Albert Park MP Martin Foley has promised that, if re-elected, Labor will spend $50 million to build a new pier at the St Kilda Harbour. unChain applauds this proposal.

The St Kilda harbour site is a unique asset. The new pier promises significant gains for the general public such as a sea pool and public access. There are also significant environmental benefits, especially penguin protection.

The new St Kilda pier will be curved. It include a new penguin viewing area, tiered seating providing access for swimmers to the water, new toilets and sheltered areas. The colony of 1400 little penguins that live on the breakwater will be protected. Kirby’s Kiosk and the ferry to Williamstown will be retained.

unChain has actively participated over the past decade in planning for the St Kilda Habour. In 2008 Parks Victoria released a multi-stage Concept Plan. unChain’s submission supported the replacement of the pier and a new  penguin boardwalk . However it opposed the proposal for an Inner Harbour with a hardstand area of approximately 8000 sq metres. This would have been an environmental disaster. Happily Labor is not proposing to build the hardstand. In June 2012 unChain vigorously supported Stage 1 of the Harbour development. This involved a new RMYS marina and associated wave protection works. In 2017 unChain participated in Parks Victoria’s consultation on stage 2. This has resulted in the plan for a new pier that is supported by Port Phillip Council.

unChain calls on the other candidates in the Albert Park electorate also to commit to build the new St Kilda pier as promised by our sitting MP Martin Foley.