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Governor Of Victoria Launches Bass Coast Health PlanAs the final part of his visit to Bass Coast, the Governor of Victoria, John Landy, A.C., M.B.E. attended a Reception at the Civic Centre in Wonthaggi this afternoon. By Bass Coast Shire - 17th November 2005 - Back to News In front of approximately 70 guests and dignitaries, including Federal and State MPs and Bass Coast Shire Councillors and staff, the Governor launched Council’s Municipal Public Health Plan – Health and Wellbeing in Bass Coast.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, officially welcomed the Governor.
Mr Bawden outlined the importance of the Municipal Public Health Plan (MPHP) in shaping the way Council viewed its responsibility for the health and wellbeing of the community.
"This is an incredibly important document for Bass Coast, " said Mr Bawden.
"It allows Council to deliver activities that directly effect the safety, health, amenity and economic security of the community.
Mr Bawden went on to thank the Governor for his attendance at the launch.
"Your presence goes some way to showing the priority Council places upon this strategy," said Mr Bawden.
The launch of the MPHP coincided with the launch of several other key programs and initiatives linked to the Plan’s four environments of health - Natural, Built, Social and Economic.
These programs and initiatives, the focus of today’s launch ceremony, include:
· Thompson Estate Natural Reserve Management Plan
· Affordable Housing Strategy
· Cowes Easy Access Maps
· Bass Coast Baton Relay Message
Thompson Estate Natural Reserve Management Plan
In launching the Management Plan for the Thompson Estate Natural Reserve, the Governor presented a tree to Council’s Environment Manager, Paul Smith.
The Thompson Estate Natural Reserve has a number of important indigenous vegetation communities and animal species that need to be cared for in addition to the upkeep of recreational activities provided on the site. The Management Plan defines and lists management issues and identifies actions designed to achieve this.
Affordable Housing Strategy
Mr Landy then went on to officially launch Council’s Affordable Housing Strategy, one of the first to be developed in Australia. Bass Coast Shire Council’s Social Planner, Jeanette Draper was on hand to receive a fully bound copy of the Strategy as part of the official proceedings.
The strategy addresses a number of issues, including providing affordable, adequate and appropriate housing, increasing the number of social houses for low income households, developing a range of housing types to meet the needs of emerging demographics and promoting housing affordability through Council planning strategies.
Cowes Easy Access Maps
The Cowes Easy Access Map is the first in a series of Easy Access Maps that will be produced for townships across the Bass Coast Shire.
The Governor officially launched the Cowes Easy Access Map, which identifies features such as accessible pathways, crossovers and accessible parking and toilets, so that people of all abilities can use and enjoy the many facilities available in Cowes.
Attending the official launch were Leanne Guerine of Council’s Planned Activity Group (PAG) and Alice Bradley of Bass Coast Community Health Services New Mother’s Group, who assisted in compiling the Easy Access Map.
Bass Coast Baton Relay
The Civic Reception concluded with the Governor presenting a message to be included inside the baton to be used in the Bass Coast Baton Relay.
The Relay is part of Council’s planned activities leading up to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. The Relay takes place on Sunday 20 November and will be a celebration of the Shire’s community spirit and recognise those who have played an important role within the community.
The message was presented to Linda Ryan, Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games Gold and Silver Medalist and Council Officer. Linda will be the first runner in Sunday’s Baton Relay.
At the end of the proceedings the Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council presented the Governor with a gift of appreciation for his visit and continued support of Bass Coast.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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