Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input

Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.

By news@gippsland - 12th September 2025 - Back to News

Since the adoption of the Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, Bass Coast Shire Council and the community have worked together to make real progress towards a more sustainable future. Your feedback will help us assess progress and guide council's efforts to cut emissions, build resilience, and ensure a fair transition for everyone.

If you did not get the chance to attend any of the Community pop-up sessions, you can also join the full-day session will be held on Saturday 25 October 2025

Climate action progress

Key achievements so far include:

• Powering all council operations with 100% renewable electricity
• Installing more than 310 kW of solar panels and 120 kWh of battery storage on council facilities, boosting community resilience
• Progressing the transition to electric vehicles in the council's fleet, supported by new public charging stations soon to come online
• Supporting households, businesses and community groups through climate action grants and partnerships

We are now halfway through the Plan, and council is upholding its commitment to review and refresh it. The mid-term review is an opportunity to:

• Check that actions remain effective and aligned with community priorities
• Reflect on new science, technologies and opportunities that have emerged since 2020
• Refine and strengthen efforts to support community-led climate action in the lead up to 2030

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the review is about celebrating achievements while also looking ahead. "The community has been at the heart of this journey from the very beginning. We've made strong progress, and now we want to hear your thoughts on what's working well and where we can do better."

Online survey

Cr Halstead said, "Your ideas - whether from a household, a business, a community group or as a young person starting to shape the future - will help guide the next steps. Every voice matters in making Bass Coast a stronger and more sustainable place to live."

Community members are encouraged to get involved. Your feedback will directly shape the refreshed Climate Change Action Plan and guide future priorities. Find more information and complete a survey at Engage Bass Coast website.

Community engagements

Other opportunities to get involved are:

Community pop-up sessions

Drop in to speak with council staff and share your ideas:

• Grantville Transaction Centre - Thursday 18 September, 10.30 am - 1.30 pm
• Inverloch Hub - Tuesday 23 September, 10.30 am - 1.30 pm (school holidays)
• Berninneit, Cowes - Thursday 25 September, 10.30 am - 1.30 pm (school holidays)
• Wonthaggi Library - Wednesday 1 October, 12.00 - 2.00 pm (school holidays)
• Inverloch Hub - Tuesday 7 October, 10.00 am - 12.30 pm
• Berninneit, Cowes - Thursday 9 October, 10.30 am - 1.30 pm

A full-day session will be held on Saturday 25 October.

Special Event: An Afternoon of Film, Conversation & Climate Action

As part of the review, the community is also invited to a special screening of Damon Gameau's Future Council - a documentary that follows eight kids on a road trip across Europe as they challenge leaders and explore solutions to our greatest ecological challenges.

Film Screening, Panel & Q&A

Following the film, join a dynamic conversation led by Cr Mat Morgan, featuring local young changemakers, community leaders, and senior decision makers at council. Together, we'll explore how the film's themes resonate in Bass Coast and the opportunities they present for local climate and environment action.

• Where: Berninneit, Cowes
• When: Tuesday 30 September
• Time: 1.30 pm sharp (arrive 5 minutes early)
• Book via trybooking website

Hear from the next generation of change makers. Connect with those shaping our climate future. Be part of the change.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com