Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

San Remo Structure Plan adopted to guide sustainable growth and preserve coastal character for future generations

Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the San Remo Structure Plan, guiding sustainable growth, infrastructure, and development while preserving the town's coastal character through extensive community engagement and long-term vision.

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

Bass Coast Shire Council has formally adopted the San Remo Structure Plan at its June Council Meeting, setting the course for the township's sustainable growth and development over the next two decades. The Structure Plan - developed through more than three years of technical work and extensive community engagement - outlines a clear long-term vision for San Remo.

San Remo's future is being shaped by a new Structure Plan to guide growth, services, and protect cultural heritage

Protecting San Remo

The San Remo Structure Plan will guide future land use, development, infrastructure investment and public realm improvements, ensuring that the town grows in a way that reflects community values and protects its unique coastal character. Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the Plan is a significant milestone for San Remo and for Council.

"San Remo is a gateway to Phillip Island and a much-loved destination with a strong sense of identity. We know the town is facing increasing pressure from population growth and visitor numbers, and this plan gives us a roadmap to manage that growth sustainably and strategically - while keeping what makes San Remo special," Cr Halstead said.

Planning for San Remo

The adoption of the Structure Plan also includes two key companion documents:

• San Remo Urban Design Framework, which provides detailed design guidance for key town precincts like Marine Parade and Lions Park
• San Remo Access & Movement Study and Car Parking Plan, which sets out long-term strategies to improve traffic flow, safety, and parking options

Community engagement has been central to the development of the Structure Plan, with multiple opportunities for residents, businesses and stakeholders to contribute. Consultation on the draft Plan ran for 52 days and included:

• Over 3,400 postcards mailed to local landowners and occupiers
• Online surveys and the dedicated Engage Bass Coast project page
• In-person drop-in sessions and 1:1 meetings with planning officers
• Posters distributed to San Remo businesses and targeted stakeholder meetings

This input helped shape the final version of the Plan, with changes made in response to community feedback - including prioritising road network upgrades, investigating additional parking near Marine Parade, and strengthening sustainable design measures for the future growth area between Potters Hill Road and Punch Bowl Road.

Shaping San Remo's future

The Plan identifies key actions across six themes - Community & Heritage, Environment, Land Use, Utilities & Services, Transport, and Economy - and will serve as the foundation for future planning scheme amendments, advocacy efforts, and infrastructure decisions.

Cr Halstead said the Plan reflects the shared aspirations of the San Remo community. "The final Plan wouldn't be what it is without the passionate contributions of local residents, businesses, and community groups. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to provide input - this is your plan, and it will help shape San Remo for the next generation," she said.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com