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Draft statement of planning policy submitted by Bass Coast Shire Council for Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program from Victorian government

Bass Coast Shire Council will lodge a submission with the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) on the draft Statement of Planning Policy, outlining its concerns.

By news@gippsland - 20th May 2022 - Back to News

The submission was prepared in response to the final stage of public consultation for the Victorian government's Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program for Bass Coast. Through this program, the entire municipality of Bass Coast has been declared a 'distinctive area and landscape' and as part of this declaration, the Minister for Planning was required to prepare a Statement of Planning Policy (SPP).

Through Victorian government's Distinctive Areas and Landscapes program, the entire municipality of Bass Coast has been declared a 'distinctive area and landscape'

Identifying the opportunities

In particular, council's submission identifies opportunities to:

• Further achieve greenhouse gas reduction and strive for zero net emissions by introducing new binding objectives and strategies to the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation policy domain
• Protect regionally significant landscapes alongside state significance landscapes in the Bass Coast Planning Scheme
• Elevate the protection of native vegetation cover and the natural environment, particularly where an area has been identified as an area of interest for extractive resources (e.g. sand mining)
• Fully understand the land use requirements for employment and residential land use across the Shire before implementing protected settlement boundaries

Bass Coast Shire Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said that while council welcomes the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes work that the government has undertaken, there are several areas in which the policy can be strengthened to ensure its effective implementation.

Protecting the valued attributes

Cr Whelan said, "We acknowledge that the preparation of the SPP is an important step in further protecting the valued attributes of Bass Coast. It is crucial that this Policy safeguards our beautiful environment, which is the cornerstone of our regional economy."

"Despite the power of work that has been done by the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP), council has had a limited time to respond and would like to get further work done before locking in town boundaries. It is important to get this right and ensure we understand the full implications of the recommendations to be put before the Minister." Cr Whelan said.

Identifying the issues

Cr Whelan said council would like to see the township boundaries at Cape Paterson and Newhaven referred to a Planning Panel. "This will allow DELWP to further explore the issues involved and the best way to protect the environment as well as understand the economic and social implications of protecting these boundaries."

"We would also welcome the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Planning to discuss and resolve our concerns surrounding the draft SPP, prior to its finalisation and endorsement." Cr Whelan said.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
  Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Baw Baw book boxes bring free children’s books and reading opportunities to communities across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul
  Baw Baw Shire Council and Drouin Men’s Shed have installed community book boxes across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul, offering free children’s books while encouraging literacy, reading and family connections.
• Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally.
• Darren Chester slams Victorian Labor over five-year delay in critical Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade despite federal funding
  Darren Chester has slammed Victoria's Labor Government over the stalled Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade, despite $10m federal funding committed in 2021, saying Gippsland communities have waited five years for promised safety improvements.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
  The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets.
• Nationals introduced Bill to protect Victoria's agricultural land from poorly planned development and improve food security
  The Nationals introduced a Victorian bill to protect agricultural land from poor development, recognising farming's $22 billion contribution and supporting long-term food security.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services.
• Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities.