Fishermans Jetty Rebuild Project
Project status
April 2024:
- Planning is underway to rebuild Fishermans Jetty in Mornington Harbour
- The jetty has reached the end of its service life and has been removed as a first step in the project.
- Planning, design and assessments for the new jetty are underway.
- Construction on the new jetty will commence once all planning, approvals and procurement stages are complete.
The above timeline is subject to assessments, on-ground and construction industry conditions.
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The project
This project is being delivered on Bunurong Sea Country
Fishermans Jetty is located in busy Mornington Harbour and has now reached the end of its service life. True to its name, the jetty is a popular spot for people to fish, as well as a welcoming destination for vessels to berth in the protected harbour. The jetty was originally built between 1880 and 1885 and has been replaced and repaired over the years. Since 2020 the jetty has been partially closed due to the increasingly poor condition of piles and structural elements.
Over the last ten years there has been significant investment in the replacement and upgrade of Mornington Pier and landside infrastructure, with further funding for the replacement of Mornington Fishermans Jetty committed in the 2022-23 Victorian Budget. To ensure the best outcome from this investment, a local port area plan has been developed. The plan proposes that replacing Fishermans Jetty will preserve the heritage values of the area. As well as ensuring that the harbour’s access channels continue to provide safe access for the vessels today, while catering for potential future operators, tourism and commercial needs.
Project benefits
Visitors
Rebuilding the jetty will reinstate access for berthing and improve access for people in the area. The new jetty will also provide an attractive visual feature for visitors to the harbour and improve the precinct’s amenity.
Community
The improvements delivered through this project will enhance community access for fishing and boating, and connection to the water.
Economy
The new jetty will support marine and local businesses by attracting more people to visit Mornington Harbour due to its improved facilities.
Project funding
This project is delivered with investment from the Victorian Government.
Environment management
Environmental assessments will be undertaken to inform the delivery of works to ensure marine life is considered during the project delivery.
Who are we working with?
- The Department of Transport and Planning
- Council and local user groups
Staying updated
- Information about this project will be maintained on this page and shared via project e-newsletters.
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Related information
FAQs
Why was Fishermans Jetty closed?
Following an inspection by maritime engineers, the Fishermans Jetty was closed due to advanced structural deterioration. The jetty has failed and is unsafe for pedestrians and berthing vessels. It has been closed to pedestrians since November 2020, with berthing access ceasing in 2022.
Where can people berth while the jetty is closed and/or removed?
Short term public berthing is available at Mornington Pier. Berthing at Fishermans Jetty has been unavailable since its closure for safety in 2022.
Where can people fish while the jetty is closed?
Port Phillip offers excellent land-based fishing from nearby piers, including the adjacent Mornington Pier. Frankston and Rosebud Piers are both a short drive away.
Does the jetty closure effect other water-based activities in the area?
No, the nearby Mornington Pier provides short term berthing for vessels.
When will demolition get underway?
Demolition is expected to commence in Autumn 2024, pending the successful completion of planning, approval and procurement phases.
When will the new Fishermans Jetty be built?
Cultural, statutory, heritage and environmental assessments guide exactly what, where and when we can deliver, and sometimes timelines are impacted by on-ground and industry conditions. The new jetty is anticipated to be completed and opened by Spring 2025.
How does the Mornington Harbour local port area plan relate to the jetty?
The local port area plan is the formal process for stakeholders and the community to have their say on the future of this important feature of Mornington Harbour. The plan is critical for Parks Victoria to understand the changing and growing needs of the community, also to ensure that the future pier design meets the needs of stakeholders and the community, and is resilient to coastal processes and climate change.
How will Parks Victoria ensure the new jetty reflects the community and stakeholder aspirations?
Funding has been committed to replace and rebuild the jetty. As part of Parks Victoria’s future planning for Mornington Harbour, stakeholders and the community have been invited to provide input on the local port area plan, which included the replacement of Fishermans Jetty.
Why is the Mornington Harbour Local Port Area Plan being developed?
Over the last ten years there has been significant investment in the replacement and upgrade of Mornington Pier and landside infrastructure, with further funding for the replacement of Mornington Fishermans Jetty committed in the 2022-23 Victorian Budget. To ensure the best outcome from this investment, a local port area plan is being developed. The plan confirms replacement of Fishermans Jetty preserving the heritage values of the area, as well as ensuring that the harbour’s access channels continue to provide safe access for the vessels today, while catering for potential future operators, tourism and commercial needs.
Where can I find out more about the Fishermans Jetty Rebuild Project?
This project web page will be updated throughout the project and people can subscribe to receive project e-newsletters which will be distributed at project milestones.
What will happen to timber from Fishermans Jetty?
If jetty timber is reusable, it will be reapplied to asset repairs by Parks Victoria.
How will the heritage values of the precinct be considered in the plan?
As part of the local port area planning process, Parks Victoria engaged an appropriately qualified heritage consultant to provide advice on the heritage values of Fishermans Jetty. Consideration has been given to the historical and social significance of the jetty uncovered through the technical investigations and early stakeholder engagement phase of this project. The plan proposes that the jetty will be replaced in a manner sympathetic to its original characteristics.
Where can I learn more about the Mornington Harbour Local Port Area Plan?
Visit the project page to learn more.
Who is responsible for managing Mornington Harbour and Fishermans Jetty?
Parks Victoria is responsible for the management of the harbour and on-water infrastructure, as both the Port Manager for the local port of Port Phillip and as the Committee of Management for the Crown Land Reserve.