Bass Coast Shire Council is working in partnership with the community and service providers to improve health and wellbeing and to make Bass Coast more accessible and inclusive.

Council has developed a draft Healthy Communities Plan 2021-25 and a draft 'Access, Equity and Inclusion in Bass Coast' - Council's Disability Action Plan 2021-25 and is now seeking community feedback.

The draft Healthy Communities Plan has been developed in partnership with South Gippsland Shire Council and South Coast Primary and Community Partnership. Some of the key priorities identified in the draft Plan include:

• Creating healthy lifestyles
• Improving mental wellbeing
• Supporting Affordable Housing
• Improving Equity

The draft Disability Action Plan has been developed in partnership with Council's Bass Coast Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, community members with disability, their families and carers, advocates, service providers and other key stakeholders.

Some of the key priorities identified in the draft Plan include:

• Implementing universal design principles for all new community spaces and facilities
• Improving employment opportunities for people with disability
• Strengthening engagement and consultation with the disability sector
• Improving recognition and support for carers

“Health and wellbeing is critically important for our community, particularly since COVID19 has put extra pressure on everyone, including our services. These Plans will help us to build a resilient and connected community,” Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said.

“Access and inclusion is an important foundation for a healthy community and the principals of the Disability Action Plan should inform all of the work we do,” Cr Tessari concluded.

To view the Draft Plans head to www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/communityplans.

To provide your feedback, seek more information or to request a hard-copy or either of these Plans, please send an email to community.development@basscoast.vic.gov.au. Please provide the name of the Plan you are providing feedback for in the subject line. You can also contact Council’s Social and Community Planning Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or via the National Relay Service (for people with speech or hearing difficulties) on 13 36 77.