destination for so many people.
The local community and port users have had the chance to shape the plan throughout its development with extensive consultation and feedback opportunities.
The plan includes vital repairs for Workshops Pier to support heritage events at Seaworks, including Tall Ship visits.
Gem Pier will remain the central landing place for ferries and tourism operators. Boyd Street Pier could be upgraded so emergency services and small commercial vessels can berth there.
It also sets out how boat access to the piers will be kept open by dredging and identifies ways to enhance and protect the environmental values of the area.
HMAS Castlemaine at the Williamstown Local Port. Credit: Parks Victoria
The plan is one of several under development by Parks Victoria, which manages the Port Phillip and Westernport waterways, including 42 piers and jetties that see more than 30 million visits a year.
Local Port Area Plans for Mornington Harbour and Sorrento are in development and expected to be ready for community feedback in 2024 while a final plan for Sandringham Harbour has been released.
Victoria's local ports drive significant regional economic growth and employment and contribute more than $900 million a year to local and regional economies through tourism, marine activities, and industries.
The Victorian Government is committed to implementing a long-term strategy for the future management and maintenance of our piers and jetties. The Williamstown Local Port Area Plan can be viewed at www.engage.vic.gov.au
Williamstown, including the Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park. Credit: Parks Victoria
