The FCA is pleased to announce that the Victorian Government has reversed its decision to demolish our historic Flinders Pier, and instead agreed to fund its restoration. The 2022 Victorian Budget (Paper No. 3) released on Tuesday reveals that funding has been set aside to undertake “critical works” on the historic Flinders Pier.

Chris Brayne MP, Member for Nepean, informed the community late yesterday that $1.5m was allocated in this week’s State Budget for the commencement of the pier’s restoration.

The FCA and its Save Flinders Pier group has rallied nearly 45,000 supporters during a 12-month campaign that involved a combined strategy of independent technical studies, strong community advocacy and well organised stakeholder engagement. This is a significant outcome for the Mornington Peninsula. It is a win for our divers, visitors and commercial operators. And a victory for the people of Flinders, who came together and fought hard to protect an amenity that is popular with many Victorians.The pier is also an important symbol of our maritime history.

We now turn our minds to the future and look forward to working with Parks Victoria on the timber pier’s full restoration and re-opening to the public.  A decision on Heritage Victoria’s recommendation that the historic pier be added to the Victorian Heritage Register is expected early next month.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our campaign. We couldn’t have done it without you.