The removal of a pier on the St Kilda foreshore where a jetty has stood since 1894 has angered locals, including relatives of the family that built the structure decades ago.
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Demolition of the Brooks Jetty was to commence this week, after Parks Victoria - which manages the St Kilda foreshore - declared it unsafe.
The 70-metre-long, L-shaped jetty was severely damaged by a storm in June 2014 and has remained partially closed since then. "The storm damage that occurred in June last year has made the jetty unsafe for the public to continue using it," Parks Victoria district manager Graeme Davis said.
Parks Victoria also argues that, since 2010, a no boating zone on St Kilda beach has applied to keep swimmers safe, meaning the water around Brooks Jetty is now off-limits to boats. Mr Davis said Parks Victoria wanted to upgrade facilities at St Kilda Pier, only 600 metres away, and a nearby harbour, instead of rebuilding the jetty.
Port Phillip mayor Amanda Stevens said the council supported Parks Victoria's decision to demolish the jetty.
There was a fatality in 2008 and there have been several injuries from people diving into the shallow water around the Jetty.
A stormwater drain beneath the jetty will remain in place once the jetty is removed.
Beachgoers at Brooks Jetty in 1930. Photo: State Library of Victoria
Local resident, architect and former Port Phillip councillor David Brand said this was a bad result for the beach.
"We've got the entrance to St Kilda Beach that is now going to be the gateway to an outfall drainage pipe," Mr Brand said. "Is the urban design that the City of Port Phillip has spent millions of dollars on now to be spoilt?"
Mr Brand said the jetty had formed an integral part of the St Kilda beach promenade. "It's a very beautiful and charming mini-pier. It's narrow and it's sweet and it's a beautiful experience just walking on it."
Rob Lechmere is a descendant of the family that had built the existing pier (itself a replacement for an earlier structure on the site). He said it would be a sad result if it was demolished this week. "It should stay," Mr Lechmere said. "It's not the original pier, so it has been rebuilt before."
