Whether it's discovering local produce, meeting the person behind a handmade product, enjoying live music with friends or spending a sunny morning exploring a township, markets are part of what makes Bass Coast special.
They bring people together, support local businesses and community groups, activate public spaces and help create the unique character and sense of place we value across the region. And one thing we heard loud and clear during a recent review is that Bass Coast loves its markets.
At its September meeting, Bass Coast Shire Council adopted the Bass Coast Shire Council Public Market Guidelines 2026, following a comprehensive review of markets on public land.
The review found strong support for markets from residents, stallholders and market organisers, with many recognising their contribution to community connection, local enterprise, tourism and vibrant public spaces.
As part of the review, Council engaged with more than 130 community members, local businesses, market operators and stallholders.
Community feedback showed overwhelming support for markets, with 96 per cent of residents agreeing local markets are important to Bass Coast and almost a quarter saying they would like to see more.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said the new Guidelines reflected what the community had told Council about the future of markets in Bass Coast:
"We've listened to how our community wants markets to operate across Bass Coast, and with summer just around the corner I'd encourage our market operators to get their EOIs in so we can look forward to another great season of local produce, makers, music and community across the region," Cr Tessari said.
The review also identified areas for improvement, including market quality, local participation, trading times, traffic management, sustainability and how markets contribute to local town centres.
The new Public Market Guidelines establish 6 guiding principles that will be used to assess all market proposals:
- Community Benefit
- Sense of Place
- Local Participation & Enterprise
- Market Quality
- Operational Excellence & Safety
- Sustainability
Under the new framework, organisers of new markets and those proposing significant changes to existing markets will submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for assessment against these principles.
Council is now inviting market operators to submit EOIs for the 2026/27 market season.
There will be no change to market fees for the 2026/27 financial year, and Council will work closely with current operators to support them through the new process and help ensure a successful summer season.
To view the Guidelines and submit an Expression of Interest, visit basscoast.vic.gov.au/planning-an-event
