More than 600 community members have had their say on the future of St Leonards Local Port Area Plan and the St Leonards Pier redevelopment on the Bellarine Peninsula.

The Local Port Area Plan is part of a $46 million investment announced in the Victorian Budget 2023-24 for critical works at piers and jetties across the state.

Over the last two months, Bellarine locals have been invited to have their say on the draft plans provided by Parks Victoria, to guide the future use and management of the St Leonards local port area.

Fishers, boaters, walkers, divers, and swimmers all had their say ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the current and future needs of the area while strive to balance the unique environmental, cultural, and heritage aspects of St Leonards.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant successfully advocated for this initial consultation period to be extended to ensure the community could have their say.

The community feedback provided on the draft plan will help to inform work on further designs from Parks Victoria. Additional consultation and community feedback will ensure the community are informed as the project progresses.

An Engagement Summary Report will be developed from feedback and will be distributed by Parks Victoria to those who have provided their email contact during the consultation process.

Interested community members can also sign up for updates on Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant’s website www.alisonmarchantmp.com.au.

Further information regarding the St Leonards Local Port Area Plan Project can be found at https://engage.vic.gov.au/st-leonards-local-port-area-plan-project.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant:

“I know just how passionate our community is about the future of the St Leonards local port area, which is why I advocated to extend the consultation period to ensure we can get the best result for Bellarine.”

"St Leonards Pier is not just a pier, it's a gathering point for the local community and for many it comes with cherished memories and time with family and friends.”

“It was great to see so many locals, school kids and regular visitors participate in the survey by Parks Victoria, providing feedback to assist with the development of further plans.”