Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Flinders Pier

Ms BURNETT-WAKE (Eastern Victoria) (17:53): (1753) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Ports and Freight and is in relation to the proposed demolition of the Flinders Pier. Flinders Pier is a beautiful wooden jetty propped up by timber pylons. The pier was first constructed in the 1860s just as settlers began moving to the peninsula. The pier also played a pivotal role in the establishment of communication between the mainland and Tasmania through a cable station that was built in 1869. Over the years the pier has become a much-loved asset of the Flinders and wider peninsula community. It is well used by fishermen, divers, onlookers and sailors, and no matter the weather there are always children happily jumping off the end on a weekend. The water beneath the timber is also home to the unique weedy sea dragon, which feeds off the coral below.

Minister Horne quietly put out on 21 July 2020 that the first 180 metres of the pier was planned for demolition. Members of the wider Flinders community are deeply concerned by this proposal, given that the pier holds historical value and also hosts an important marine ecosystem. I was privileged to meet with the Flinders Community Association recently to witness the beauty of this pier for myself. It is unfortunate that the government is letting a pier that holds such an environmental and historical significance rot away. Parks Victoria have said that demolition of the first 180 metres of the pier is necessary to protect public safety. They have, however, replaced the timber at the end of the pier and intend to keep that section.

The Flinders District Historical Society has lodged an application to Heritage Victoria to have the pier heritage listed. Heritage Victoria is undertaking an assessment to review whether the precinct demonstrates state-level significance. Piers in Rye, Port Welshpool, Portland and Tooradin have been allocated $3.2 million for repairs while Flinders awaits demolition. The community has spoken loudly and clearly, with signatures amounting to over 40 000 to save this iconic pier.

Dr Bach: 40 000?

Ms BURNETT-WAKE: Yes, 40 000, that is right. Notwithstanding the awaited report from Heritage Victoria, the action I seek on behalf of the Flinders and wider community who enjoy this pier is that funding be allocated so Flinders Pier can be upgraded and restored so that generations can continue to enjoy this beautiful pier and the unique sea dragons that live below it.