It has been a big couple of weeks for Bass Coast – after the State Government’s recent announcement of $1.15 million for erosion mitigation works in Inverloch, Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, was in Kilcunda last Thursday to declare the entire Bass Coast Shire as a ‘Distinctive Area and Landscape’ (DAL) to protect its environment, landscape and lifestyle. The announcement to extend the DAL across the whole of Bass Coast reinforces what we all know - that Bass Coast is a beautiful place to live and to visit. By 2035, our population is expected to increase by 37 per cent. This growth will place significant pressure on residential availability in Bass Coast. It will be critical that this is managed in a way that encourages growth in our regional centre and protects our coastal hamlets.

Council has identified Grayden’s Reserve in Newhaven as the potential site for a Regional Skate Park and Play Space. Thanks to all of the community members who attended the drop-in session at Grayden’s Reserve in Newhaven recently – to chat about project. If you or your friends and family couldn't make it to the information session, you can have your say through an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NM7KNZ6. The survey is open until Sunday, 3 November 2019.

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was held on Phillip Island over the weekend - the biggest sporting event in regional Victoria, which brings an estimated 90,000 people to Bass Coast. Incredibly, the economic benefit the event brings to Bass Coast Shire is in excess of $30 million. The GP is the cornerstone of Council’s events program and is a major driver for off-season visitation and employment. Bass Coast has successfully hosted the GP for the last 22 years - and the great news is the event is set to remain at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit until at least 2027.

Finally – a shout-out to Wonthaggi Primary School for their annual Mini Mudda event that they held recently. It wasn’t the most pleasant weekend weather-wise – but the muddy obstacle course was a huge hit with the hundreds of kids that took it on. The event is not only a bunch of fun for all those involved, it is also the school’s major fundraiser for the year, so well worth supporting.