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Local People Review The Bass Coast Municipal Strategic Statement

Almost 30 local residents participated in recent workshops to review the Bass Coast Municipal Strategic Statement

By Carol McCormack - 3rd September 2002 - Back to News

Almost 30 local residents participated in recent workshops to review the Bass Coast Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). The MSS is the key strategic planning document for Bass Coast Shire and is contained within the Bass Coast Planning Scheme.

"The review will ensure that the MSS takes into account changing circumstances and is relevant to the current attitudes and aspirations of the community," said Cr John Gains, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council.

The workshops were held in Wonthaggi and Cowes. Attendees had the opportunity to raise issues and discuss the MSS. Ideas and issues raised at the workshops will be used to identify areas of the MSS that require improvement or change.

Some of the issues raised by participants included:

• the need for appropriate strategic plans in place prior to applications for development being considered;
• a greater emphasis on protecting the existing qualities of the Shire such as the natural environment;
• better consideration of environmental sustainability issues when making decisions;
• carparking;
• medium density housing;
• windfarms;
• vegetation.

The next step in reviewing the MSS is to prepare the draft review. This draft will take into account:

• how the MSS has functioned since it was approved three years ago; 
• the level of integration between the MSS and other strategies including the Victorian Coastal Strategy and;
• other emerging issues that the MSS should address, including those raised by the community.

"The review will identify future changes to the MSS and seek to outline strategic priorities that should be considered by Council in the future," said Cr Gains.

The draft review of the MSS will be available for public comment in November or December 2002.

"Council looks forward to further participation from members of the community in the MSS review when the draft goes on display later in the year," said Cr Gains.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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