Bass Coast’s Vision: Is it your crisis or their emergency?

HAVE you ever wondered why the Bass Coast Shire Council is preoccupied with its “Climate Emergency” and the need to “take immediate and urgent action to protect and prepare Bass Coast for the serious risk that climate change poses”?

Or why the shire has committed millions and millions of dollars of ratepayers’ money to actions designed to address their climate emergency?

Because it’s the number one priority in Bass Coast’s ‘Community Vision 2041’ statement.

Developed in 2021 in consultation with a panel of 43 independently selected people who live, work or own property in Bass Coast, while also representing its diverse community, the Vision is coming up for its quadrennial review.

And you’re being asked to comment on that and a couple of other key documnets.

Two consultation sessions were held during the week, at Dalyston and Grantville, and more will follow at:

• Cape Paterson Community Hall on Wednesday, July 17 3pm to 4.30pm.
• Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre (Newhaven) Wednesday, July 17 5.30pm to 7pm
• Corinella and District Community Centre Sunday, July 21 from 12 noon to 3pm
• Berninneit Library Cowes Tuesday, July 23 11am to 2pm.

You can also fill out a survey here:

Why would you bother?

Because, in the hierarchy of council’s guiding principles, the Community Vision document is the most important.

It dictates terms for the compilation of other important council policy documents, including the Council Plan 2025-29 (soon to be prepared), its annual plan, budget and all the rest.

So, if you’d rather see council concentrate on building a new aquatic centre at Wonthaggi and/or Cowes, making housing its top priority or simply getting back to the basics of road and footpath maintenance, family services, rates and rubbish etc; you’re going to have to get over the “Climate Emergency” hurdle first in the shire's Vision statement.

In the South Gippsland Shire Council’s Community Vision 2040, Bass Coast’s nearest neighbour doesn’t go anywhere near as hard on climate change.

Neither does the Cardinia Shire Council on the other side, with no mention of either climate emergency or climate change in its five priority headings.

However under its ‘Thriving Environments’ heading, Cardinia aims to “partner with community, business and industry to take action on, and adapt to, climate change”.

In fact, not even the guiding document for the state’s 79 councils, the Local Government Act 2020, talks about council’s needing to take urgent action to address a climate emergency.

Under Part 2 Division 1 — Role and powers of a Council, within a long list referring to achieving the best outcomes for a municipal community, undertaking strategic planning, continuous improvement, financial viability and transparency of decision making, there’s a measured reference to climate change.

Overarching principles include “the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the municipal district, including mitigation and planning for climate change risks, is to be promoted”.

While Bass Coast headlines its vision with “Climate Emergency and Climate Preparedness”, talking about taking a leading role in the transition to our net zero emissions future and protecting our shorelines through tighter planning controls; South Gippsland Shire lists “Sustainability and Climate Change”.

South Gippsland’s action points include protecting the “food bowl of Victoria” by promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing food security, promoting a reduced community carbon footprint, reducing the volume of waste and being ready for bushfire and extreme weather events by requiring well-constructed defendable homes and community fire refuges.

Councils have wide-ranging responsibilities under more than 120 pieces of Victorian legislation, including land-use planning and building control, especially fast-tracking housing, supporting business and creating jobs, public health services, domestic animal control and environmental protection legislation. They are also responsible for maintaining community infrastructure including halls, libraries, parks and gardens.

However, despite that, Bass Coast Shire Council has decided to focus its attention on climate emergency by designating it as number one among its five most important themes which also include protecting and enhancing the natural environment, developing healthy and inclusive communities, access and movement, and education, creative, economy and industry.

It may not be so easy now for the community to get Bass Coast Shire to adjust its priorities, having endorsed the 20-year Vision document several years ago, but they’re at least being offered the opportunity to provide feedback.

As a community engagement staff member from the shire said last week, if the community response is strong enough, council might be encouraged to have a more meaningful review of its Vision, but don’t bet on it.

Is the Bass Coast Shire Council heading in the right direction? This is your chance, in a formal process, to tell them what you think.

If you can’t attend a consultation session at least go online  and fill out the survey at https://engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/ourbasscoastourfuture