St Leonards Pier Rebuild and Local Port Area Plan

Project status 

March 2024

• Community consultation on the draft plan is now open on Engage Victoria and closing 27 April 2024.
• The draft plan (PDF) is now available to view. 

 

 

Have your say

Parks Victoria is inviting community input on the draft St Leonards Local Port Area Plan (Plan). Feedback collected will help inform the development of the final plan to ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community as far as possible. All feedback will be considered in the development of the final local port area plan. 
View the draft plan and submit feedback via the Engage Victoria survey –  until 27 April 2024 

   

The project

This project is being delivered on Wadawurrung Sea Country. 
A new plan is in development for the future of St Leonards Pier and the adjoining waters managed by Parks Victoria.  
The St Leonards Local Port Area Plan (plan) will draw from the current understanding of the site, as well as ideas and aspirations generated from community feedback and set out a strategic direction ensuring it continues to be a thriving maritime asset for many more years to come. 
Focusing on the on-water elements, the plan aims to improve the safety and function of the local port area responding to changing conditions and user needs and confirm the community’s aspirations for a rebuilt pier. 
Community feedback on the requirements for a successful maritime facility will be sought to help inform the planning process. Further details around how to get involved will be provided as the project progresses. 

 
Above: An aerial view of St Leonards local port area and supporting infrastructure (Credit: DEECA) 

 

Above: Map showing focus area of project.

 

Background 

Located on the Bellarine Peninsula, St Leonards Pier is popular with people accessing the many great recreational walking, boating and fishing opportunities on offer in Port Phillip and holds significant value to locals and visitors alike. 

St Leonards Pier, first built in 1857 and most recently rebuilt in 1987, is coming to the end of its serviceable life. Funding to rebuild St Leonards Pier has been committed and planning is underway. This planning project will provide guidance on the design in readiness for construction.  

The planning process will consider the following known challenges and other relevant matters that are raised throughout the process.

The alignment and functional attributes of a rebuilt St Leonards Pier. 
A functional on-water layout which enhances activity, movement and use and considers. impacts on the swing moorings, dredging, fairways and berthing.
Opportunities for short-term visitor berthing. 
Future demand and use.


This project is part of the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Local Ports Framework and Parks Victoria's local ports forward planning program. Local ports play an important role for businesses and local communities. This plan will help guide Victorian Government investment priorities and provide a more sustainable approach to meeting economic, tourism and community needs. 

Project funding 

The planning project is funded by the Victorian Government through the Department of Transport and Planning.  The pier rebuild is funded by the Victorian Government under the 2023-24 State Budget. 

Who are we working with? 

A project reference group comprising representatives from Parks Victoria, Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management, City of Greater Geelong, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and the Department of Transport and Planning are advising on the development of the plan. 

Project timeline 

Phase 1 – Prepare the St Leonards Local Port Area Plan 
Background research and technical investigations – Spring 2023 
Preparation of the draft plan – Late Spring 2023 
Community consultation of draft plan – Autumn 2023-24 
Feedback considered – May - June 2024 
Final plan released – Late June 2024 

Phase 2 – Rebuild St Leonards Pier * 
Contractor procurement 
Final approvals and permits 
Construction commencement 
Construction completion 

* Commencement of the delivery phase is dependent on the completion of the planning phase. 

Frequently asked questions  

When will the pier be built?  
The Victorian Government allocated funding in the 2023-24 State Budget to rebuild St Leonards Pier, allowing initial planning to get underway. The local port area plan will help inform the design of the rebuilt pier. Construction is expected to begin following the planning, approvals and procurement stages.    

What are the steps / processes involved in preparing the plan?  

1. Reviewing existing technical information and filling the gaps with new investigations where required. 
2. Consulting with key users and stakeholders to understand the challenges and aspirations for the pier and water uses. 
3. Preparing the draft plan and releasing it for community feedback. 
4. Amending the draft plan in response to what we’ve heard following consultation. 
5. Finalising the final plan for release. 

 

Why does a plan need to be completed before the pier is rebuilt?  
The plan is a strategic document to guide the future of this area within the local port. This process is critical for Parks Victoria to understand the changing and growing needs of the community to ensure the future pier design meets the needs of the community and stakeholders and is resilient to coastal process and climate change.  

Why is Parks Victoria currently procuring a designer for the pier, if the plan hasn’t been completed?  
To keep the project moving and rebuild the pier as early as possible, Parks Victoria is getting started on early designer engagement and preliminary design investigations, so that when the plan is finalised the design team is ready to go. The detailed design will be developed in 2024-25. 

How will stakeholders and key users be involved in the project? 
The planning process includes opportunities for stakeholders, including Traditional Owners, and key users and interest groups to provide input through meetings and emails to inform the development of the draft plan. Parks Victoria consulted with key stakeholders directly in November 2023, this feedback has been used to inform the draft plan. 

How can community members contribute to project? 

The draft plan is developed, have your say the consultation will be delivered on Engage Victoria and promoted locally to encourage input. To be kept informed about the project, register to receive updates or email the Project Team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 1963.

How will the planning process consider the rebuild of the Pier? 
Community feedback on the aspirations and requirements for a successful pier facility gathered through the planning process will be used to help inform the next stage of pier design. 

How will the protection of the marine values of the precinct be considered in the plan?  
The purpose of the plan is to consider the future safe operation of the pier and surrounding water use.  The protection of local marine values will be considered as part of the planning process and any future project plans. 

Staying updated 

For general enquiries email engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call us on 13 1963. Subscribe for project updates.

  

Related information 

Parks Victoria is currently undertaking a local port area planning process for Mornington Harbour, Sorrento, and St Leonards in Port Phillip and Rhyll in Western Port. A final plan for Williamstown was released February 2024 and Sandringham Harbour was released in late 2022 and being used to guide the rebuild of Hampton Pier.

Parks Victoria is the local port manager for Port Phillip, Western Port and Port Campbell. The three local ports combined include 263,000 hectares of waterway, marine protected areas, channels, piers and jetties, moorings and aids to navigation.