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Bass Coast Shire Council endorses 2026-2030 Climate Change Action Plan, strengthening its net zero emissions commitment

Bass Coast Council has endorsed Climate Action Priority Actions 2026–2030 following a mid-term review and community consultation, strengthening its commitment to net zero emissions, resilience and local climate leadership.

By news@gippsland - 15th April 2026 - Back to News

At its April council meeting, Bass Coast Shire Council endorsed the Council Priority Actions 2026-2030, informed by the mid-term review of the Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, marking the next stage in delivering the plan and reinforcing council’s long-standing commitment to climate leadership.

Bass Coast Council, a climate emergency pioneer, reviewed its 2020 plan in 2025, updating priorities toward net zero emissions by 2030 for council and community

Climate action review

As one of the first regional councils in Australia to declare a Climate Emergency, Bass Coast has built a strong legacy of action and community-led leadership. Adopted in 2020, the Climate Change Action Plan was leading for its time, setting a clear pathway toward net zero emissions by 2030 across both council operations and the wider community.

In line with commitments made in the plan, council undertook a comprehensive mid‑term review throughout 2025 to ensure the plan remains effective, evidence based and aligned with community priorities. The findings of that review have now informed the Climate Change Achievements Report and the Climate Change Action Plan Update: Council Priority Actions 2026-2030.

Throughout September to November 2025, council engaged with residents, businesses, community groups and young people. Engagement activities included pop‑up information sessions, workshops, a deliberative community forum, a school visit, and a screening of Future Council followed by a panel discussion on youth-led climate action.

Sustainable future focus

The mid‑term review found climate action is most effective when it is collaborative, integrated across council operations, supported through partnerships and external funding, and focused on areas where council has direct control or influence. These learnings, alongside community feedback, shaped the refreshed Council Priority Actions.

The updated Priority Actions are organised under seven key areas, including Adaptation, Risk and Resilience; Energy Transition; Sustainable Transport; Waste and Circular Economy; Land, Water and Nature; Community, Equity and Climate Justice; and Leadership and Governance.

The review also confirmed the community actions in the original plan remain fit for purpose and highlighted opportunities to continue to strengthen partnerships with local farmers, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, young people and local businesses, while keeping skills and investment within the local economy.

Local climate action

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the achievements so far and the updated priorities reflect the passion and leadership of the Bass Coast community while highlighting where effort should be focused next. "Climate action continues to be something our community speaks up strongly about - and we see that time and time again, whether it’s through council plan engagement, attendance at events like our recent Sustainability Festival, or the everyday actions people are taking across Bass Coast."

"That commitment is delivering real results, from exceeding our renewable energy targets with more than 310 kilowatts of new solar and battery storage, to establishing new Community Resilience Hubs, expanding EV charging and restoring nature through partnerships like Biolinks. There are many ways we can respond to climate change, and I’m really looking forward to continuing to work alongside our community to find the approaches that are right for Bass Coast," Cr Halstead said.

Climate action update

Cr Halstead said, "It’s important that we understand the economic impacts of the actions, particularly as many households are facing cost of living pressures. We want to make sure the steps we take are practical, balanced and support our community, both environmentally and financially. This update builds on that momentum and ensures council’s next phase of action stays focused, practical and aligned with what our community values most."

Council will continue to report on progress through Quarterly Performance Reports, with a detailed annual update provided in council’s Annual Report, including updates on council emissions and community wide emissions trends.

Community members looking to take their next step in climate action can find ideas, inspiration and opportunities to get involved through council’s Climate Action Portal (The CAP). The Climate Change Action Plan Update: Council Priority Actions 2026-2030 and the Climate Change Achievements Report, featuring council and community stories from across Bass Coast, can be read at Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
  Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.
• Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3.
• Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• 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.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers.
• Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
  Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing.