Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on two important draft plans that set the direction for health, wellbeing, inclusion and access in our region over the next four years.
At its meeting on Wednesday 20 August 2025, Council endorsed the release of the draft Healthy, Safe and Resilient Bass Coast Plan 2025-2029 and the draft Disability Action Plan 2025-2029 for the next stage of community consultation.
Both plans have been shaped by the voices and experiences of our community through pop-up events, surveys, focus groups, workshops and conversations with a wide range of service providers, community members and community groups.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the draft plans reflect the community's vision for a more inclusive and supportive Bass Coast.
"These plans are about people - about ensuring everyone in our community feels safe, supported, connected and valued. They have been created side-by-side with the community, and this consultation is the final opportunity to check in and make sure we've captured what matters most," Cr Halstead said.
The draft Healthy, Safe and Resilient Bass Coast Plan is Council's legislated Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. The plan takes a whole life approach to health and wellbeing and reflects the priorities identified by the community, including responses to mental health needs, cost of living pressures, and access to safe, inclusive spaces.
The draft Disability Action Plan sets a clear path to reduce barriers for people living with disability in Bass Coast. It promotes inclusion, participation and promotes equity. The Plan has been shaped by the lived experiences of people living with disability, along with insights from their families, carers, service providers, and community representatives.
Community feedback is open from 20 August to 14 September 2025 via Engage Bass Coast, Council's online engagement platform. Here, people can explore the plans, how they were formed and share input before the final versions are presented to Council in October.
Cr Halstead encouraged all residents to take part:
"Your voice has already been central to shaping these drafts, and now we'd love you to take a look, share your thoughts, and help make sure these plans reflect the heart of our community. Together, we can continue building a Bass Coast that is healthy, inclusive, safe and resilient for all."
To review the draft plans and provide feedback, visit www.engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au.
