The Allan Labor Government has unveiled the design for the new St Leonards Pier, an iconic part of the Bellarine, and popular spot for locals and tourists for recreation.

Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne today joined local Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant to announce the final design for the pier. This new design takes on board the feedback from community and local stakeholders to ensure that the St Leonards local port area is truly captured in the final design.

The new pier will preserve the unique maritime character while supporting future recreational needs including scuba-diving, snorkelling, swimming, walking, socialising and include berthing and moorings for the local community and visitors. 

The new pier design has a larger footprint providing more space for community use and expands fishing and recreation through a lengthened finger jetty. All while prioritising environmental protection during the pier rebuild, by taking care to avoid sensitive seagrass areas and minimise impacts on marine life. 

The design includes a disability compliant ramp for access to the low landing, the addition of wheelchair accessible fishing locations and a widened pier entry. It will also celebrate the loved Sirens Boathouse and Kiosk, creating a wider approach to the pier.

During construction, special attention will be paid to the two shipwrecks beneath the pier and the surrounding marine environment. 

Victoria’s local ports contribute more than $900 million a year to local and regional economies through tourism, marine activities, and industries.

This plan is part of the Labor Government’s Sustainable Local Ports Framework and Parks Victoria's local ports’ planning program, guiding where future investment is needed most. 

Work is underway to prepare detailed design documents for the pier replacement project.

To learn more, visit parks.vic.gov.au/projects.

Quote attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne

“After listening to feedback handed down in consultation, we developed a design that will serve the community and ensure the pier remains a safe, accessible and vibrant part of the local port for years to come.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“I understand how important this project is to the community, which is why I have worked closely with Parks Victoria to ensure the project reflects the needs and expectations of the community and is delivered to a high standard that will serve the area for years to come.”