Boost for Island’s iconic penguins continues

DETAILED designs are progressing for the massive upgrade of Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Penguin Parade.

The multi-million-dollar project will include new accessible boardwalks to the penguin viewing stands, which will become a ‘stadium style’ area, additional seating, and a new sky box.

Earlier this year, the state government had announced $5m in funding towards the project, which is expected to generate up to 19 full time jobs and expected to be finished in June 2024.

Nature Parks’ manager major projects and planning, Jarvis Weston said the concept plans, which were designed in 2019, were progressing to the detailed design phase. 

“The project is around $20m,” he said.

“At the moment the Penguin Parade is walk in and back out, but what we’re looking to achieve is a circular path, which provides a much better experience and pedestrian flow.

“We’re upgrading the concrete stand into a more stadium style seating.

“There’s another smaller boardwalk viewing platform on the beach, we’re giving that an upgrade as well.

Mr Weston said toilet facilities would also be upgraded. 

“We were hoping to get some funding and that eventuated ($5m from state government),” he said.

“What we’re looking to do with that funding is take the detailed design, developing now in the draft format, and go out to tender hopefully in September-October.

“Then advance a $5m package of works from those detailed designs.

“We’re finalising those designs and hoping to take it back to the board for final endorsement and approval in late August.”

Mr Weston also added that the upgrade is part of the larger masterplan for the Summerland Peninsula Trails, which includes 18km of new trails, boardwalks and bridges. 

“That’s a $37.8m project, we’re seeking further funding for that,” he said.