2011 is set to be a big year for the Bass Coast community and Council. Many residents welcomed the New Year in style at beachside towns, restaurants and at homes around our Shire.

One of the first items the community will consider this year is feedback on the ‘no fireworks or entertainment’ approach in Cowes. In late January we will start conducting random phone surveys to gather feedback on the success or otherwise of the trial. Those who are not phoned who would like to also contribute can write or email us.

All residents are invited to be involved in a range of community engagement activities over the coming 12 months. For example McHaffie Ward residents and visitors are invited to a ‘meet your Councillor’ session with Jane Daly on Saturday, 22 January Sunset Strip Park Gazebo, Sunset Strip from 10.30am - 12.30pm. There is a community forum coming up for Leadbeater Ward residents in April to hear presentations from community planning groups. Events like these will be held throughout the year.

A key project we’ll be working on during 2011 is the draft rural strategy which will look at how we use our rural land. Residents and landowners will be invited to participate in a range of sessions to help us develop this strategy.

In late 2011, the desalination plant is due for completion and that will see many construction workers moving on to other employment and the first water from the plant being delivered to Melbourne. We are yet to find out what this will mean for our community.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that despite the wet winter and spring and relatively cool start to summer, we all need to remain alert to the risk of bushfires. The CFA is hosting FireReady Meetings in Harmers Haven, Cape Paterson and the FireReady Roadshow at Inverloch in the coming week. I encourage all residents and visitors in this area to attend.

I’m looking forward to hosting the weekly radio show on 3MFM which resumes on 18 January. The show runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30am and 4.30pm, so there is plenty of opportunity to catch it. To check the frequency in your area, log onto www.3mfm.com.au  

Cr Veronica Dowman, Mayor
Bass Coast Shire Council