About 90 per cent of attendees were in favour of the proposal, but 11 had concerns.

Some people were concerned about parking at the old pier site while others said they would prefer to see a pier built off Croquet Lawn Beach or off the training wall at the end of the river.

The Bridport Pier Restoration Action Committee announced its plans to build a new pier at the start of the year.

The proposed pier would start at the boat ramp next to the remnants of the original pier - which burnt down about 70 years ago - and extend at an angle, with the end about 50 metres away from the old pylons.

The guest speakers at last night's meeting included Queensland economist Bob Noakes, who produced the Burbury Consulting report on the proposal, Dorset Mayor Barry Jarvis, civil engineer James Burbury, as well as representatives of Marine and Safety Tasmania.

The chairman of the Bridport Pier Restoration Committee, Robert Perkins, said the public meeting went very well, and many issues were covered, ranging from the economic benefits to how the pier would be constructed.

He said the next step was to get council approval. The council was holding a workshop today to discuss the project.

"With the number of people there (last night) in favour of it, I'd hope they would support it," Mr Perkins said.

"Once we have council support we will go to state and federal governments."

Mr Perkins said the committee had decided the old pier site was the best for the proposed new pier as it had the deepest water.

"The deeper the water, the more recreational crafts will be able to use it," he said.

He said the pier at Croquet Lawn Beach was pulled down 70 or 80 years ago because the water wasn't deep enough for many boats to use it.

The cost of the new pier is estimated to be $4.8 million.