Mornington Fishermans Jetty Rebuild Project

Project status

May 2025:

Construction has commenced on the new Mornington Fishermans Jetty
Construction contractor Simpson Construction is carrying out the works

Project timeline

The above timeline is subject to material supply and weather conditions.

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Access changes

Works will require fixed and mobile marine exclusion zones around the contractor’s vessels.

Pedestrians are encouraged to follow temporary detour signage between the kiosk and the main pier.

Access will be changed for users who berth next to the construction zone and within the shared marine zones. Users accessing their berths from the car park will not be impacted.

The project

This project is being delivered on Bunurong Sea Country

Mornington Fishermans Jetty is located in busy Mornington Harbour. 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, the most recent construction reached the end of its service life and was demolished in early 2024.

Over the last ten years, there has been significant investment in replacing and upgrading Mornington Pier and landside infrastructure.

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

A local port area plan, Mornington Harbour Local Port Area, was developed to ensure the best outcome. The plan proposed replacing Mornington Fishermans Jetty, to ensure preservation of the area’s heritage values, as well as ensuring the harbour’s access channels continue to provide safe access for the vessels today while catering to potential future operators, tourism and commercial needs.

The design

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 principles of access
Deliver a durable structure so the new jetty can be enjoyed well into the future

The new jetty will feature timber decking, safety ladders for existing the water, and vessel access ladders.

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

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.

The pier upgrade is part of the 2022-23 Victorian Budget $18 million investment in local port assets. Maintaining access to local port assets and making them safe for everyone to enjoy is important.

Environment management

Environmental assessments have been undertaken to inform the delivery of works.

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 removed in 2024 due to advanced structural deterioration.

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 being rebuilt?

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.

When will the new Mornington Fishermans Jetty be built?

The new jetty is anticipated to be completed and opened by mid-late 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, and ensure that the future pier design meets these needs 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 includes replacing the Mornington Fishermans Jetty.

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 distributed at project milestones.

What will happen to the timber from Mornington Fishermans Jetty?

Salvageable timber from the jetty was reused to assist in 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 jetty’s historical and social significance uncovered through this project’s technical investigations and the early stakeholder engagement phase. The plan proposes that the jetty 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 managing 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.