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Bass Coast Shire Council sets direction for health, wellbeing and accessibility

The importance of health, wellbeing, access and inclusion in Bass Coast has been recognised by Bass Coast Shire Council.

By news@gippsland - 20th October 2021 - Back to News

At Wednesday's Council Meeting, Council unanimously voted to support the adoption of the Healthy Communities Plan 2021-25 and the Access, Equity and Inclusion in Bass Coast Plan 2021-25. The Healthy Communities Plan was developed in partnership with South Gippsland Shire Council and South Coast Primary and Community Partnership and in consultation with service providers, community groups and community members.

Bass Coast Shire Council's health and wellbeing priorities are scan of health status in our Shire and Victorian health and wellbeing priorities, along with this plan, council must also develop a municipal public health and wellbeing plan and commence the development of the annual budget

Key priorities for the next four years

The Plan identifies several key priorities for the next four years, including:

• Creating healthy lifestyles
• Improving mental wellbeing
• Supporting Affordable Housing
• Improving Equity

The Access, Equity and Inclusion in Bass Coast Plan was developed in partnership with Council's Bass Coast Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, community members with disability, their families and carers, advocates, service providers and other key stakeholders.

Prioritising community health and wellbeing

Some of the key priorities identified in the Plan include:

• Implementing universal design principles for all new community spaces and facilities
• Improving employment opportunities for people with disability
• Strengthening engagement and consultation with the disability sector
• Improving recognition and support for carers

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how critically important it is to prioritise community health and wellbeing.

Building a resilient community

Cr Tessari said, "The pandemic has put extra pressure on everyone, including our services. These Plans will help us to build a resilient and connected community. Access and inclusion is an important foundation for a healthy community and the principles of the Access, Equity and Inclusion in Bass Coast Plan will be central in informing the work that we do in this space, moving forward," Cr Tessari concluded.

To view these Plans, visit the council's strategies and policies plan.

Pictures from Victorian Department of Health Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com