Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari has been re-elected as the Chair of the Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils (PUGRC), further cementing Council’s role as a leader in advocacy for its community and region.

The PUGRC is made up of representatives from Bass Coast, Baw Baw, Moorabool, Golden Plains and Surf Coast Shires and plays a key role in advocating at the local, state and national levels for support and solutions for sustainable growth in these regions.

PUGRC estimates that by 2031, peri urban councils will grow by an average of 45 per cent, in comparison to regional cities which are expected to grow around 26 per cent.

Cr Tessari said, “As the population in our cities increases and urban sprawl edges closer to our regional areas, it’s never been more important for Bass Coast to protect its assets in agriculture, tourism, landscape and lifestyle.”

“There is strength in numbers and a group of voices united by common interests and concerns is really beneficial when advocating for solutions.

“I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead the PUGRC for another year. Being in the role of Chair helps to ensure that issues facing Bass Coast are front of mind in discussions with all levels of government,” Cr Tessari concluded.

The Mayor also represents Bass Coast with several other important advocacy organisations. In addition to PURGC, Cr Tessari also currently Chairs the One Gippsland committee and is Council’s representative to the Municipal Association of Victoria and, along with Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Whelan, to the Australian Coastal Councils Association.

Cr Whelan also represents Council on the South East Australian Transport Study and as Chair of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance Councillor Advisory Group.

All of Bass Coast’s Councillors play a key role representing Council on a variety of committees, details of which can be found at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/councillors.