Wednesday, 29 October 2025

 Alison MARCHANT (Bellarine) (09:54): It was absolutely fantastic to share Parks Victoria’s new design for the St Leonards Pier this month with the community. This redevelopment is going to provide a longer and safer pier for recreational activities while also protecting the significant maritime heritage and the sensitive marine environment. The new pier will be built parallel to the existing footprint, safeguarding the remaining two shipwrecks that are beneath the current pier and protected under the Heritage Act 2017. The new pier will feature a widened pier head, a finger jetty extending to 140 metres – which goes back to the original length of where it was – and a widened pier entrance to improve access. The Sirens boathouse will be a central focus.

I want to thank everyone who came along to my community forums. With over 800 responses from last year’s consultation, the new design shows the real impact of community feedback. Parks have also opened up a new survey for the community to provide ideas around external design features. That is open until 17 November, and I encourage the community to share their ideas.

I am incredibly proud to stand alongside the Bellarine and St Leonards community through this process. I made a commitment last year that our government would rebuild the pier, and I was not going to settle for second best. I fought to ensure that this design truly reflects what the locals deserve and value the most. It is a pier that celebrates our heritage, supports locals and visitors, but it is also for generations to come. I am really excited to see this project progress.