The $53M redevelopment of St Kilda Pier is now open to the community – just in time for summer. But questions remain about two key features of the pier: public access to penguin viewing and the kiosk (which is yet to find an operator).
But first the good news
The new 450-metre-long pier boasts safer and more accessible space for visitors, with sweeping views. It has a curved walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets, and a new community space near the iconic St Kilda Pier Kiosk.
Work will start soon to remove the old pier and make way for ferry and tour operators to welcome passengers from ferries and alike.
Penguin viewing questions
A much anticipated feature is the addition of a purpose-built viewing platform overlooking the little penguin colony that will keep the wildlife safe and give visitors an glimpse of the birds returning to their nests on the breakwater.
How access to the platform will be managed is yet to be announced. But the story has more ups and downs than the Scenic Railway at Luna Park.
As reported last week in TWiSK, the government was set to charge $24 per head to access the viewing. But a barrage of community concern prompted the government to pledge that access would be free. But how that access will be managed is yet to be made clear.
In the meantime, the viewing platform is officially ‘unopen’ to the public with no fixed timeline for opening. (Update 10 Dec: According to Parks Vic, the viewing platform is closed from 6 pm each night until further notice)
Too much people love is not always good for penguins
EarthCare St Kilda remain concerned because their role in supporting and educating visitors is not yet clear. In the past, the public have disturbed penguins with flash photography, feeding and dogs. Previously volunteers have been on site to educate the visitors about the colony and how to visit without harming the locals.
Local Councillor Serge Thomann told the Herald Sun that he hoped EarthCare would continue to be involved. ‘EarthCare is an amazing voluntary group, they’ve been looking after the penguins for 35 years,’ he said.
BYO coffee
Don’t expect to grab a cuppa or gelato at the kiosk- a new operator is some time away.
But hey, the new pier is without peer on the bay. Many dawns and sunsets will be enjoyed after the stroll to the kiosk – as it has for generations.
