MUCH-needed repairs to restore recreational boating and fishing access to Newhaven’s popular jetty will be prioritised thanks to more than $5.5 million in funding through the Allan Labor Government’s Better Boating Fund.
After being closed for more than a year, the Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale MP announced this week the jetty would be rebuilt and re-opened to again, making boating, fishing and pedestrian access possible to the important community asset.
The news has been warmly welcomed locally.
“If that’s enough to fix it up that’s great news,” said Craig Edmonds of Jim’s Bait and Tackle in San Remo.
“It’ll save me telling everyone it’s not useable,” he said on a busy Melbourne Cup Long Weekend.
The rebuilt jetty will enable local residents and visitors alike to enjoy the great outdoors and provide boaters an access point to board or disembark vessels launched at the nearby boat ramp or marina, Ms Crugnale said on Monday.
“We know how important the jetty is to the local community and I’m thrilled to announce funding to begin the process of renewing access for boating and fishing,” Jordan Crugnale MP said.
“Reopening this facility will support local tourism, recreational fishing and boating while preserving the character of Phillip Island’s iconic waterfront.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank locals Amanda Keilar, Saltwater’s Ben Dennis, Lisa Webster, the Newhaven Residents Group for leading the advocacy to repair and reopen this much-loved community asset with energy and determination.”
Structural inspections of the T-shaped jetty have taken place since its closure and will inform the drafting of detailed designs and approvals required prior to construction taking place.
The jetty’s lower landing will be rebuilt making it easier to hop on or off boats tied up on the jetty, with room for three to four vessels to be tied up simultaneously. The lower landing will boast new cleats for boaters to tie ropes up to and ladders to ensure accessing vessels is safe and convenient at a range of tides.
The broader jetty structure will score new solar lighting for those out on the water before sunrise or after sunset and fendering will ensure boats are protected while moored.
Assessments have identified the need to replace timber decking, capping and beams, remediating the tops of wooden piles to ensure they remain durable and restoring full pedestrian access through new decking across the structure.
The jetty has also long been one of the best accessible, safe land-based fishing spots on Phillip Island, well suited to beginners and the many holidaymakers that visit the region. Anglers have previously been able to wet a line for species like snapper, calamari, King George whiting, trevally, salmon and even gummy sharks.
The funding will be provided through the Better Boating Fund, which reinvests boating licence and registration fees back into projects and programs throughout the state.
The allocation is from the 2025/26 Recreational Boating Action Plan, with details on other projects to be released soon. The Victorian Fisheries Authority’s (VFA) Better Boating division will oversee the design work, as well as subsequent approvals.
The VFA will work with asset manager Parks Victoria and local user groups throughout the process. Subject to approvals, the preparation of construction-ready designs will begin later this year or in early 2026.
Bath hails ‘Newhaven Jetty victory’
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath has attributed the “victory” at the Newhaven Jetty to community pressure.
“The Allan Government’s backflip on the permanent closure of Newhaven Jetty is a hard won victory driven by unwavering community leadership and persistent political advocacy by The Nationals over the past 18 months,” said Ms Bath.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to Amanda Keilar, Fishing Nanna, Ben Dennis, owner of Saltwater Phillip Island, Newhaven residents and the broader Bass Coast community. Their tireless campaigning has been instrumental in forcing the Allan Government to finally listen to the community’s deep frustration and reverse its decision.
“It’s a shame that it took such extensive pressure including a petition I led the debate on in Parliament, multiple FOI requests, countless parliamentary questions, a community rally and even an “unhappy first birthday” protest to achieve this outcome.
“This announcement marks a dramatic shift from the Allan Government’s original stance, which stated unequivocally that there were no plans to reopen the jetty. That position was not only disappointing, but it was also unacceptable.
“Newhaven Jetty should never have been closed without notice or consultation. Our outdoor recreation assets are vital to local communities and the visitor economy, and their maintenance must be treated as a priority, not an afterthought.
“My focus now turns to ensuring the delivery of this project is prioritised for locals. The people of Newhaven deserve a jetty that is safe, accessible and maintained for generations to come.”
