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Bass Coast reviews future of local markets, inviting community feedback to guide sustainable and well-managed market experiences by 24 May 2026

Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing local markets and inviting community, stallholders and businesses to share feedback to help shape future planning, safety and sustainability across the region.

By news@gippsland - 7th May 2026 - Back to News

There’s something special about a market on a crisp Bass Coast morning. Warming your hands with a hot coffee, friendly chats with stallholders, kids choosing a treat, locals catching up and visitors discovering what makes our towns unique. Markets bring colour, energy and connection to our public spaces - and they play an important role in connecting people to towns Bass Coast.

Markets bring colour, energy and connection to Bass Coast towns, the reviews focus on markets held on council-managed land. Feedback will explore the value markets bring, what works well and what could be improved

That’s why Bass Coast Shire Council is undertaking a strategic review of markets held across the Shire, particularly those on Council‑managed land, and is inviting the community to help shape the future of markets in our region.

Markets benefit balance

Markets do a lot of good. They activate town centres and foreshore spaces, support local makers and producers, provide fundraising opportunities and enhance the visitor experience. Markets like the Corinella Community Market, Inverloch Farmers Market and the Island Foreshore Market are familiar favourites held on Council land, while popular markets such as the Churchill Island Farmers Market - held on non‑Council land - are major drawcards that add to the region’s overall appeal.

At the same time, the council must carefully balance these benefits with other important considerations relating to public safety, amenity, environmental protection, operational capacity and fair and transparent governance.

Community market review

Bass Coast Mayor Cr Brett Tessari said local markets were close to the heart of the community and to Councillors too. "I love a good local market. As a Councillor, it’s one of the places we’re most likely to bump into people, hear what’s happening locally and be reminded of just how much talent, creativity and community spirit we have across Bass Coast."

"We’ve heard clearly from our community that markets matter - not just as places to shop, but as places to connect. This strategic review is about listening, learning and making sure our markets continue to work well for everyone into the future. I encourage anyone with a connection to markets to take a few minutes to share their views so we can achieve a great outcome for the whole region," Cr Tessari said.

Market surveys open

To ensure the review reflects real experiences and priorities, Council has opened 3 tailored surveys for people who interact with markets in different ways. Market visitors and community members are being asked what markets mean to them and to rank the role they believe markets play across Bass Coast - from everyday shopping and community connection to supporting local businesses, fundraising and attracting visitors to the region.

Market organisers, stallholders and local businesses are also encouraged to have their say. Feedback will explore the value markets bring, what works well and what could be improved and the role Council should play in managing markets. Local businesses are invited to share whether markets support their business and township, and how markets and nearby businesses can best work together to create vibrant, thriving town centres.

This review will provide Council with a clear, evidence‑based framework to guide future decision‑making and support a more proactive, strategic approach to markets held on council- land in Bass Coast, ensuring they continue to be welcoming, well‑run and sustainable for years to come. Surveys are open until Sunday, 24 May 2026. To complete the survey that’s right for you, visit Engage Bass Coast website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M to upgrade Lakes Entrance drainage, protect communities and unlock 1,500 new housing lots
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lakes Entrance drainage upgrades to reduce flood risk, protect communities and support development of 1,500 housing lots.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M election funding to unlock 600 new homes through Lucknow drainage upgrades
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lucknow drainage upgrades, enabling up to 600 new homes while addressing flooding and supporting sustainable growth.
• Baw Baw Shire Council launches the return of Gippy Girls Can in September with something for every woman
  Gippy Girls Can returns across Baw Baw in September, offering women and girls welcoming, beginner-friendly and affordable opportunities to try new activities, get active and connect.
• Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Gippsland Water backs biochar research to transform biosolids into sustainable soil health and waste management solutions
  Gippsland Water is supporting national research into converting wastewater biosolids into biochar, aiming to improve soil health, advance sustainable waste management, and assess contaminant destruction, including PFAS, through innovative recycling.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies.
• Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
  Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities.
• Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
  Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025.