Shire must communicate directly, residents say

THE overall community feedback to the Communications Strategy for 2023-2026 was for the Bass Coast Shire Council to connect more personally with their residents. 

The communications team visited the towns of Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Grantville, Corinella, and Cowes over Wednesday and Thursday last week to speak directly with residents and find out what issues are affecting them directly and ask how the shire can better connect with the community. 

Communications officer Fybian said the themes and common requests from locals are the way in which they receive their news, many stating that councillors need to bring back their direct communication with residents instead of email replies from internal departments. 

“We have also had strong response to bring back community engagement sessions and to balance out our communication between media platforms – including newspapers, online and mailouts – many asking to have the choice of receiving monthly newsletters posted out to their homes – this way the elder generation can keep up to date with projects,” said Fybian. 

“These sessions have given us a good insight into the different demographics, showing us how we can keep each demographic informed and how we can better communicate on projects for feedback to ensure everyone is having their say.” 

The communications and customer service team are inviting the community to get in touch with the Shire, and give feedback on the 2023-2026 communication strategy that is open until January 6.

John Trigt
I’ve requested that the Bass Coast Shire start back the monthly community engagement sessions. They were stopped during the pandemic, but I think it’s time for community connection and these sessions allowed the locals to have a voice and if the shire won’t start them back up – then why not?  

John Pritchard 

I raised the issue of infrastructure with the communications team, asking them to listen to the community when we say there is not enough infrastructure on our island to continue with development. Councillors are approving projects without taking on community feedback. 

Lynne Pritchard 
I raised the issue of parking in Cowes. Developments are being approved and more and more carparks are being allocated for new infrastructure but what about the street parking in peak season? They seem to be changing the character of our town, the reason why tourists visit in the first place. We are giving feedback on projects but not being listened to.