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Shopfront improvement rebate returns in Bass Coast with applications due by 19 November 2023

Third Shopfront Improvement Rebate program with a $50,000 budget to enhance town accessibility, and safety, benefiting local businesses and suppliers. Applications open on October 9, 2023, with grants up to $2,000 available to successful applicants.

By news@gippsland - 29th September 2023 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is running another round of its highly successful Shopfront Improvement Rebate programs designed to further enhance the visual appeal of our towns as well as improving accessibility and safety. This will be the third round of the program with $50,000 in the latest budget ready for businesses to improve vibrant and attractive streets, shops, and public spaces.

The third Shopfront Improvement Rebate program is allocating $50,000 to enhance town aesthetics, safety, and economic vitality based on previous successful rounds

Flourishing local businesses

These factors play a key role in creating prosperous town centres and over the last couple of years this program has received very positive feedback from businesses. Previous rounds have seen 67 completed projects across Bass Coast with over 21 local suppliers being used during the previous round alone.

The direct investment with local suppliers exceeded $169,000 for our region and generated for local painters, sign writers, cabinet makers, designers, electricians and more. This program has been established to assist eligible businesses to refresh their shopfront to improve the vibrancy of individual shops, stimulate economic growth and enhance the look and feel of local commercial districts.

Promoting artistic initiatives

The Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said, "We're keen to see more creative projects by local artists to help brighten our streetscapes and further revitalise our business areas. Having fresh buildings helps to enhance the visual appeal of our area, as well as provide further economic growth in the region. We strongly encourage businesses to apply. Vibrant and attractive streets, shops and public spaces play an important role in creating prosperous town centres."

We will be focusing on highlighting the more creative projects to encourage businesses to select projects that add interest to our main business centres. Applications open on Monday, 9 October 2023 and close Sunday, 19 November 2023.

Program work examples

Successful applicants will be eligible for up to $2,000 from the funding pool of $50,000. Some examples of the works that can be completed as part of the program include:

• Painting of the shopfront/facade
• External signage and A-frames
• Improved accessibility
• Replacement of outdoor furniture and umbrellas
• Planter boxes, fencing and display of goods infrastructure
• Painting of the shopfront/facade
• Minor repairs to structural facade elements, awnings, and verandas
• Installation of store lighting visible from the street

Council is offering a visual merchandising workshop for businesses interested in applying for the rebate.

Create a standout shopfront

Join Maja from Phillip Island Graphic Design to learn how you can create a standout shopfront! This workshop covers the key elements to ensure your shopfront will get noticed. Attendees will go in the draw to receive a one-on-one consultation session with Maja to talk about all things shopfront.

• Wednesday, 1 November
• 9.30am to 11am
• Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre, 895 Phillip Island Tourist Road, Newhaven
• Register to attend the workshop

To know more, visit Shopfront Improvement Rebate Program page.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Sunset Strip Bike Jump Park opens on Phillip Island delivering new riding facility for all ages
  Bass Coast Shire Council opened the Sunset Strip Bike Jump Park on Phillip Island, creating a purpose-built riding facility for all ages as the first project under its mountain bike, BMX and pump track strategy.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 10-Year Master Plan to preserve and enhance Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed a 10-year master plan for Drouin’s Alex Goudie Park, guiding future improvements, protecting its natural and cultural heritage, and enhancing amenities for community enjoyment.
• Camp Woolamai chosen as finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards with voting open until 26 June 2026
  Cape Woolamai is a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. Bass Coast Shire Council is encouraging locals and visitors to vote, recognising the town’s outstanding visitor experiences and tourism commitment.
• Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
  Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community.
• Labor Budget delivers cost-of-living relief and regional investment across Eastern Victoria’s services
  Labor’s Budget delivers cost-of-living relief and major investment across Eastern Victoria, including transport discounts, health and education funding, and improved regional infrastructure and services.
• Newhaven residents invited to shape safer roads, transport and future traffic planning through community feedback until 27 May 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking Newhaven community feedback on transport and road safety to inform a Local Area Traffic Management Plan improving movement, safety, infrastructure planning and future funding priorities.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot progresses with $2.35M tender awarded, restoring safe local access
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $2.35 million tender to rebuild Stewart Road Bridge, restoring safe access, supporting emergency services, and increasing load capacity to 44 tonnes.
• Victorian budget delivers cost of living relief, transport discounts, regional investment and services support
  Victorian Budget delivers cost-of-living relief, including rego discounts, cheaper transport, and major investments in health, education, regional infrastructure, and community services.
• Gippsland Water completes Baw Baw Leak Detection Program, repairing hidden leaks to improve service reliability and reduce water loss
  Gippsland Water's Baw Baw leak detection program surveyed 425 km of mains, uncovering 128 leaks. Repairs improve service reliability, reduce water loss, and support proactive network maintenance across the region.
• Latrobe City Council enhances Seymour Street Car Park safety, lighting, access, and parking experience
  Latrobe City Council upgrades Seymour Street Car Park with improved lighting, safety measures, CCTV, and future real-time signage, ensuring accessible, secure all-day parking and enhanced confidence for CBD workers and visitors.
• Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure
  Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026.
• Baw Baw Draft Budget invests millions in roads, sporting projects and infrastructure while seeking community feedback until 14 May 2026
  Baw Baw $127.5 million Draft Budget includes $50.9 million for infrastructure, major sporting upgrades, road projects and long-term planning, with community feedback open until 14 May.
• Victorian government confirms Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will remain at Phillip Island with ongoing event support
  Bass Coast Council welcomes Victorian Government confirming Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will stay at Phillip Island, rejecting Albert Park move, ensuring ongoing funding, supporting tourism, jobs, and regional community benefits beyond 2026.
• Union Theatre Wonthaggi HVAC upgrade begins, ensuring comfort, reliability, and long-term operation for the community
  Bass Coast Shire Council is upgrading Wonthaggi’s Union Theatre HVAC system, ensuring comfort, reliability, and future-proofing the historic venue, with works valued at $899,000 and expected completion by 20 March 2026.
• Draft Lion’s Park Master Plan prioritises inclusivity, safety and recreation for young women and girls, shaping Sale’s key community open space
  The Draft Lion’s Park Master Plan focuses on inclusive, safe spaces, especially for young women and girls, guiding staged improvements and inviting community feedback to shape Sale’s key open space.
• Darren Chester criticised Labor budget for cutting agriculture, pest control funding and regional infrastructure, impacting food security
  Federal Budget criticised for cutting agriculture funding by $190 million, reducing drought and pest programs, and failing to invest in food security, biosecurity and regional infrastructure, according to Darren Chester.