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Bass Coast adopts 20-year Integrated Transport Strategy to boost safety, sustainability, and access across growing region

Bass Coast's 20-year Integrated Transport Strategy aims to improve safety, access, sustainability, and connectivity across all transport modes, supporting population growth and community needs through extensive engagement and regular reviews.

By news@gippsland - 20th June 2025 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Integrated Transport Strategy 2025 - 2045, setting out a bold 20-year vision to create a safer, more accessible and sustainable transport network across the region. Endorsed at council's June meeting, the Strategy will guide future transport investment, policy, and decision-making for all modes - walking, cycling, public transport, motor vehicles, parking, and freight - supporting a growing population and preserving the unique qualities of Bass Coast.

Bass Coast's 20-year Transport Strategy will guide safer, sustainable travel and better connections across all transport modes and communities

Connecting Bass Coast

The Strategy reflects a strong desire for safer streets, improved public transport, and better connections between towns and services. With a focus on offering real transport choices for the community, the Strategy aims to make getting around Bass Coast easier, healthier and more convenient.

Its development was shaped by extensive community engagement over the past two years, with more than 1,500 community members participating through surveys, pop-up sessions and workshops. Pop-ups were held in Wonthaggi, San Remo and Cowes, while targeted workshops brought together local businesses, transport providers, health and social services, government agencies and council officers.

Community feedback highlighted the need for improved active transport infrastructure, greater public transport reliability, and solutions to seasonal parking pressures. In response to a recent council motion, a dedicated parking strategy has been included as a key action, with a focus on seasonal needs, accessibility and enforcement outside town centres.

Planning future transport

With Bass Coast's population expected to grow by 35 per cent by 2046, and transport already the fastest-growing contributor to emissions, the Strategy provides a much-needed roadmap to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve road safety.

It also aligns with council's broader ambitions to support connected communities, boost local economies, and respond effectively to climate impacts. The Strategy will be reviewed every five years to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to emerging needs and priorities.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
  Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Latrobe City awards $488,346 to 44 community projects supporting local clubs, facilities, wellbeing initiatives and events across the region
  Latrobe City Council has awarded $488,346 to 44 community projects through Round 1 of its 2026/27 Community Grants Program, supporting facility upgrades, accessibility improvements, wellbeing initiatives, local organisations and community events.
• Latrobe City Council invites community feedback on Moe Town Centre future through draft plan exhibition and consultation sessions
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on Moe’s draft town centre plan, guiding future development, transport, public spaces and economic growth. Submissions close 24 November 2026, with community information sessions scheduled.
• Liberals and Nationals pledge forest restoration, fuel reduction, bushfire preparedness and regional job support across Victoria
  The Liberals and Nationals propose restoring active forest management, doubling planned burns, treating more public land, expanding firebreaks and restoring 5,000 hectares annually to reduce bushfire risks and support regional timber jobs.
• Gippsland Water renews 1950s Tyers raw water pump station to improve reliability and protect regional emergency water supply infrastructure
  Gippsland Water has renewed its 1950s Tyers raw water pump station, improving drainage, protecting pipework and testing all four pumps to maintain reliable emergency supplies for Tyers and Traralgon treatment plants.
• Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
  Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Latrobe City urges state election candidates to back economic transformation, infrastructure investment, job creation and community safety priorities
  Latrobe City Council is urging Victorian election candidates to commit funding for economic development, infrastructure, job creation and community safety ahead of Yallourn Power Station 2028 closure.
• Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
  Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
  Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.