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Rural Land Use Strategy part of Planning SchemeNew controls to manage the use of rural land in Bass Coast Shire now form part of the Bass Coast Planning Scheme. By Portal Admin - 20th February 2017 - Back to News Amendment C140, which implements the Bass Coast Rural Land Use Strategy 2014, was recently approved by the Minister for Planning, completing what has been a priority project for Council since the commencement of the Strategy in 2010.
The Rural Land Use Strategy was adopted by Council in August 2013, and Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Pamela Rothfield, said the Amendment affects all land zoned Farming and Rural Activity across the Shire.
"It sets out the long-term vision for the Shire’s rural areas and aims to protect the opportunity for agriculture and rural landscapes, maintain green breaks between towns and provide for rural tourism," Cr Rothfield said.
"The Strategy recommended a number of changes to the Planning Scheme to provide strong policy direction, guide decision-making and introduce new zoning and overlay provisions to support agriculture, encourage rural tourism and protect rural environmental assets."
There are a number of technical changes to the Bass Coast Planning Scheme, as the Amendment:
Modifies the Municipal Strategic Statement to support the new policy directions
Includes the Bass Coast Rural Land Use Strategy 2014 and the Bass Coast
Shire Review of Rhyll Wetland 2015 as Reference Documents
Introduces four new local policies - Rural subdivision, Rural dwellings, Non-agricultural uses in the Farming Zone and Rural Activity Zone to guide decision-making in these policy areas
Rezones land at Coronet Bay/Corinella, Inverloch/Cape Paterson and 1003 Bass Highway, The Gurdies, commonly referred to as "Fantasia Site", from the Farming Zone to the Rural Activity Zone
Rezones an area west of the Rhyll Wetland from the Farming Zone to the Rural Conservation Zone and applies the Environmental Significance Overlay – Schedule 1 (Coastal Wetland Areas) to an area west of the Rhyll Wetland
Updates the schedule to the Rural Activity Zone
Updates the schedule to the Farming Zone at Clause 35.07, identifying three precincts with tailored subdivision provisions, being:
- Precinct 1 – East of Bass Highway, which is the main commercial agriculture area. A minimum subdivision lot size of 80ha is introduced Rural Land Use Strategy part of Planning Scheme and a permit will be required for a dwelling on any lot less than 40ha in area.
- Precinct 2 – West and South of Bass Highway, which is a mix of commercial agriculture and lifestyle farming. A minimum subdivision lot size of 80ha is introduced and a permit will be required for a dwelling on any lot less than 40ha in area.
- Precinct 3 – Phillip Island, which is a mixture of commercial agriculture, growing tourism demand and lifestyle farming. A minimum subdivision lot size of 40ha is maintained, and a permit will be required for a dwelling on any lot less than 40ha in area.
For more information on the Rural Land Use Strategy, please contact Council’s Strategic Planning Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211.
For more information contact:
Simone Short
media communications officer
t (03) 5671 2703 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0400 804 187
e simone.short@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com

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Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities. - Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety. - Put your phone down and connect through art at Cowes’ new Analog Art Club starting 1st of December 2026
Analog Art Club launches at Berninneit Art Gallery, Cowes, on 1 December, offering free monthly phone-free mornings with art, creative workshops and conversations led by artists and curators. Registration is essential.
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