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Cowes Foreshore Precinct gets $8M federal funding for pedestrian-friendly foreshore and community revitalisation

Cowes, Phillip Island, will transform into a pedestrian-friendly hub with $8 million in Federal funding, enhancing connectivity, amenities, and community engagement, boosting tourism and local spending.

By news@gippsland - 31st October 2024 - Back to News

Phillip Island's tourism and community heart of Cowes will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly township that fully embraces its historic foreshore, thanks to $8 million in new federal government funding for Bass Coast Shire Council's Cowes Foreshore Precinct project.

The Cowes Foreshore Precinct project will improve connectivity, pedestrian safety, and amenities, enhancing local commerce and creating a vibrant hub for hospitality and shopping

Cowes revitalisation approved

Approved through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, this project will revitalise Cowes and follows many years of community engagement and consultation through the development of the Cowes Activity Centre Plan in 2015 and the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan in 2022. The investment will create a destination that both creates a vibrant neighbourhood for the Phillip Island community and appeals to visitors year-round, encouraging longer stays and increased spending.

Bass Coast Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Greg Box expressed his gratitude to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and local government, the Hon Catherine King MP, for her support of the Cowes community.

"The Cowes Streetscape Master Plan project has been discussed and planned for more than 10 years, so it is exciting to finally see the community's ideas to make Cowes great come to life. Cowes is a jewel in the Victorian and Bass Coast regional crown, and this project will ensure it continues to shine for future generations of locals and tourists to enjoy," Mr. Box said.

Cowes transformation underway

The Cowes Foreshore Precinct project will enhance connectivity between the township and the foreshore, providing improved pedestrian safety, accessibility, and amenities. This transformation will also support further commercial activity within the Foreshore Precinct, strengthening Cowes as a vibrant place to experience Phillip Island's unique hospitality, shopping, and community life. The Foreshore Precinct includes the section of Thompson Avenue from Chapel Street to the Foreshore and the Esplanade.

The works will complement recent Council and private investment, including the Jetty Triangle upgrades, transit centre, Berninneit and the $130 million Isle of Wight accommodation and retail development. Together, these initiatives will connect Cowes' main shopping strip with its beautiful foreshore, embracing the magnificent views, increasing greenery and creating a destination that offers a rich blend of seaside hospitality, shopping, and community experience.

"The profile of Cowes has never been higher," Mr. Box added, referencing the exposure Phillip Island has received through *The Block*, which has showcased Cowes to millions of Australians and overseas viewers. "This project will bring Cowes' main street and foreshore together, making it an even better place to visit, live, and explore year-round," he said.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives.
• Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services.
• One Gippsland delegation met Darren Chester at Parliament House to discuss key regional infrastructure and investment priorities
  Federal Member Darren Chester met One Gippsland representatives at Parliament House to discuss regional priorities, including roads, housing, healthcare, disaster resilience, industry investment and job creation.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.