May 2018

Authorities appear to be at a loss when it comes to preventing the constant damage and consequent repairs to Mornington Pier.

Frustration at the situation has led to rumours of a fix to remedy the situation once and for all.

“It is obviously impossible to keep repairing the pier year after year as it gets destroyed time and time again,” explained a government official on the grounds of anonymity.

“So we are currently looking at removing the pier and placing it somewhere less likely to be battered around”.

Pressed by our reporter, Derrick DiMaggio, as to the possible new location of Mornington Pier, the official appeared to mumble “Moorooduc… perhaps?” under his breathe.

Despite a distinct lack of water, Moorooduc would ensure the pier would be safe from the winter storms that leave most of the pier on the bottom of the bay every time they swing through.

“We have to look at the bright side,” said the government official. “Most of the pier lying on the bottom of the bay has been a wonderful artificial reef, and a boon for fish breeding. It would make wonderful fishing…. were the pier to fish from not mostly on the bottom of the bay”.

The original wave screens were damaged by major storms in July and October 2016. Violent storms in previous years inflicted similar damage.

The suggestion that building a breakwater on the site to protect not only the pier but the yachts moored nearby was discounted quickly by the official.

“That is not going to happen. We’re not prepared to admit defeat here.”

But when pressed by reporter DiMaggio about the ongoing loss of yachts, the official offered what seems like a viable solution.

“We wouldn’t be against the idea of yacht owners moving their yachts to Moorooduc too.”

After years of arguments and ill-feeling, it seems that the Rosebud pool’s rival camps have finally shaken hands and agreed to compromise, allowing the project to proceed.

The latest bitter arguments centred around whether to make Rosebud’s new pool an Olympic sized 50-metre, or stick with the cheaper 25- metre option.

A source from inside council has exclusively told The Public Record that both sides have agreed on a compromise, and the pool will now be 37.5 metres long.

The project has long divided the community.

First there was wrangling over the location of the pool. The council decided the favoured site was on the Rosebud Foreshore. That was opposed by many, and eventually, in mid 2013, the shire dumped that location as the preferered site.

After Besgrove Street was decided as the favoured location, then the fighting began over the length of the pool.

“This is a win for common sense” said an anonymous source from within the shire. “Compromising the length at 37.5-metres will keep everybody happy”.

The pool will now be fast-tracked at the Besgrove Street site.

The cost of the aquatic centre was estimated at $28.4 million-$30.7 million, depending on it having a 25-metre or 50-metre pool. Now the length has been settled at 37.5-metres, it is expected the pool will cost $29.55 million.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Bryan Payne thanked the community members who have already provided their thoughts.

“We are inviting community members to attend a series of pop up sessions throughout the whole of the peninsula where you will have the ability to speak directly with Shire staff and have all your questions answered”.

Seawinds Ward Councillor Antonella Celi said “our community has been wanting an aquatic facility for the southern peninsula for a very long time – this is a very exciting time indeed for all involved”.