Cowes Jetty Improvement Works
Project duration & key dates
Works commence – June 2020
Works complete – June 2021
Project partner
Department of Transport
Key information
Cowes Jetty is being upgraded and improved as part of Better Boating Victoria’s investment in recreational boating facilities across Port Phillip and Western Port. The $1.4 million investment will ensure the pier, which was originally built in 1870, remains accessible for the community for many years into the future and reinstates emergency access. The project completion date has been revised from December 2020 to June 2021 due to unexpected delays resulting from COVID-19 restrictions and unfavourable weather.
Works already completed
Strengthened jetty cross heads to increase load capacity.
Upgraded lights to solar lighting.
Replaced hand railing along western side and renewed capping along both sides of jetty.
Repairs to concrete support piles (above water).
Asphalt renewal along the jetty walkway.
Lowered northern low-landing, allowing better low tide access.
Remaining works underway
Upgrades to the eastern and southern lower landings hand railing, fenders and walers.
Replacement of jetty head beams, decking, capping, handrails and lighting.
Access to the jetty during works
Fishing, walking and boating from the jetty, as well as ferry and licensed tour operator services will primarily continue throughout the works. Access may be limited (but not fully restricted) to sections of the main walkway of the jetty, landings and / or approach at times to enable safe works and deliveries. A full closure is not planned. Refer to Cowes Jetty Change of Conditions or onsite signage for further information.
Recreational boaters and anglers may experience short term disruptions and should observe local instructions.
Pedestrian and boat access to the head of Cowes Jetty will be closed until June 2021, including access to the southern and eastern landings. During this time, alternative boat access is available at the western and northern landings.
As works progress, the northern landing may be closed at times.
Anglers will not be able to access the Jetty head until it reopens. Alternative fishing locations include Rhyll and Newhaven jetties.
Ferry services will continue to operate throughout the works. Please see Western Port Ferries website for timetables, westernportferries.com.au.
Licenses Tour Operator access will be maintained unless otherwise notified.
NOTE: Works will be suspended over the Easter weekend from 31 March resuming on 6 April 2021 to minimise impact on visitors.
General visitor information
There may be some visual amenity impacts. A fenced work site will be established at the entrance to the jetty, in front of The Jetty Phillip Island Cafe. The fenced area is closed to public access, the cafe remains opens for business. (seasonal hours may apply).
It may be noisy while works are underway. Noise will be restricted to site working hours.
Heavy or oversized vehicles may require access to the jetty approach for deliveries – directions from contractors and signage should be observed for safety.
Site works will be limited on weekends where possible.
Temporary fencing and onsite signage should be observed at all times for visitor safety.
Other information
Parks Victoria is the Local Port Manager for Port Phillip, Western Port and Port Campbell, with the three local ports combined receiving approximately 80 million visits a year, and include 263,000 hectares of waterway, marine protected areas, channels, piers and jetties, moorings and aids to navigation. For further information or queries about this project email info@parks.vic.gov.au or you can call us on 13 1963.
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