Council is responsible, for the management of more than 270 trails, covering 167km across the Bass Coast Shire. These tracks and trails are both inland and along the coast and provide many opportunities for walking and cycling within the Shire. Demand for safe, accessible walking and riding paths is increasing, and we have an important role to play in creating a healthy and connected community through our tracks and trails network. We have recently developed a draft Bass Coast Tracks and Trails Strategy, which focuses on the identification of the existing trail network and any missing gaps it might have. The Strategy has assessed the current network of tracks and trails throughout the Shire and has identified 38 new trail opportunities to expand the local network. Now, we want to hear from you, to make sure that we have the right processes in place to improve and enhance our existing network of tracks and trails across the Shire. You can view the draft Strategy and provide your feedback at www.engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/ttstrategy.

I attended a South East Australian Transport Strategy (SEATS) meeting recently. SEATS was formed in 1995 in response to inadequate transport infrastructure and today, continues to advocate for the need for an efficient transport infrastructure network, which is vital for economic development and important social outcomes. SEATS covers road and rail infrastructure and more recently began advocacy on active transport, including tracks and trails.

At last Wednesday’s Council Meeting, the Bass Coast Unlocking Rural Tourism Strategy, also known as BURT, was released for community feedback. The BURT examines real and perceived barriers to investment and where appropriate, recommends their removal, to help grow our local tourism industry. To learn more about the Strategy, and to provide your feedback, head to www.engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/BURT. You can also provide feedback by emailing your comments to basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au with the subject line 'Draft Unlocking Rural Tourism Strategy’. You can drop your comments in to one of our Customer Service Centres, or post them in, to PO Box 118 Wonthaggi, 3995. To learn more about the Strategy in person, Council’s Strategic Planning Team are holding drop-in sessions across the Shire – check out the webpage for all the details.