Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Bass Coast Council to promote Advocacy Priorities to candidates for Federal Election on Saturday 21 May 2022

Federal election set for Saturday, 21 May, Bass Coast Shire Council will continue to promote its advocacy priorities to all candidates.

By news@gippsland - 12th April 2022 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said that council's advocacy priorities have been developed with the help of community feedback provided for the council Plan, Community Vision and other important council strategies. "These Advocacy Priorities reflect what we have heard throughout community engagement over the past 12 months."

Advocacy was a key theme that constantly reappeared during our extensive community conversations and engagement to Help shape a better Bass Coast

Seeking action and investment

Cr Whelan said, "We know the natural environment is very important to our community, so we are seeking action and investment on climate change measures. Safer roads are crucial, as are being connected so we will continue to campaign for increased investment in road infrastructure and digital connectivity right across Bass Coast."

Bass Coast was Australia's fourth fastest growing local government area in 2020/21. To accommodate this growth, Cr Whelan said that it is imperative that the federal government fast track the Wonthaggi North East Structure Precinct.

"New residential land will provide greater housing and rental affordability. This land will provide for up to 12,000 new residents and will provide access to the only vacant commercially zoned land in Wonthaggi, meaning more local jobs. It will also feature new community infrastructure including schools and sporting facilities," Cr Whelan said.

Advocating tracks and trails

This growth also means new community and sporting facilities are needed. "Investment in this precinct will fast track development. This land is needed now. Both Phillip Island and Wonthaggi communities require new aquatic facilities and council has undertaken years of work to ensure that both of these facilities are shovel ready and stand the greatest chance of investment through pre-election commitments," Cr Whelan said.

Tourism is one of Bass Coast's most important industries, which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. "We have gone almost two years without international visitation and now, staff shortages and lack of worker accommodation continues to impact our tourism and hospitality industries," Cr Whelan said.

"We will continue to advocate for investment in tracks and trails and we are supportive of linking tourism trails infrastructure throughout Bass Coast. We also strongly support Phillip Island Nature Park's bid for the Summerlands Peninsula Trail linking the iconic Phillip Island Penguin Parade to the Nobbies." Cr Whelan also said.

Opportunity to speak

In addition, Destination Gippsland has provided a blueprint for the Gippsland Odyssey, a 700km trail that will showcase the best of Gippsland. "State and federal funding has been provided for numerous legs of this pathway and we seek investment to link Woolamai to Nyora and assist in creating this super-trail which will support our nature based tourism offering," Cr Whelan said.

In the lead up to this election, it's important that the community also let candidates know what they think Bass Coast needs. "Demonstrating broad-based public support for our advocacy priorities is crucial to success. I encourage community members to take the opportunity to speak with candidates on the priorities that matter to them," Cr Whelan concluded.

For further detail on council's advocacy priorities visit Advocating Bass Coast's priorities to government page or contact the Senior Advocacy Officer on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com