Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Panel Hearing In CowesProtecting vegetation on Phillip Island and future development, including town boundaries of Phillip Island, San Remo and Inverloch were the focus of Panel Hearings in Cowes last week. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 6th June 2007 - Back to News The three days of panel hearings were the result of a Council decision in November 2006, where the Council voted to refer submissions on proposed changes to the Bass Coast Planning Scheme (officially known as Amendment C46) to an independent panel.
The Independent Panel, set by the Minister for Planning, consisted of two people who are independent of the issues involved and who are experts in the field of planning.
The Panel heard 19 submissions from local community and environmental groups, local residents and developers. A further 14 submissions were considered by the Panel, but were not represented in person.
Approximately half of the presentations at the Panel Hearing related to vegetation protection. The remainder concerned Bass Coast’s design frameworks or proposed boundaries for the townships of Phillip Island, San Remo and Inverloch.
Council’s Strategic Planning Coordinator, Lisa Dunlop said the Panel process was important to ensure that there was an independent review of all the issues involved in such complex changes to the Planning Scheme.
"These changes will ensure that there are some clear strategies and guidelines for development on Phillip Island and in San Remo and Inverloch," said Ms Dunlop.
"This will improve on the policies already in the planning scheme and assist the Council in making decisions on planning applications.
"It is important that they incorporated into the Bass Coast Planning Scheme to give them more weight when the Council is making decisions," explained Ms Dunlop.
The Design Frameworks were put together after extensive community consultation and were adopted by the Council in 2003. The current process will see them formally incorporated into the Bass Coast Planning Scheme.
"We developed the Design Frameworks for Phillip Island and San Remo and for Inverloch in response to community concerns about inappropriate development occurring in the areas," Ms Dunlop said.
"This is an important project for us because it is the implementation of several years of strategic work and helps to set the picture for future developments in these areas.
"Hopefully these amendments will also help increase the efficiency of the planning department," continued Ms Dunlop.
"For example, the changes to vegetation protection will ensure that we are not dealing with unnecessary planning permits (for example permits for weed species) so that resources can be better utilised within the planning department."
The Panel is expected to report on the submissions, with recommendations to the Council in two months time.
The Council will then make a decision, with the final approval resting with the Minister for Planning.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- East Gippsland Council backs Planning Panel recommendations to guide sustainable growth in Paynesville, Eagle Point
East Gippsland Council has endorsed independent Planning Panel recommendations to guide Paynesville and Eagle Point’s sustainable growth, infrastructure and environmental protection while reflecting local character. - Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit. - Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal. - Phillip Island gears up for the return of MotoGP and Marquee October events across Bass Coast
Phillip Island hosts a huge October of events, headlined by the 2025 MotoGP, drawing 100,000 fans for racing, music, and entertainment, with free Community Day tickets and Cowes transformed into an entertainment hub. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - West Gippsland CMA welcomes expressions of interest for Contractor Panel Services 2026-2029 until 15 May 2026
Expressions of Interest invited for WGCMA contractor panel (2026–2029), closing 15 May 2026, covering fencing, weed control, revegetation, and earthmoving services with full documentation required for submission. - Vegas Fitzmaurice exhibition at Cowes Berninneit Art Gallery from 1 November to 6 December 2025
Berninneit Art Gallery presents Millowl - A Mother's Element by Vegas Fitzmaurice, a heartfelt tribute to motherhood, nature, and Phillip Island's elemental beauty. Exhibition runs 1 Nov - 6 Dec 2025. - Planning Amendment C133 to rezone 14 Radovick Street, Korumburra, faces Independent Panel Hearing on 4 December 2025
Council’s Planning Amendment C133 proposes rezoning 14 Radovick Street, Korumburra. Independent Panel Hearing is Thursday, 4 December 2025, 2pm, Korumburra Community Hub; public may attend, submissions required to speak. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Melina Bath urges fair firearm reforms protecting law-abiding owners while maintaining community safety in Victoria
Melina Bath urges fair firearm law reforms, protecting responsible owners’ rights while strengthening enforcement against crime and improving safety through evidence-based, proportionate measures. - 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. - Bass Coast hosts 2026 International Women’s Day lunch celebration guest speaker Hannah Diviney at Phillip Island Winery, Ventnor on 6 March 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will host its 2026 International Women’s Day Lunch on 6 March at Phillip Island Winery, featuring guest speaker Hannah Diviney, celebrating women’s achievements, equality and community connection. - East Gippsland Shire adopts fairer Raymond Island Ferry pass system, replacing portable passes with vehicle stickers from 2026/27
East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Raymond Island Ferry portable passes with vehicle stickers by 2026/27, introducing fairer allocations for residents and tenants, with interim free pass improvements effective immediately. - Cr Gilligan nominated for Mary Rogers Award, for protecting South Gippsland’s coastline and advancing storm surge solutions
Councillor Gilligan was nominated for the Mary Rogers Award, recognising her leadership in protecting South Gippsland’s coastline and securing $80,000 to explore innovative Venus Bay saltmarsh storm surge solutions. - Bass Coast Sustainability Festival 2026 celebrates community creativity, and environmental care at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes on 7 March 2026
The 2026 Bass Coast Sustainability Festival at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes, celebrates community, creativity, and environmental care with workshops, live music, stalls, food, and special guest Craig Reucassell. - East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27. - East Gippsland Shire Council issues additional ferry passes for Raymond Island landowners and renters ahead of new system
East Gippsland Council will mail additional 2025/26 ferry passes to Raymond Island landowners and renters, ensuring fairness while developing a new sticker-based pass system launching August 2026. - Future of Orbost Project strengthens water access, supporting agricultural innovation and long-term regional growth
The Future of Orbost Project supports farmers by clarifying water availability, facilitating licence transfers, and building resilience, driving innovation, productivity, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth in East Gippsland. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety. - Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action. - Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers modern pavilion, change rooms and multi-purpose community hub for future generations
Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers modern community pavilion and sports facilities, ensuring a safe, multi-purpose hub for generations, supported by local, state and federal government investment. - Tim Bull claims Environment Minister misled contractors, as DEECA contracts may reduce existing external panel work
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor Government of cutting fire mitigation work for contractors, misleading them on funding, and failing to maintain promised work volumes across East Gippsland. - Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Strategy guiding growth, investment, workforce and industry diversification through 2031
Latrobe City Council has endorsed an Economic Development Strategy to guide growth, investment, workforce development, and industry diversification, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and nationally significant industrial hub by 2031. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities. - Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration. - East Gippsland Council and farmers welcome the $2.75M boost for feral pig control under the Victorian government's Protecting Biodiversity program
East Gippsland Shire Council and farmers welcome $2.75 million for feral pig control, focusing on public land, local employment, and coordinated efforts to protect agriculture, biodiversity, and regional communities. - Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October. - Offshore Theatre celebrates 30 Years with award-winning ‘Speaking in Tongues’ at Berninneit on 17 May 2026
Phillip Island’s Offshore Theatre presents AWGIE-winning Speaking in Tongues, exploring love, betrayal, and human connections. The 2026 Berninneit season celebrates 30 years, opening May 14 with special events. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Mallacoota community invited to share ideas for long-term future of Foreshore Holiday Park drop-in sessions on 10 and 13 April 2026
Mallacoota residents and park users are invited to informal drop-in sessions to share feedback, helping shape the Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park master plan and guide its future improvements. - Baw Baw Shire aquatic facilities future management decision announced
Baw Baw Council will continue current aquatic and leisure facility operations with YMCA Victoria for 12 months, ensuring service continuity while assessing future management and preparing for a future tender process. - Gippsland Water hosts Baw Baw pop-ups, inviting community feedback on future water planning and services on 18 April, 6 and 16 May 2026
Gippsland Water hosts Baw Baw pop-up events, inviting community feedback on future water services, planning, pricing, and infrastructure decisions. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.
|
|
