A TOTAL of 37 community questions were put to the Bass Coast Shire Council at its meeting in the Berninneit Cultural Centre in Cowes last Wednesday, April 16 on subjects as diverse as private street seals, replying to letters, the installation of seven Mondo batteries on Phillip Island and the possible application for a zoo.
On the issue of the development of a new zoo on Phillip Island, Reptile Encounters reportedly received $113,742 from the Victorian Government’s Enabling Tourism Fund 2024 to develop a master plan but council said last week that it has so far not received an application.
“Council is aware that the Victorian Government has provided funding through the Enabling Tourism Fund to Reptile Encounters to support the development of plans for a new state-of-the-art zoo based in the region. No planning application has been lodged…”
On the issue of council replying to letters, Louise Lyell, asked council if there was a policy on the time taken to respond to community letters, making the claim that ratepayers and residents regularly did not receive a reply.
Shire CEO Greg Box said within 10 days was the aim.
“Whilst there is no legal requirement, Council’s Customer Charter, states that customer requests must be responded to within 10 business days. Customers can log a request by contacting Council directly through the methods outlined on our website including by email, phone or a customer service centre. These requests are formally recorded and actioned.”
There were plenty of other questions besides like what is council proposing to do with the Gap Road land they bought for $1,800,000 a few years ago with the idea of relocating the transfer station out of Cowes and possibly putting a pump track there as well.
Answer: Nothing.
“There are currently no funds specifically allocated to the Gap Road land in the draft capital budget for the next four years. However, Council will consider adoption of the MTB/BMX/Pump delivery plan at its June Meeting. This plan currently includes Gap Road as a potential site. Revegetation of the site will also continue over the next four years.”
For the answers to all community questions go to the Bass Coast Shire Council website ‘council meetings’ page or click HERE