Flinders Pier Project

Project status

April 2026:

The timber inner section of Flinders Pier is more deteriorated than a previous inspection report indicated.
The damage to the beams, crossheads and pile tops only became clear once the deck was removed, exposing these sections.
This discovery means the pier cannot be repaired and the full length of the timber inner section will need to be replaced.
This is not within the current project scope and budget and we have worked with engineers to find the best alternative.
To ensure community safety we’ve removed all the old timber piles and will install balustrade along the edge of the concrete pier, where the water is shallow and there is a risk of injury from falling into the water.
Some of the timber inner section will be rebuilt and we expect to be able to open this to the community once works are finished.
Repairs to stabilise the pier’s inner lower landings will be completed this month.
The full 327-metre length of Flinders Pier remains open to the community.

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

Background

In 2010-2011, Parks Victoria completed significant redevelopment work at Flinders Pier. This included constructing a new 3.2-metre-wide concrete pier adjacent to the timber pier, increasing the pier’s load capacity and improving separation between authorised vehicles and pedestrians.

During this time, the first 180 metres of the 327-metre-long Flinders Pier were reconstructed. The reconstructed section was built from concrete, and the existing timber section was retained as it still had some service life. Leaving it in place also reduced the construction impact on marine plants and animals while growth recolonised on the new steel piles.

Over the past few years, engineering assessments have revealed that the pier's timber approach section (the first 180 metres) has reached the end of its service life. The timber has deteriorated so that visitor access is no longer safe. For public safety, this timber section is now closed.

In October 2022, the Heritage Council of Victoria determined that the Flinders Telegraph Cable Complex and Pier precinct is of State-level cultural heritage significance and added it to the Victorian Heritage Register.

The pier is also ideal for observing and studying Victoria’s marine emblem, the weedy seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus.

The repairs to the pier posed minimal risks and disturbance to the site's historical and marine significance.

The Victorian Government, under the 2022-23 State Budget, has committed funding that to plan safety works at Flinders Pier.

Work to repair Flinders Pier began late last year.

The full 327-metre length of Flinders Pier remains open to the community.

Gates and signs blocking access to the damaged Flinders Pier.

Pictured above: Gates and signs blocking access to the damaged Flinders Pier

A close-up image of the damaged timber on the Flinders Pier.

Pictured above: A close-up image of the damaged timber on the Flinders Pier

Project funding

In the 2022-23 Victorian State Budget $1.53 million funding was allocated for critical safety works to be undertaken at Flinders Pier.

Project partner

Department of Transport and Planning
Local user and interest groups

Flinders Jetty

Pictured above: Image of Flinders Pier

Stay up to date

For project updates, please subscribe to the Flinders Pier project mailing list.

For general enquiries email info@parks.vic.gov.au or you can call us on 13 1963.

Related Information

Pictured above: Smooth Stingray

Pictured above: Diver under Flinders Pier

Images supplied by CEE Pty Ltd.

FAQs

Why was the timber inner section of Flinders Pier deemed unsafe?

The inner section of the timber pier was closed in April 2020 to protect public safety due to the deterioration of the piles and deck. This section has slumped in multiple sections and has been assessed as unsafe for pedestrian and vehicle access with a significant risk of structural failure. In 2022, following a subsequent engineering inspection, an additional section was closed for safety.
Is Flinders Pier heritage listed?

Yes, in October 2022 a determination from the Heritage Council of Victoria found that Flinders Telegraph Cable Complex and Pier are of cultural heritage significance to the State of Victoria and these assets have been now added to the Victorian Heritage Register.

The Victorian Government made significant investments in piers and jetties, including the $18 million in 2022-23, and is implementing a fair and sustainable approach to future investment in the local port assets via the Sustainable Local Ports Framework.
How will Parks Victoria manage the pier now it is on the Heritage Register?

The pier will continue to be inspected and maintained as part of Parks Victoria's asset management responsibilities.

Minor works and maintenance which replaces like-for-like can usually be undertaken without the need for permits. Permits may be required to undertake major repairs.
How will Parks Victoria ensure marine life is protected during construction works?

We are working with the contractor to ensure the construction schedules for all the repairs do not impact on the weedy seadragon's breeding season.
Can I still access Flinders Pier?

The timber inner approach is currently closed for safety. The inner north landing is closed to berthing. Authorised vehicles can continue to access the concrete pier head, while the outer section of the timber pier and concrete pier head are still accessible to pedestrians.
Can I swim or walk beneath the closed section of Flinders Pier?

The closed sections of Flinders Pier are in poor condition, and there is a risk of timber failure. For public safety these areas has 'no entry' signage in place to prevent access for walking, swimming and snorkelling/diving.