Heritage Victoria has recommended the Flinders Pier and surrounding 'Telegraph Cable Complex' be included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR).
The recommendation is currently open for submissions and the community is welcome to give feedback until Tuesday 17 May 2022.
Parks Victoria currently plans to demolish the inner 180m of the wooden pier. Council adopted the position to support the community in protecting the pier and surrounding precinct at a meeting last September. Former Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Mayor Despi O'Connor wrote to the Minister for Ports and Freight, The Hon Melissa Horne MP in October urging her to intervene and stop Park's Victoria's plan to demolish the historic Flinders Pier. The Shire will again write a letter of support to include the nominated area in the Victorian Heritage Register.
If the recommendation to include the pier and surrounds in the Victorian Heritage Register is accepted by the Heritage Council the area will have greater protection, potentially reducing the likelihood of Parks Victoria being able to demolish the inner section of the pier.
To comment on Heritage Victoria's recommendation, go to: heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/registrations-reviews/executive-director-recommendations/
Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
"This is an important step towards protecting the historic Flinders Pier and surrounding precinct. We urge the Heritage Council to adopt Heritage Victoria's recommendation to add the Flinders Pier to the Victorian Heritage Register."
Quote attributable to Red Hill Ward Councillor David Gill:
"Heritage Victoria's recommendation to include the iconic Flinders Pier in the Heritage Register is a terrific step forward in preserving this highly valued Pier for future generations to enjoy.
"It is now up to the Victorian Government to recognize the overwhelming wishes of our community and ensure the proper maintenance of the Pier and not allow demolition to occur."
