Tourists, residents and visitors to St Kilda now have better access to take in the picturesque harbour with the upgraded St Kilda Pier jetty arm officially opened today by Minister for Ports David Hodgett.
Mr Hodgett was joined by representatives from the local port manager Parks Victoria, Port Phillip Council and the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, who also recently celebrated the completion of their $14 million marina replacement and breakwater extension project.
“The completed $1.65 million jetty arm and $620,000 foundation works are an integral part of St Kilda Harbour upgrade and will breathe new life into this iconic location, ” Mr Hodgett said.
“ The jetty arm complements the recently completed Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron’s $14 million marina replacement and breakwater extension project which significantly improves boating safety in St Kilda Harbour.
“The replacement of the ageing timber jetty arm now ensures easy access to the marina. I encourage everyone to come and visit the St Kilda Pier and take in everything this part of Melbourne has to offer.
“The rejuvenation of St Kilda Harbour is a successful collaboration between the State Government, Parks Victoria, the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron and many other stakeholders, and I’m proud to be here today to celebrate a great result from a significant investment in the St Kilda Pier precinct.”
The total Victorian Coalition Government contribution for the St Kilda Pier upgrade is $3.49 million. Funding consists of $1.65 million for replacement of the timber marina jetty, $620,000 for the southern breakwater extension connections and $1.22 million for upcoming pier remedial and strengthening works.
An additional $165,000 of funding was provided under the 2012-13 Boating Safety and Facilities Grants Program, with works commencing soon to install a floating pontoon for public berthing adjacent to the newly completed marina.
Mr Hodgett also announced $3 million funding for over 50 successful projects in the 2013-14 round of the Boating Safety and Facilities Program.
“The Boating Safety and Facilities Program aims to improve safety and accessibility on Victoria’s waterways for the State’s many recreational boaters, search and rescue organisations and boating facilities, ” Mr Hodgett said.
“Since 2010, the Coalition Government has spent over $30 million on improving Victoria’s boating infrastructure, from critical repair works to large-scale improvement projects such as the St Kilda Pier upgrade.”
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Press Release, February 11, 2014