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Million Dollar Commitment For The IslandThe recreation future of Phillip Island is secure after a decision by Bass Coast Shire Council to purchase 16ha of land on the edge of Cowes. By Bass Coast - 12th January 2012 - Back to News In mid 2011 Council secured an option to purchase part or all of the 32ha of land on corner of Phillip Island Road and Ventnor Road.
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Steven Piasente, said the purchase fitted with the recreation needs assessment of the Island and represented value for money for ratepayers.
"Council has committed $1 million to secure 16ha of the land. The majority of the money required to fund the purchase will come from existing funds that Council has obtained from developers who have been unable to provide recreation land," confirmed Mr Piasente.
"Although Council considered purchasing the entire site our independent valuation showed that the asking price for the whole area was very inflated and well above market value.
"Our research indicates that this much land will meet the recreation needs of the Phillip Island community for at least the next 30 years.
"To give people some comparision, 40 acres is equivalent to two and a half MCGs. It is four times the size of the current recreation reserve and about the size of the block bounded by Thompson Avenue, The Esplanade, Steele Street and Church Street," Mr Piasente explained.
"No decision has been made about what would be located on the site; however there is enough space, for example, for two full sized ovals, tennis courts, netball courts, aquatic facilities, sporting buildings and club rooms."
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, welcomed the decision to purchase the land.
"We have made a decision for the long term interests of the community and one that is financially sustainable," said Cr Dowman.
"We will need to develop a plan for the site to guide what is developed there in the long term. Buying this land is just part of an ongoing commitment to ensure we get the best possible facilities for Phillip Island and we will work with the community to ensure this happens."
This new recreation land is in addition to the existing Blue Gum and Recreation Reserves in Cowes.
Council has entered into a contract for the purchase and payment will not take place until the start of the 2012/13 financial year. It is planned that Council will take possession of the land at the end of July 2012.
A development plan for how the site might be used in the future will be considered in the 2012/2013 finacial year. Mr Piasente said allowing for budget considerations and the council elections in October, he anticipated the process to develop a plan for the land would commence in 2013.
We will keep the community informed on the progress of the purchase," assured Mr Piasente.
"In the meantime, we need to work out a time frame for development and start to identify the needs and requirements of the site. We have established a register of interest for people who would like to be considered for involvement in the development plan process."
Anyone wishing to register their interest can do so online at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au, by email basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
Historical perspective
The land (officially known as Crown Allotment 79) was originally owned by the Shire of Phillip Island.
When local government amalgamations took place across Victoria, the Commissioners sold the land for $280,000. The whole site is now valued at $2.52 million.
"There has been criticism of the decision to buy back land that was owned by the Phillip Island Council sixteen years ago," said Mr Piasente.
"In hindsight, it would have been wonderful to hold onto the land, but unfortunately, at the time of amalgamation, Council was not in the financial position to do this.
"Market values and real estate considerations aside, Council believes this is a significant and important investment in Phillip Island’s long term future."
For more information contact:
Eleanor McKay
communications coordinator
t (03) 5671 2296 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0407 557 620
e e.mckay@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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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 presents free Woolamai Beach Safety event featuring Dr Rip’s 'Science of the Surf' on 7 March 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will host a free, family-friendly beach safety event at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club on 7 March 2026, featuring Professor Rob Brander’s Science of the Surf and live rip demonstration. - 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. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes. - Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions. - Bass Coast Shire Council celebrates local community groups’ achievements and grants at inspiring event
Bass Coast Council celebrated 92 local community groups, awarding $294,000 in grants, including $40,000 for climate projects, supporting creativity, connection, and resilience across the region at a vibrant celebration. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. - Wellington Shire Council reopens $23M redeveloped Aqua Energy Leisure Centre, providing inclusive, modern and wellness facilities
Wellington Shire Council has reopened the redeveloped $23 million Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale, featuring inclusive aquatic, fitness, and wellness facilities, modern amenities, and accessible spaces for the whole community. - Baw Baw Council and community oppose large-scale solar, battery projects threatening prime farmland and farming livelihoods
Baw Baw Council and community express strong concerns over poorly sited solar and battery projects threatening prime farmland, seeking transparency, consultation, and protection of local farming livelihoods and regional character. - 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 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 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 trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents
Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents. - Cr Nathan Hersey elected as Mayor and Cr Brad Snell as Deputy Mayor for South Gippsland and other council updates
Councillor Nathan Hersey was elected Mayor and Councillor Brad Snell Deputy Mayor of South Gippsland Shire for 12 months, marking Hersey’s second and Snell’s first term in these roles. - Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines. - Darren Chester demands answers from council over delayed $5M Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk project delays
Federal MP Darren Chester demands East Gippsland Shire Council explain delays to the $5 million Krauatungalung Walk, seeking clarity on timelines, budget and design for the community-backed all-abilities boardwalk project. - Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
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