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San Remo hosts Invest Bass Coast Forum, uniting leaders to shape sustainable regional growth over breakfast 0n 29 April 2025

San Remo hosts the Invest Bass Coast Forum on 29 April, exploring growth, investment, tourism, and planning. Keynote speaker and expert panel to discuss the town's future over breakfast at Silverwater Resort.

By news@gippsland - 7th April 2025 - Back to News

San Remo is having its moment, and not just for its stunning coastline and famous fish and chips. Hosted by Bass Coast Shire Council, The Invest Bass Coast Forum is heading to San Remo on Tuesday, 29 April, giving local business, investors and land development professionals the opportunity to understand and discuss the key trends expected to shape our region over coming years. And what better way to do it than over breakfast at Silverwater Resort?

Book and join us for breakfast and conversation at Shaping San Remo - Invest Bass Coast Forum at Silverwater Resort on Tuesday, 29 April 2025

Investing in growth

Previously known as the Developing Bass Coast Forum, this long-running event has evolved into Invest Bass Coast, a name that better reflects our community's desire for smart, sustainable growth. It's about the future of our region; attracting investment, enhancing liveability, strengthening the visitor economy, and ensuring balanced, thoughtful planning for generations to come.

At last year's forum, attendees explored sustainable development in Bass Coast and learned about major projects like the Wonthaggi North East Precinct. Past forums have even featured renowned demographer Bernard Salt, who unpacked the key economic and population trends shaping Bass Coast.

This year, we're shifting focus to San Remo - one of Bass Coast's fastest-growing towns. With projections showing an increase of up to 2,100 residents over the next 20 years, and the San Remo Structure Plan currently open for feedback, the town is at a pivotal moment. As the gateway to Phillip Island and a key stop along the Yallock Bulluk Coastal Trail, investment in tourism, property, and business is set to transform its future.

San Remo spotlight

Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead is excited to see the data explored at the forum, "San Remo is already a hive of activity. With 76 shopfronts in the main township and a 95% occupancy rate, it's a thriving business hub. What really stands out is its vibrant night time economy, with 36% of businesses operating after dark - well above the 23% across Bass Coast. The Invest Bass Coast Forum is a fantastic opportunity to explore the key trends shaping our region's future."

So, what's next for San Remo? The forum will highlight key opportunities, challenges, and potential investments through a keynote speaker and an expert panel discussion featuring those with a vested interest in the town's future.

Keynote speaker

Orlando Harrison - Director, UrbanFoldA leader in urban design and placemaking, Orlando brings over 25 years of experience in architecture and design, tackling the big and messy challenges of urban growth with creativity and collaboration. He'll explore how design and placemaking can attract investment, benefit tourism, local business and the community.

Panel discussion

• Orlando Harrison - Director, UrbanFold
• Jodie Vogt - Owner, Phillip Island Hot Springs project
• Wolfgang Platzer - General Manager, San Remo Fisherman's Co-Op
• Nicholas Felstead - Manager Strategy and Growth, Bass Coast Shire Council

The Invest Bass Coast Forum is a collaboration between Council's Economic Development and Strategic Planning teams, offering a unique opportunity to hear from experts, ask questions, and be part of shaping the town's future. Whether you're a business owner looking for that lightbulb moment, a local keen to understand how your town is evolving, or a professional working in planning and development, this event is for you.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Gippsland Water completes major Warragul sewer upgrade, boosting capacity and supporting town’s rapid growth and future reliability
  Gippsland Water has completed a 1.5-kilometre Warragul sewer upgrade, increasing capacity, improving reliability, supporting population growth, and protecting the environment, including relocation of threatened local species during construction.
• Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
  Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
  Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities.
• Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
  Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit.
• Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
  Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide.
• Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
  Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley.
• Register now for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail and join Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt this November
  Registrations are open for the Garage Sale Trail this November - host a sale, declutter, earn cash, or find amazing secondhand bargains.
• Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
  As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• East Gippsland Youth Art Prize 2025 celebrates creativity, talent, and next generation artists
  East Gippsland’s 2025 Youth Art Prize showcased young artists aged 12–25, celebrating creativity, talent, and community engagement, with winners announced at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub in Bairnsdale.
• Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park wins 2025 Geographic Naming Award, celebrating local heritage and community contributions
  Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park, still under construction, has won the 2025 Geographic Naming Award, recognising Mrs Malacarne lifelong contributions and the community-led naming process.
• Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
  Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria.
• Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
  Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms.
• Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
  Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities.