Two beloved jetties on the Mornington Peninsula are finally being revamped, after years of neglect meant they were closed to the public. Now, after years of outcry from the local community, the Warneet North and South jetties are being rebuilt as part of a major revitalisation project to boost fishing, boating, and waterfront escapades in the area.
Nestled on the Rutherford Inlet along the Westernport foreshore, the jetties were built over half a century ago and have seen generations of fishing trips, sunset walks and waterfront gatherings. But years of poor maintenance did their damage, and like several other piers and jetties in Port Phillip and Western Port Bay, they fell into a state of disrepair and were closed for public use back in 2020 due to safety concerns.
But now, long-awaited construction is underway to rebuild both jetties, so they can be brought back to life and enjoyed once again. Both jetties will be fitted with modern lighting and handrails, designed with safety, accessibility and marine life protection front of mind.
The new Warneet South Jetty will stretch 200 metres out over the water with a wide timber deck and a floating pontoon, ideal for boats and keen anglers. Meanwhile, the more compact North Jetty will be rebuilt using durable materials and will feature a low landing with water access – perfect for a quick cast or a kayak.
The rebuild is set to boost local tourism, support small businesses, and restore a much-cherished community meeting place. While we’ll have to wait until mid-to-late 2025 to enjoy the jetties' upgrade, nearby spots like Tooradin Jetty and Hastings Pier are great alternatives in the meantime.
The new works are part of a $46 million statewide initiative from the Victorian Government to repair and rebuild critical piers and jetties. You can find out more about the Warneet jetties upgrades and get updates on the project by checking out the Parks Victoria website here.
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