Works to rebuild Melbourne's landmark St Kilda Pier is in full swing as part of the Andrews Labor Government's $53 million investment to create the best bayside facility for years to come.
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today inspected progress at St Kilda where recent works have included construction of the structure to form the stunning new curved section.
The new pier will feature a wider and more accessible walkway, tiered seating and a 140-metre-long protected habitat for the resident penguin colony.
A new penguin viewing area, offering a better viewing experience and additional protection for the pier's most famous feathered friends will become a new focal point.
Locals and visitors will benefit from better open space, while access to the heritage kiosk - one of Victoria's most photographed structures - will be preserved when the new pier opens next year.
The heritage building has been the inspiration for the pier's new design and commercial operators will soon be invited to submit expressions of interest to operate from the kiosk.
A new low landing to provide greater access for ferries and boats to dock alongside the pier is also taking shape with major works focusing on this area include installation of durable concrete headstocks.
The existing St Kilda Pier was built in the 1970s and the current rebuild has involved significant work over the past two years to install hundreds of piles, headstocks and deck panels.
The Labor Government announced $46 million in the Victorian Budget 2023-24, so critical works can take place at our much-loved piers and jetties across the state including Warneet North and South Jetties, Williamstown's Workshops Pier, St Leonards Pier and Dromana Pier.
It follows further investment for rebuilding and critical works at piers and jetties 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
"We're getting on with these important works at St Kilda. I'm delighted to see the progress at this massive project which will benefit Victorians, tourists and of course - our resident penguin colony.''
"Our piers and jetties help drive tourism and our economy and are important focal points for families, communities, boaters and anglers and will remain so for years to come.''
