Council revs up to host Island’s GP

GETTING set to host the Australian round of the MotoGP has been a big undertaking for everyone, even more so after a “rain bomb” hit the state.

And, as an event partner, not to mention its role in regional tourism, Bass Coast Shire Council has been fully engaged.

They’ve cut roadsides, updated gardens, provided extra toilets, signage and more… anything to make the visitor experience as good as it can possibly be.

Of course, the wet weather has increased the degree of difficulty, but as the weather fines up, hopefully some of those problems will evaporate but certainly, planning ahead, trying to avoid the busy times on the road, and exercising patience would certainly help.

A spokesperson for the Bass Coast Shire Council has provided some details about what the shire has been doing to prepare:

“Bass Coast Council officers have been busy for the past three weeks in preparation for the upcoming event season which commenced recently with the Phillip Island Motorcycle Festival in Cowes.

“Works have included the refurbishment of roundabouts between Newhaven and Cowes, the refurbishment of the streetscape along Thompson Avenue, the construction of three new public open spaces; one in Vista Place Cape Woolamai and two in Cowes, Olive Justice Place and a laneway off Thompson Avenue.

“Mowing of keys sites have been undertaken to present the region in its best light.

“Extra toilet facilities have bene installed in Cowes to assist in the increased visitor numbers.”

Council manages and delivers a program of entertainment in Cowes over the MotoGP weekend (see https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/explore/leisure-and-recreation/animoca-motogp) for a full schedule.

“Council also works with traders to offer an extended outdoor licensed area in Cowes.

“Council manages the traffic and transport component of the event.

Council installs promotional flags to promote the event across the Shire.”

What about the shire gardens?

“Our current plantings across most of the shire are based around native species, as these species generally require minimum water and exist in what can be a very challenging environment, especially within our road reserves.

“However, some key sites do receive some vibrant exotic colour, some of you may have seen our tulips in Wonthaggi at the moment.

“This time of year our horticulture team is busy refreshing our planting stocks, topping up the varieties of mulches and weed suppressant material, and planting trees within our street scapes and open spaces. “It’s a great time of year for these activities with temperatures warming to promote growth and plant establishment, while still getting a reasonable level of rainfall.”

That’s for sure!

So, well done to the Bass Coast Shire Outdoor team for sprucing-up the area for the arrival of visitors, not only for the GP this weekend, but also for the increasing crowds that arrive here from now on, through to the summer holidays.