Bass Coast Shire Council has endorsed the release of eight key draft strategic plans at today's August Council Meeting, inviting the community to provide feedback on the priorities and actions that will shape the region's future.
The drafts now heading out for consultation are the result of one of the most extensive community engagement processes Council has ever undertaken. Over the past year, Council has worked closely with the community through a 45-member Community Panel, pop-up events, surveys, focus groups, workshops, and conversations with service providers, community groups and individuals across Bass Coast. This wide-ranging input has guided the development of each plan.
The following draft documents are now open for community consultation:
- Community Vision 2045 - setting out the long-term aspirations for Bass Coast over the next 20 years.
- Council Plan 2025-2029 - outlining the strategic objectives that will drive Council's work over the next four years.
- Annual Action Plan 2025-2026 - detailing the immediate actions Council will deliver over the next 12 months.
- Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2025-2029 - outlining Council's strategic approach to animal management, addressing responsible pet ownership, compliance, dogs in public places and protection of the natural environment.
- Healthy, Safe and Resilient Bass Coast Plan 2025-2029 - Council's Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, setting out health and wellbeing priorities and adopting a life-course approach to supporting residents of all ages.
- Long Term Financial Plan 2025-2026 to 2034-2035 - providing a helicopter view of Council's revenue and expenditure projections over the next decade, supporting sustainable service delivery and a major capital works program.
- Asset Plan 2025-2035 - detailing how Council will manage more than $1.47 billion in infrastructure assets including roads, drainage, buildings, open space and pathways to meet agreed service levels and community needs.
- Disability Action Plan 2025-2029 - setting out actions to reduce barriers for people with disability, promote inclusion and participation in community life, and achieve measurable change in attitudes and practices that discriminate against people with disability.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the draft plans are built firmly on the community's input.
"The priorities identified by our community are at the heart of these draft plans," Cr Halstead said.
"This consultation is the final check-in - a chance to see how your feedback has been incorporated and to make sure we've captured what matters most before Council considers adoption."
Together, the draft plans provide a clear roadmap to guide Council's decision making, taking into account economic, social, environmental factors and community wellbeing.
Community members can view the drafts and provide feedback via Engage Bass Coast, which brings together all the plans in one accessible place. Closing dates are from 9 September to 14 September so please take a look soon so we can include your voice.
Council will also reconnect with those who contributed earlier, including the Community Panel, key advisory groups, community networks, service providers and youth representatives, to check in on how their input has shaped the drafts.
Final versions of the plans will be considered for adoption by Council in the October Meeting.
