Have your say on the future of Bass Coast

WITH the local government election approaching, engagement is open for the shires Our Bass Coast. Our Future to help develop the council plan for the next four years.

During the sixth community engagement session at Berninneit, Cowes on Tuesday afternoon community engagement advisor Austin Cram shared that this is crucial time for the community to provide their feedback on what they envision for the future of Bass Coast.

“Climate change has come out quite strongly on something that the community thinks we should be focusing on, as well as preventing inappropriate development,” said Austin.

“However, we’ve seen a difference in opinions from distinct parts of the shire. For example, Cape Patterson were heavily focused on the environment, where as Grantville were requesting better support for local businesses – that is why these engagement sessions are extremely valuable because we’re seeing a difference in priorities across the shire.”

The shire is inviting the community to share their insights and help shape the future of Bass Coast – this feedback will help guide the external consultant appointed to create a fair community panel in late 2024.

All the engagement date and technical information will help interpret the feedback.

“Engaging with our community is vital for shaping a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations. We look forward to hearing from community and working together to create a thriving and sustainable Bass Coast,” said Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve.

“It is important that community feel heard, understood and that their input is reflected in the final documents. We want our community to feel proud of Bass Coast and this work allows them to help shape the future of our region.”

The Bass Coast Shire Council have created an online platform for those unable to attend an engagement session, and this online survey will close on August 31.

The community panel process will take place from March until May 2025. Together the panel will review the key strategic documents including the Council plan by October 2025 – a review due one year out from the local government election.

The Council plan review in October 2025 will include the community vision and financial plan assessment.

There are a range of key topics for community members to have their say on, including:

• What aspect(s) of Bass Coast do you feel are most important to protect and preserve?
• What does your ideal future Bass Coast look like?
• What is one thing you love most about Bass Coast?

The interactive engagement sessions welcome the community to write their opinion each of the three boards, view the Community Vision 2041 handbook, review the Deliberating on the Bass Coast Community Vision – Panel Process Report 2021, and read through the 2021-2015 Council Plan.

These documents were created following the last local government election and are exactly why these engagement sessions are being held now – ahead of the October election.

“We’ve got four key documents that we’ve brought back out to the community,” said Austin.

“Under the Local Government Act we do have to review the council plan 2025-2029 by October the year after the election – that’s October 2025, and with that comes the long-term financial plan, the asset plan, and the community vision plan - the focus is on the council plan. But if the feedback that we received from the community is incredibly at odds with that community vision, then it signals to us that perhaps we need to review that community vision and potentially reopen up that process for developing it.”

In questioning the communities concerns on inappropriate development, with comments including: “Avoid further residential subdivision” and “no more new housing estates”, Austin shared that there are a number of ways that council can manage and appropriate development and one of those ways is looking at provisions of the planning scheme and strategic planning.

To have your say on the future of Bass Coast, visit one of the following locations and chat with the council officers.

Thursday, August 1

10am until 1:30pm – Wonthaggi Library

Saturday, August 3

8am until 1:00pm – Churchill Island Farmers Market

Tuesday, August 13

11am until 2pm – Inverloch Community Hub

Friday, August 23

10am until 12 noon – San Remo Foreshore

Alternatively visit www.engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/ourbasscoastourfuture