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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.

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

Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan to guide the town's growth and development, and we want to hear from you. We're inviting the community to share what they value most about Wonthaggi today, what opportunities they see for the future, and what might be missing.

With Wonthaggi-Inverloch population projected above 34,000 by 2036, council is updating Wonthaggi Structure Plan to guide sustainable growth

Wonthaggi moving forward

As the regional centre of Bass Coast, Wonthaggi is rich in history, from its origins as a coal mining town to its vibrant arts scene and all surrounded by natural beauty. Its proximity to Melbourne, strong community, and essential services make it a vital hub not only for residents but also for people from surrounding towns, Phillip Island and beyond.

A structure plan is a long-term strategic document that outlines potential changes to land use, development, and urban design. Since the current plan was adopted in 2018, significant updates to planning policy have prompted the need for a fresh look.

Create, connect, thrive

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, is eager to hear the community's ideas. "Wonthaggi is growing, and this is your chance to help shape its future for today's residents and generations to come. Right now, you can see the Activity Centre Plan unfolding before your eyes in Graham Street: new trees, upgraded pavements and a refreshed streetscape. That plan came out of earlier structure planning. What we're asking for this time is even bigger."

"We're not just talking about what Wonthaggi needs today, but what it could and should look like for our children and grandchildren. We want your bold, creative future-focused ideas about how Wonthaggi grows, connects and thrives for the people who live, work, shop and visit here," Cr Halstead said.

Wonthaggi's next chapter

We're seeking feedback across key areas:

• Settlement and Housing: land supply, housing diversity, location and choice
• Economic Development: jobs, tourism, commercial activity, industry, events
• Character and Heritage: urban and building design, village character, architectural style, building heights, heritage protection
• Open Space and Environment: parks, natural areas, recreation, health and education facilities, community spaces
• Connectivity: walking, cycling, public transport, roads, parking, freight, accessibility
• Infrastructure: utilities, drainage, health and education services

Have your say by visiting Engage Bass Coast website, where you can share your ideas and mark them on an interactive map of Wonthaggi. We'll also be forming a Community Reference Group to take part in several in-person workshops. Follow the project page to be notified when Expressions of Interest open in the coming weeks.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com