The unprecedented ageing of the Australian population will present significant changes that will flow on to all aspects of social and economic life, as the proportion of older people in the community increases. 

By 2026 the population aged over 65 in the Shire is expected to be 43.5%. This will have major implications for economic and social policy and planning, creating special opportunities and challenges for Council.

The Bass Coast Positive Ageing Policy (PDF 108kb) forms the basis for effective planning that will ensure the appropriate support and services are available to meet the changing needs and create an environment that enables older residents to continue to actively participate in, and contribute to, the community for as long as possible.

Council, in partnership with local service providers, community representatives, the Municipal Association of Victoria, Council on the Ageing and representatives from the Gippsland Region Department of Human Services, has also developed a Positive Ageing Strategy to address the opportunities and challenges presented by the increase in the older resident population.

The Strategy recognises the diversity among the older residents in Bass Coast. This is due to the ageing “baby boomers” who may have different expectations than previous generations and the mix of long-term residents and residents who have chosen to retire here from the metropolitan areas (the Sea Changers). 

For further enquiries or for a copy of the Strategy, please contact our Social Planner on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).