Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News
Cowes West foreshore restoration by Bass Coast Shire Council in response to Crown Land encroachment
Bass Coast Shire Council has undertaken further restoration works on the Cowes West foreshore, in response to Crown Land encroachment.
This revegetation is part of council's Encroachment Program, which focuses on rehabilitating public land sites. In many of these cases, the original coastal vegetation was cleared many decades ago and has since been maintained as grassed areas. The large site at Cowes West has now been transformed with the planting of almost 2000 indigenous plants. Once established, this vegetation will help to enhance biodiversity and return the landscape to what it once was.
Recent vegetation works on Cowes West foreshore
Restoring coastal vegetation
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said that council is committed to restoring coastal vegetation where encroachment into Crown Land has occurred. "Unfortunately, due to various reasons including illegal clearing activities, the quality and extent of our coastal vegetation has been significantly reduced."
"With only about 14 percent remaining. Coastline areas are often more prone to the effects of climate change and vegetation is vital in protecting these areas from storm fronts."
Vegetation supports a number of ecological services, including provision of habitat for native animals and increasing the resilience of landscapes in a changing climate.
Rehabilitate degraded sites
In response to ongoing encroachment activities and community feedback, in 2018 council adopted the Foreshore and Bushland Reserves Encroachment Policy, to provide long-term strategic direction to manage ongoing encroachment issues.
Council will continue to work closely with landholders to resolve encroachment issues and rehabilitate degraded sites. For more information about the Encroachment Program please visit 'Coast and bushland management' web page or contact council's Natural Resources Officer on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or email basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au.
Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Community feedback strengthens Wellington's Road Management Plan, highlighting priorities for road upgrades
East Gippsland kids invited to join and send entries for National Water Week poster competition by 12 September 2025
Future Wellington Community feedback shapes draft plans, final input invited before 16 July 2025
Gippsland Water commits to keeping customer bills affordable despite cost of living pressures
Have your say on Latrobe's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 - 2029 until 29 July 2025
Latrobe City Council endorses new Council Plan and Community Vision 2025-2029 to guide Latrobe's future growth
Wellington Shire Councillors advocate for region's needs at National Local Government Assembly in Canberra on 24 - 27 June 2025
East Gippsland tourism and hospitality masterclass to build sustainable, resilient businesses and grow positive
Southern Rural Water celebrates 30 years of service with modernisation, partnerships and sustainable water
