The Environment Sustainability Plan 2008-2013 (PDF 2.5MB) is the team's key strategic document directing the environment activities of Bass Coast. The purpose of the Plan is to ensure the things we do today do not compromise the economy, environment or community in the future.

The continued growth of Bass Coast means increasing building and infrastructure development, increasing population and more visitors each year. The natural areas that our community and visitors treasure and appreciate need to be protected and managed to ensure they survive into the future. Minimising the negative impact of human activity on that environment is very important.

The Environment Sustainability Plan has integrated many of the ongoing activities and recommended new programs into the one document and gives priorities and direction for the Environment Team for each year.

The preparation of the Environment Sustainability Plan is a major step to ensuring that this community can retain their quality of life. This is a priority for Council. The Plan identifies local priority issues for the natural environment, such as:

• Biodiversity
• Managing our beaches and bushland reserves
• Clean Productive Agriculture
• Climate change impacts and adaptations
• Efficient resource use
• Minimising and recovery of waste
• Managing pollution, litter and stormwater quality
• The urban environment and land use
• The economy
• Community involvement
• Council procedures and implementing the Plan

The Plan specifies Policy Statements that relate to each of the priority issues and a series of tasks required to meet the objectives and targets outlined in the Plan. Each year Council considers the funding required to implement the Environment Sustainability Plan as part of the budget process.

For more information please contact Council's Environment team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).