Funding pool shrinks for Bass Coast’s dinosaurs

THE Bass Coast Shire Council has been informed by the Victorian Government that Peri-Urban Councils are no longer eligible for funding support via the Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF).

Periurban Councils Victoria includes Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Golden Plains, Moorabool and Surf Coast shire councils.

The GSF final round opened last week at a value of $10 million, down from $50 million in the previous budget.

Some of the significant projects in Bass Coast Shire which have previously received crucial funding via the GSF include: Guy Road Shared Pathway $1.4M, the Berninneit Cultural Centre in Cowes $2.5M, the Rhyll Playspace (Stage 2) $235,000), the Wonthaggi to Inverloch Shared Pathway $3M and Guide Park Wonthaggi $350,000.

Planning was in place to apply for this Growing Suburbs Fund round to support incremental delivery of the Bass Coast Dinosaur Trail.

“By eliminating Peri-Urban Councils entirely, regions such as Bass Coast Shire will be forced to depend on the few remaining State funding opportunities,” said the Bass Coast Shire in a prepared statement.

These include but are not limited to State Government Legacy Benefits Package announced on July 20 following the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“The $150 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund may align with the Bass Coast Dinosaur Trail project,” said the shire.

Other grant opportunities that will be examined closely to support our growing suburbs include:

• $25 million Council Support Package
• $1 billion Regional Housing Fund
• $60 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure
• $10 million Tiny Towns
• $70 million Visit Victoria

“Whilst the criteria and application guidelines for these streams are not yet released, we will keep a close eye on developments in this grant space and provide advice accordingly.

“Regions like ours are more reliant than ever on State and Federal governments to meet the growing needs of our community.

“We are now shifting our attention to the unique opportunity that the State Government Legacy Benefits Package presents for regional Councils.

“Our advocacy efforts will remain focused on our State and Federal priorities, and we will continue to prepare and position ourselves with like-minded organisations and Councils.”

Council Acting CEO, Greg Box, has been in touch with fellow CEOs from Peri-Urban Councils as the shire awaits a statement from the Victorian Government addressing this decision and providing further detail as to what it will mean for the peri-urban regions dealing with significant growth pressures coming out of metropolitan Melbourne.