Bass Coast Shire Council's Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO have taken Council's advocacy priorities straight to Spring Street in an effort to secure positive commitments for the region ahead of the 2026 State Election.
Council met with a broad cross-section of Government and Opposition members on Tuesday 12 May including the office of the Premier, Jacinta Allan, the Deputy Opposition Leader, David Southwick, Ministers for Tourism, Sport, Major Events, Planning, Local Government and Community Sport, and Shadow Ministers for Tourism and Major Events, Sport, and Environment.
Key focus areas included:
Phillip Island's Economic Transition
Council took a joint advocacy position partnering with Destination Gippsland, Destination Phillip Island, and Phillip Island Nature Parks to seek commitment from Government to support Phillip Island and Bass Coast in the wake of the MotoGP leaving the island in 2027.
Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre
The Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre is at the end of its life and is in desperate need of upgrade. Council is seeking co-contribution from all levels of government to renew Bass Coast's ageing pool.
Coastal Erosion
Council is calling for consistent, coordinated state-wide Coastal Inundation and Erosion Control, in the form of an overlay similar to the Bushfire Management Overlay.
Phillip Island Sporting Precinct
Council is seeking a funding to deliver the first stages of a fit-for-purpose, multi-use community sport and recreation hub for Phillip Island.
Activation of the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site
Following the Federal Government's positive announcement of $632,000 through its Regional Partnerships & Precincts Fund to support master planning for the site, Council seeks to partner with the State Government to develop this key parcel of land into a thriving precinct that best serves the needs of the community.
Protection of Westernport Woodlands
Council is seeking recognition of the significance of the Westernport Woodlands and an Environmental Significance Overlay to ensure their ongoing protection and preservation.
