Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Holiday Season Bass Coast StyleLarge numbers of holiday makers are expected to arrive in Bass Coast in the coming weeks, swelling the population to over 70,000. Bass Coast Shire Council Community Safety Manager, Philippa O’Halloran, By Bass Coast - 20th December 2011 - Back to News said the priority is to ensure everyone, residents and visitors alike, are safe over the holiday season.
"Our message to everyone who comes here is ‘Enjoy it, don’t spoil it’ and we are targeting certain behaviour to try and ensure this," said Mrs O’Halloran.
"We have put measures in place to protect people and our environment; however people do need to take responsibility for their actions. You need to respect other people, look out for each other and respect the place you’ve come to enjoy."
Traffic issues
Heavy traffic is expected over the holiday season, particularly on the weekend after Christmas.
"Boxing Day and the days leading up to New Year’s Eve are traditionally amongst the busiest days on our roads," said Frank Angarane, Council’s Events Coordinator.
"Unless you have to, we recommend that people stay off the roads on these days. If you have to travel, please plan your trip, allow extra time and make sure you have water in the car in case there are unexpected delays.
"Given the amount of roadwork around the region, this will put an extra strain on the roads. Motorists really need to take care travelling between Bass and San Remo," warned Mr Angarane.
"The extent of the roadworks means there is a reduced speed limit and significant traffic changes, including narrower lane widths. We are urging everyone to respect each other over the holidays and to drive carefully," stressed Mr Angarane.
"Certainly the increased population means that it takes longer to get around and our shops and streets are more crowded, so factor in some extra time to your travel plans."
Christmas and New Year activities
No Council events or activities have been organised for Christmas and once again, the focus for New Year’s Eve is on family friendly events.
"We are reminding residents and visitors that there are no midnight fireworks at any location in Bass Coast," said Mr Angarane.
"Again this year, there is no entertainment or fireworks in Cowes. Inverloch and Coronet Bay will have fireworks at 9.30pm. There will be family activities, entertainment and a barbeque at the foreshore before the fireworks in Coronet Bay. In Inverloch, there will be a carnival at the Recreation Reserve. Both these events are in ‘dry’ locations, and drinking in public places is not allowed. We want these to be events that families can come to and enjoy."
Everyone is reminded that fireworks are illegal and potentially dangerous. If you see or hear fireworks being let off, please report the incident to the police, by ringing 000.
Responsible pet owners
The Christmas/New Year period is when Council traditionally gets most calls about lost or escaped pets.
"Remember to keep your pets secure over the holidays," said Mrs O’Halloran, Community Safety Manager.
"This is particularly important on New Year’s Eve, as many pets get very distressed by fireworks. We recommend having your pets tied up or inside for the night."
Mrs O’Halloran said it was important to remember that there are restrictions on where you can take your dog in Bass Coast. "Restricting beach access for dogs is designed not just to protect other beach goers, but to ensure that sensitive wildlife is not disturbed," explained Mrs O’Halloran.
"Many of our beaches have restrictions on when dogs are allowed on the beach. In some areas, dogs are never allowed. Please check the signs at beach entrances before walking your dog. Dog owners also need to clear up after their pets.
"And please, clean up your rubbish if you are at the beaches, as litter that ends up in our waterways is often deadly for marine life – so ‘Enjoy it, don’t spoil it’.
"If we all work together, we can ensure everyone enjoys the holiday season. If anyone is concerned about anti-social behaviour, noisy parties or hoon behaviour, please ring '000' so that the issues can be dealt with."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- 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. - Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values. - 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. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029. - 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. - Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season. - 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. - Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals. - Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages. - Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation. - Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Bass Coast secures long-term protection for distinctive landscapes and Western Port Woodlands
Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the Bass Coast Statement of Planning Policy, securing long-term protections for 24 townships, distinctive landscapes, and the Western Port Woodlands while guiding sustainable future growth. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Experience the George Bass Coastal Walk with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, scenic views, and coastal adventure
The George Bass Coastal Walk offers dramatic clifftop views, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and nearby cafes, pubs, and rail trails, creating a scenic Gippsland adventure just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne. - Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy. - East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact. - Darren Chester commends Metung Holiday Villas owners for strengthening Gippsland's tourism and visitor economy
Darren Chester has commended Metung Holiday Villas owners Darren and Kristy Penington for their dedication to Gippsland's tourism industry, highlighting their role in supporting local jobs and promoting the region's attractions. - Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - 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. - 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. - East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays. - 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. - Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria. - Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September. - East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond. - Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
|
|
