The Allan Labor Government is taking the next major step to safeguard the Bass Coast's natural beauty and guide future growth in a way that respects the environment, community values, and cultural heritage.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has released the draft Statement of Planning Policy (SPP) for the Bass Coast - a 50-year vision and strategy to manage land use and development in a way that preserves the region's unique character.
The Bass Coast is one of Victoria's most environmentally significant regions - home to the Bunurong Marine National Park, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Churchill Island and the Western Port Ramsar Wetlands. Its coastlines, farmland, wetlands and woodlands support native wildlife, tourism, agriculture and thriving local communities.
The release of the draft SPP paves the way for the formal endorsement process with councils and relevant public agencies - the next key step before the SPP can be finalised. It includes strategies to protect biodiversity, support climate resilience, and guide infrastructure planning.
As part of this plan, 24 protected settlement boundaries have been proposed to clearly define where growth can occur. These boundaries will help maintain the region's natural, cultural and scenic values for generations to come.
Once approved, the Bass Coast will become just the fourth area in Victoria to have an SPP in place - joining the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and the Macedon Ranges - giving it the state's highest level of long-term planning protection.
The draft policy was developed with input from Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Bass Coast Shire Council, government agencies and authorities, and the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Standing Advisory Committee.
More information about the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes legislation, including the Bass Coast SPP, is available at engage.vic.gov.au/project/distinctive-areas-and-landscapes-program/page/bass-coast
As stated by Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
"We have listened carefully to the inputs of local communities - this draft policy lays the groundwork for long-term protections that will preserve what makes the Bass Coast so special for future generations."
As stated by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"This declaration will deliver on our commitment to acknowledge the special significance of the Bass Coast, protect its settlement boundaries and what we love and value now and into the future."
