II READ with interest the recent commentary on Council’s planning and budget priorities in the South Gippsland Sentinel Times dated August 19. I want to assure our community that we have been thoroughly briefed by Council Officers since the beginning of our Council Term. Deep and careful consideration has been given to the draft plans that Council voted to endorse for community consultation at the last Council Meeting, including the Long Term Financial Plan.
These plans represent the aspirations our community has told us matter most. This message has been clear both through our interactions with Bass Coast residents over the election period and our term to date, and to Council Officers at the many community engagement sessions held as part of the development of these plans.
To dismiss these documents as ‘out-of-touch’ is disrespectful to the hundreds of Bass Coast residents that helped shape them.
It is important to note when reviewing the strategic documents that Council is responsible for almost $1.4 billion worth of community assets – from roads and footpaths, to pavilions, halls, parks and reserves. A considerable amount of our capital budget each year is dedicated to keeping these assets in good condition so they remain safe and functional for everyone.
The ratio between capital and operational budgets in Bass Coast is in-line with the sector and Bass Coast remains a comparatively low expenditure regional council. This reflects both the extensive services we deliver for our community and our commitment to maintaining our existing assets while also planning for the future.
This new Council has come together with a clear focus on identifying key priorities, informed by what we have heard directly from our community. Recreation reserves, aquatic facilities, and the protection of our unique environment – including the Western Port Woodlands – are just some of the areas our community has told us are essential.
While this Council faces many challenges – including State Government cost-shifting, coastal erosion, new taxes – we don’t apologise for planning ambitiously for Bass Coast.
The work we are doing now ensures that when funding opportunities arise we are ready to act with well-developed and community-supported projects while continuing to maintain our existing infrastructure.
I strongly encourage community members to have their say on the draft documents prior to their final adoption.
Cr Rochelle Halstead, Bass Coast Shire Mayor
Editor: Having failed to apply for funding in Round 2 of the Federal Government’s lucrative Growing Regions Program, which closed on October 10, 2024 offering grants of between $500,000 and $15 million ($207M for 40 projects in Round One), we hope you haven’t missed the boat altogether while you get your ducks in-a-row.
