PARKS Victoria has assured the community it has “full confidence” in the structural integrity of the new Mornington pier, which has been partly closed after serious storm damage.
The severe storms of July 12 and 13 dislodged nine wave screen panels as well as handrails of the $15.3 million pier.
A barge with a crane removed the damaged sections last week.
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Parks Victoria spokeswoman Jasmine Sussex said the outer section of the pier was closed but people could still access the inner section including the lower landing of the pier.
The reconstructed pier was opened in August last year.
Ms Sussex said it would be difficult to put a time frame on the repairs until marine engineers had fully assessed the damage
“Once the pier has been properly assessed, we will reopen the areas that are safe to use,” she said.
“Parks Victoria has full confidence in the structural integrity and longevity of the pier itself.
“The damage is restricted to the wave panels attached to the pier.”
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Sandra Watt, who runs Bay Fish’n’Trips, said Parks Victoria had advised businesses that the panels would be replaced but the time frame was uncertain.
“We have big storms like this every year, but I think this time it was about the surge rather than the waves,” she said.
It is understood other piers along the peninsula sustained serious damage in the storm.
The pier rebuilding project included the demolition of the outer section of the old pier and more than 100 piles driven into the sea bed to support the new 75-metre reinforced concrete platform and timber deck.
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New timber decking, a lower landing, handrails, and seating and lighting were installed, as well as the wave screens along the 123-metre long pier, built to provide increased protection for berthed and moored boats in Mornington Harbour.
At the time of the pier’s reopening a year ago, Ports Minister Luke Donnellan said the upgrade would “ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors, as well as local boaters and fishers for years to come”.
