Goya Dmytryshchak
A pier and two jetties at Williamstown have been closed amid fears for public safety after a section of Boyd Jetty collapsed, leaving the not-for-profit tenant of the site with a multi-million dollar repair bill.
Commissioners Jetty has stopped operating as a berthing facility because of “structural issues” while Workshop Pier has closed to vehicle access with berthing tenants advised last week.
The three structures are on the Seaworks site at 82 Nelson Place, which has been leased by the state government via Parks Victoria to Seaworks Foundation since 2006.
The piers provide berthing for commercial and private vessels, and are used by community groups, police and the fire brigade.
A Parks Victoria spokesperson said Seaworks as the lessee was responsible for the repairs.
“Parks Victoria has advised the Seaworks Foundation to close Boyd Pier and Commissioners Jetty to all uses including vessel berthing until further notice, to ensure public safety,” the spokesperson said.
“The repair and maintenance of these piers are the responsibility of the Seaworks.”
Seaworks executive officer Glenn Jones said Boyd Pier was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1950, but although under state government ownership it had received no significant infrastructure work since the late 1990s.
“We have taken the drastic step of barricading Boyd Pier off and have erected notices warning of the danger posed,” he said.
“It is unrealistic to think that jetties and piers around the bay, including those at Seaworks, can be adequately maintained without significant and ongoing investment by government and other agencies.
“The safety and wellbeing of our staff, tenants and community members is absolutely paramount.”
Boyd Pier was closed to unrestricted public access in 2017 after Seaworks conducted an infrastructure review in 2017, Mr Jones said.
He said Seaworks had long identified the three structures needed multi-million dollar investment.
Parks Victoria has issued a Notice to Mariners to avoid the area.
“A set aside area has been established and marked with a temporary unlit Special Mark Buoy to advise mariners not to enter the area around Boyd Pier and Commissioners Jetty,” the notice states.
“Mariners are prohibited from entering the set aside area until further notice and are advised to navigate with caution within the vicinity of Workshops Pier, Commissioners Jetty and Boyd Pier.”
