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Bass Coast Council leaders advocating events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation

Bass Coast Council leaders held 12 Parliament meetings, advocating for events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation, seeking government support and funding for key community projects.

By news@gippsland - 5th December 2025 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO are advocating strongly for Bass Coast, holding 12 meetings with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and Advisers across one action-packed day in Parliament.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead and Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari

Government priorities advocated

Council met with a broad cross-section of Government and Opposition members including the office of the Premier, Jacinta Allan, Ministers for Local Government, Planning, Agriculture, Community Sport, Transport Infrastructure, Creative Industries, Emergency Services, as well as Leader of the Opposition Jess Wilson and Shadow Ministers for Local Government, Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Planning, and Outdoor Recreation.

Key focus areas included:

• Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix - Council is seeking urgent support from the State Government to secure the event’s future in Bass Coast beyond 2026
• Wonthaggi Aquatic Centre - Council is seeking co-funding commitments from all levels of government to renew Bass Coast’s ageing pool
• Coastal Erosion - Council is calling for consistent, coordinated state-wide Coastal Inundation and Erosion Control, in the form of an overlay similar to the Bushfire Management Overlay
• Phillip Island Recreation Reserve - Council is seeking funding to deliver a fit-for-purpose, multi-use community sport and recreation hub for Phillip Island
• Activation of the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site - Council seeks to partner with the State Government to develop this key parcel of land into a thriving precinct that best serves the needs of the community
• Protection of Westernport Woodlands - Council is seeking recognition of the significance of the Westernport Woodlands and an Environmental Significance Overlay to ensure their ongoing protection and preservation

Further discussions were had to reinforce Council’s position on the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), and to reiterate the financial sustainability constraints of Peri-Urban Councils and the need to implement the Distinctive Areas Landscape (DAL) into the Planning Scheme, as well as the need for improved Public Transport connectivity across Bass Coast. The delegation was supported by State Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale.

Advocacy drives results

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead said reinforcing Council’s role as a trusted and solutions-focused partner was central to the conversations. "We are committed to working constructively with all levels of Government and all sides of politics to advance the needs of Bass Coast."

Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said the delegation was successful. "Getting in front of decision makers for face-to-face conversations is a critical part of our advocacy. We left Spring Street with no stone unturned, having met with every Minister and Shadow Minister who would open their door to us."

Cr Halstead said the initial conversations led to some early commitments for visits to Bass Coast in 2026. "Now that we've been to Spring Street, I’ve extended the invitation to all Ministers and Shadow Ministers to visit Bass Coast and see our community’s needs first-hand. I’m grateful to everyone that took the time to engage with us, and I look forward to continuing these conversations to translate them into funding announcements and ultimately action for the communities of Bass Coast."

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• Baw Baw book boxes bring free children’s books and reading opportunities to communities across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul
  Baw Baw Shire Council and Drouin Men’s Shed have installed community book boxes across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul, offering free children’s books while encouraging literacy, reading and family connections.
• Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.