WORK has officially started on the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project.

It is being delivered through $8 million funding from the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program along with Council contribution of $1.6m.

On Thursday, September 18, Senator for Victoria, Michelle Ananda-Rajah, visited Cowes for a ceremonial sod-turning at the site with work by civil engineering and infrastructure contractors, Fulton Hogan, to ramp up progressively over the next few weeks.

According to Bass Coast Shire CEO Greg Box, the works will continue through until the end of 2026, with a comprehensive scheduling plan in place to limit impact on the town and business operators during major events, including the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix (October 17-19), and the busy Christmas-New Year holidays.

Senator Ananda-Rajah was delighted to be making her first visit to Phillip Island in 10 years.

“The last time I came here was to visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, of course, they’re wonderful.

“It’s great to see the progress being made here “and we’re delighted to be playing our part,” said the Senator.

“This Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program is all about enhancing liveability and visitor amenity and also economic activity in regional areas.

“We’ve committed $8 million towards a $9.6 million project in partnership with the council that will deliver great benefit to the area.

“They’re remodelling the foreshore and roadway, creating more green space, and better accommodating pedestrian movement and the hospitality sector which is so important to Cowes and Phillip Island.

“I’ve seen the results of a similar regional partnership program down at Warrnambool and I’m looking forward to coming back here in a year’s time and seeing something equally great taking shape here on Phillip Island.”

Whilst visiting Phillip Island, Senator Ananda-Rajah, was taken on a Cooks’ Tour of advocacy projects across the shire including the proposed sites of aquatic centres in Cowes and Wonthaggi, the Bass Coast University Centre (CUC) at Wonthaggi and the old Wonthaggi High School site in McBride Avenue before travelling to Drouin to meet community groups there and make an assessment of infrastructure needs in that rapidly growing community.

It was a busy and productive day for the Senator who is also the Deputy Chair of the Federal Parliament’s Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy.

As a medical doctor, formerly on staff at the Alfred Hospital, with a special interest in climate change and the environment, Senator Ananda-Rajah was also interested in the recent amalgamation of Bass Coast Health with Peninsula Health and Alfred Health and the initiatives locally to adapt to climate change.

Background

The Cowes Foreshore Precinct project will be completed in seven stages, minimising disruption as far as possible for local businesses, community and visitors.

Benefits for the community of this exciting project will be:

• To create ‘Streets for People’, prioritising pedestrians and sustainable transport
• Strengthen connections between the township and the foreshore
• Reinvigorate Cowes’ character, boosting local business and community life
• Deliver safer, more accessible and appealing streetscapes for all

Project Construction Timeline

• Works commence: September 29, 2025
• Duration: Approximately 13 months (subject to weather and other construction delays unable to be predicted)

Stage 1 - The Esplanade East

Stage 1 will focus on upgrading essential services and creating the foundations for a safer and more welcoming precinct. This includes renewing water and sewer mains, upgrading stormwater drainage, and reconstructing the road and pavement to better support outdoor dining spaces and a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

The works will also deliver new kerb and channel, upgraded public lighting, and fresh landscaping — helping to create greener, safer and more inviting spaces for families, shoppers and visitors.

A permanent change to one-way eastbound traffic along The Esplanade will also be introduced to improve safety and create more space for people to walk, cycle and enjoy the foreshore.

• Works scheduled: September 29 – end December 2025
• This section of road will be closed during works
• Pedestrian access will be maintained via the foreshore path
• Two-way traffic will continue along Thompson Avenue and the Esplanade

West towards Warley Avenue

Supporting Local Businesses and Events

Council has been working closely with Cowes traders throughout the design and planning of this project to ensure their voices are heard and their needs understood.

As construction gets underway, Council will continue to support businesses through the Trading through Transformation campaign. This initiative will promote Cowes as a welcoming destination during the works, encouraging the community and visitors to shop local, dine out, and continue enjoying everything the township has to offer.

Wayfinding signage, marketing support, and regular updates will help residents and visitors navigate the area confidently while ensuring local businesses have as minimal disruption to trading as possible and Cowes maintains its vibrancy.

The works will not impact the 2025 Cowes MotoGP Entertainment Precinct, and the party will still be on! Refer to the maps below for specific conditions at different stages. Map 1.1 shows the situation from 29 September up to after the MotoGP, while Map 1.2 illustrates access and wayfinding following the event.

What to Expect During Works

While Council is committed to minimising disruption, the community may notice:

• Civil and landscaping works, including new footpaths, landscaping, and road realignments
• The use of heavy machinery, resulting in some noise, vibration and dust
• Temporary traffic management measures causing occasional delays – please plan trips accordingly
• Limited access to some roads and footpaths at certain times

Council and our contractor will continue to work hclosely with businesses and residents, with regular communication and clear updates provided throughout the project.

To stay updated on this project, tick the ‘Follow’ button on the Engage Bass Coast website once the project commences or click HERE