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Cowes On The Move

At the end of the 2012 holiday season, several major projects in Cowes will resume in full swing as part of providing necessary infrastructure to support growth in the township and on Phillip Island.

By Bass Coast - 13th January 2012 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Steven Piasente, said that as the holiday season winds up, we are reminded that sharing our coast and major towns with visitors at peak times has become part of living in Bass Coast.

"Visitors to Bass Coast are good for business and more people mean it is busier on our roads, shops and beaches. We appreciate the patience and welcoming spirit locals show to our visitors.

"While townships like Cowes have a temporary increase in population over summer, we know that like other coastal destinations in Bass Coast and Victoria, Cowes will continue to see gradual permanent growth," said Mr Piasente.

Having well developed structure plans is key to ensuring we can control and direct the growth of our towns.

"The Cowes, Silverleaves, Ventnor & Wimbledon Heights Structure Plan was developed after extensive consultation with the Community," said Mr Piasente.

"It sets out the long term vision for these towns and will be used to guide future use and development in a coordinated manner.

The plan identifies the needs for land use planning including residential and commercial zoning, enhancing roads, traffic circulation, parking and recreation needs along with other stratagies required to manage growth in a sustainable manner.

"I know that during the peak summer period, many residents feel overwhelmed by the number of people and the strain this puts on the town’s resources. There is a long term vision for how and where the town grows and this vision is one that community members have had input into.

"In addition, Council continually reviews the impact of growth on townships by measuring what is happening in each area. For example Council undertakes regular traffic and parking studies and is currently involved in a land supply and demand study for Bass Coast Shire.

"These reviews influence the timing for release of additional land for development and the delivery of community infrastructure and services.

Being part of the future

Local residents have regular opportunities to help shape the future of their towns through the formal consultation processes that are part of Council reviews and delivery of projects. These processes differ depending on the project and statutory requirements.

Included in planning for expansion is the need to improve places for social, cultural and recreational activities. There are a number of these projects currently underway in Cowes and all of these include a community consultation component.

"Council has just acquired 16 hectares of land on the outskirts of Cowes to cater for the long term recreational needs of Phillip Island," said Mr Piasente.

"Even though this is a long term project, we have already set up a register so that anyone who has an interest in what should be developed on that site can get involved.

"Another major project currently underway is the development of the Cowes Cultural Precinct.

"This includes the creation of a Town Square and the proposed sale of 70 Chapel Street to fund future stages of the precinct.

"Development of the Town Square is the first stage of creating a Cowes Cultural precinct. This long term project will provide improved cultural, social and learning experiences for residents and visitors to Cowes.

"The Cowes Cultural Precinct has been been a focus for the community and Council for many years. Council developed intial concepts for the site in 2004 and also 2009.

"These initial concepts were formulated with advice from key leaders in the community involved in cultural activities and social groups, who hold local knowledge and expertise in these areas.

"Town Square plans have been on public display at the Cowes Customer Serve Centre since 17 November 2010 and this provides an opportunity for the community to view the plans and give feedback to Council.

"In terms of having input into the sale of 70 Chapel Street, we are currently taking submissions from the public about this proposed sale."

Feedback on the proposed sale of land at 70 Chapel can be made in writing to Council. Council must consider this feedback when they determine whether to proceed with the land sale. This consultation process is outlined by Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.

Submissions must be received by no later than Friday, 3 February 2012.

Mr Piasente said every Phillip Island resident had the opportunity to have a say in the long term future of the Island through these consultation processes.

"This is an exciting time for Cowes. Information collected through formal feedback has an impact on how long term projects take shape and eventuate, so it is really important to take up these opportunities," urged Mr Piasente.

"Our long term plans and activities are developed based on updated data, decision making by our Councillors, and feedback through formal consultation processes."

Written submissions on the proposed sale of 70 Chapel Street in Cowes are due by Friday, 3 February 2012 and can be sent to:

Chief Executive Officer
Bass Coast Shire Council
(Attn: David Wall, Asset Management Coordinator)
PO Box 118
WONTHAGGI VIC 3995

To register your interest in the development process for the recreation land at Phillip Island go to www.basscoast.vic.gov.au, email basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au or by call 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

For other opportunities to give feedback on planning issues, visit Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ website page.

For more information contact:

Melissa Hayes

communications officer

t (03) 5671 2703 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0400 804 187

e m.hayes@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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