Wonthaggi community helps shape the town’s future

THE first round of consultation sessions for Bass Coast Shire’s structural planning review of Wonthaggi has revealed encouraging support by the community for the town they love.

Residents have shown they are eager to shift the perception of the area, with one local noting, “It’s not just a toilet stop for visitors.” Instead, the community wants long-term jobs, an education hub, and infrastructure that supports every stage of life.

Local resident Dyonn Dimmock praised the town's unique appeal, describing Wonthaggi as an exceptional place to live due to its close proximity to amenities, beautiful bushland, beaches, and bicycle trails.

Dimmock attended the first Bass Coast Shire Council Community Engagement session to review the Draft Wonthaggi Structure Plan which outlined the future blueprint for the township.

"I was particularly pleased to be able to provide my suggestions on how we as a community, working in conjunction with the Bass Coast Shire Council, could achieve so much to improve the infrastructure," Dimmock said.

While acknowledging that tight budgets are a major concern for both households and local government today, Dimmock emphasised that community participation was vital.

"In the end, if we do not participate, we miss a perfect opportunity to shape our future for all residents who enjoy living in our beautiful township."

With many locals leading busy lives there were fears that residents might miss out on the council engagement sessions aimed at building better access and inclusion for everyone.

With growth forecasts showing the population of Wonthaggi and Inverloch expected to surge past 34,000 residents by 2036, preliminary community feedback identified housing, economic development, and town connectivity as major focus areas.

Dyonn Dimmock highlighted the critical need for safer, better-linked infrastructure. “My input was crossings, roads, access and the safety of residents and visitors to be considered to ensure our community has access to certain locations that require to be linked to our walking/bicycle trails and tourist attractions to enhance the well-being and enjoyment of all residents to enjoy.”

Significant feedback was received regarding utility capacity, particularly water pressure and sewerage systems, with some residents insisting that future developments must be careful not to outpace current infrastructure limits. Upgrading natural and recreational spaces was seen as important, with a specific focus on revitalising the Wonthaggi Wetlands Reserve and surrounding bushlands.

According to Bass Coast Shire Council, recent planning reports show that while housing capacity remains exceptionally strong, commercial and industrial zones require immediate adjustment. The Wonthaggi Tech School redevelopment was seen as a major priority for urgent action, alongside a strong call for state government funding and advocacy to transform the site into a vibrant public hub for community, civic, and arts use. A redeveloped aquatics facility in Wonthaggi went to the top of the list for improved health and recreation facilities.

Economic development was prioritised through targeted shifts in industrial and commercial land planning. This included an expansion of the settlement boundary for new industrial land, support for adequately sized industrial lots, and transitioning the Cyclone Street area from industrial to commercial.

To revitalise the township itself, Bass Coast Shire Council said it would undertake comprehensive strategic reviews to balance rapid commercial expansion with historical preservation. "We are listening closely to our community," a council spokesperson noted. "Our focus is on delivering sustainable growth that protects the unique character of Wonthaggi and Inverloch while ensuring our facilities meet modern demands."

The consultation period runs until October 30 with community feedback to be incorporated in the next draft of the structure plan which is likely to be finalised over coming months.