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Activating our outdoor spaces this summer for business in Bass Coast Shire

Bass Coast Shire Council is helping local businesses to create outdoor trading and dining spaces across the Shire this summer.

By news@gippsland - 23rd December 2021 - Back to News

Council received $500,000 from the State Government's COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund to create new outdoor dining spaces. As part of this project, two 'skiplets' will be installed. Skiplets are made from revamped skip bins that have timber floors, seating and coastal plants to accommodate diners in a COVID-safe way.

Two skiplets will provide additional outdoor dining opportunities in Inverloch and Newhaven this summer

Skiplets in place

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said that a skiplet is located outside The Seaside Provider at Newhaven and will be located outside Gelato Al Mare in Inverloch. "The skiplets are being leased and will remain in place for six months," Cr Whelan said.

The funding will also be used to facilitate 16 parklets across the Shire, including some of the spaces established last summer. "In Inverloch, outdoor dining spaces have been set up in the car spaces along A'Beckett Street and The Inlet Hotel will continue outdoor trading in their purpose built shipping containers. Deck chairs will be available outside of the Inverloch Community Hub during office hours, weather permitting." Cr Whelan said.

Expression of interest opened

In San Remo, Westernport Hotel and San Remo Hotel customers will continue to enjoy the outdoor parklets that were activated last summer, as well as the new picnic tables that have been installed along the grassed foreshore area. In Cowes, The Esplanade has been transformed into one-way traffic to enable Hotel Phillip Island, M&O Cafe and Tapas and North Pier Hotel to expand their outdoor trading capacity.

"We've also just opened an Expression of Interest for Cowes-based businesses to operate from Olive Justice Place this summer. We welcome creative ideas from hospitality, beauty or retail businesses, community groups, children's entertainers, artists or creatives on how they can activate this precinct and help their business." Cr Whelan said.

Creating outdoor trading

In Grantville, the outdoor dining area set up between the shops will operate again this summer. "We continue to encourage businesses to contact our Business and Industry Development Team if they are interested in creating an outdoor trading space," Cr Whelan concluded.

For more information on outdoor activation, contact council's Business and Industry Development Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or email business.support@basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
  East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program.
• Construction begins on Warragul’s $30M Library and Learning Centre, delivering new community, cultural and co-working spaces by 2028
  Construction has begun on Warragul’s $30 million Library and Learning Centre, featuring library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, with opening planned for early 2028.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community input on priorities and spending ahead of 2027/28 Budget Development and financial planning process
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback to help shape its 2027/28 Budget, with residents encouraged to share priorities, ideas and concerns through Have Your Say by November 1.
• South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
  South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs.
• Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
  Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries.
• Latrobe City Council seeks experienced artists to create vibrant community-inspired mural at Churchill Monash way underpass
  Latrobe City Council invites experienced mural artists to transform Churchill’s Monash Way underpass with community-inspired artwork. Expressions of Interest close 6 November 2026, with completion planned for early 2027.
• Free green waste disposal at South Gippsland transfer stations and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s latest updates cover free green waste disposal, road maintenance, summer fire preparation, community events, bird flu advice, swimming pool feedback, energy planning and local opportunities.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year Nature Plan to protect local biodiversity until 31 August 2026
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on its draft 10-year Nature Plan, outlining priorities to protect biodiversity, restore landscapes and engage residents. Public submissions close on 31 August 2026.
• Latrobe City Councillors recognised for years of dedicated service and commitment to local communities and regional leadership
  Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson received the Mayor Emeritus Award, while councillors Dale Harriman and Darren Howe marked 15 and 10 years of service. Council also secured adoption of five regional policy motions.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
  Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
  Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.