Mornington Fishermans Jetty Rebuild Project

Project status

March 2025:

Preliminary site works have begun to build a new Mornington Fishermans Jetty, with construction expected to start in April.

Designs for the new pier have been developed to:

Enhance the Mornington Harbour as a working port and popular destination for locals and tourists
Respond to existing and future demands to create safe and navigable water for harbour users
Provide better access for people of all abilities and diverse needs meeting the Disability Discrimination Act – ensuring that the pier adheres to universal principals of access
Deliver a durable structure so the new jetty can be enjoyed well into the future

The new jetty will feature timber decking, ladder for safe water access and vessel berthing spaces.

Project timeline

Artist Impression of Mornington Fishermans Jetty
The above timeline is subject to assessments on-ground and market conditions.

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Pictured above: Artist impression of the new Mornington Fishermans Jetty.

The project

This project is being delivered on Bunurong Sea Country

Mornington 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 and 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 replacing and upgrading Mornington Pier and landside infrastructure.

Further funding for the replacement of Mornington Fishermans Jetty was committed in the 2022-23 Victorian Budget as part of a $18 million investment.

A local port area plan has been developed to ensure the best outcome from this investment. The plan proposes that replacing Mornington Fishermans Jetty will preserve the area’s heritage values.

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 berthing access 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 amenities.

Community

The improvements delivered through this project will enhance community access to fishing, boating, and water connection.

Economy

Due to its improved facilities, the new jetty will support marine and local businesses by attracting more locals and tourists to visit Mornington Harbour.

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 and 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 Mornington Fishermans Jetty closed?
Following an inspection by maritime engineers, the Mornington 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 Mornington 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 the new Mornignton 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 Mornington 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 Mornington 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 Mornington 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 Mornington 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.