The Stony Point to Cowes car ferry project was one of a number of local issues discussed at a meeting between Bass Coast Shire Council and Ryan Smith, the Minister for the Environment, earlier this month.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, said the Minister was also briefed on the Education Precinct, the proposed Cultural Precinct, the new Youth Plan and our response to Climate Change.

“Our local member, Ken Smith, organised the meeting with the Minister during his visit to Bass Coast on 11 August,” explained Cr Dowman.

“It was an opportunity to brief the Minister on the relevant issues and to talk about the Cowes car ferry project.  We want to get clarification on the government’s position on this project.  The Minister agreed to convene a meeting with Louise Asher, Minister for Tourism and Parks Victoria to discuss the issue further.”

In July last year Council voted not to proceed with a proposal for a terminal located at the Cowes Jetty, based on community opposition to the location.

Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, said it was important that the state government worked in partnership with Council on this project.

“We have always supported the concept of a car ferry,” Mr Bawden said. 

“Feedback from our community indicates they support it as well.  We will be writing to both Ministers advising them that if another site was ever proposed, we would like to work in partnership with them,” continued Mr Bawden.

“Our community must be involved in any discussions.  This project has been described as one of state significance; however for this project to go ahead, it must benefit the local community as well.”

The Mayor presented details of the meeting with Minister Ryan at the Council Meeting on Wednesday, 18 August.