HAVE you ever wondered why the Bass Coast Shire Council is preoccupied with its “Climate Emergency” and the need to “take immediate and urgent action to protect and prepare Bass Coast for the serious risk that climate change poses”?
Or why the shire has committed millions and millions of dollars of ratepayers’ money to actions designed to address their climate emergency?
Because it’s the number one priority in Bass Coast’s ‘Community Vision 2041’ statement.
Developed in 2021 in consultation with a panel of 43 independently selected people who live, work or own property in Bass Coast, while also representing its diverse community, the Vision is coming up for its quadrennial review.
And you’re being asked to comment on that and a couple of other key documents including the council’s four-year plan.
Two consultation sessions were held during the week, at Dalyston and Grantville, and more will follow at:
- Cape Paterson Community Hall on Wednesday, July 17, 3pm to 4.30pm.
- Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre (Newhaven) Wednesday, July 17, 5.30pm to 7pm
- Corinella and District Community Centre Sunday, July 21, from 12 noon to 3pm
- Berninneit Library Cowes Tuesday, July 23, 11am to 2pm.
You can also fill out a survey at engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/ourbasscoastourfuture
Why would you bother?
Because, in the hierarchy of council’s guiding principles, the Community Vision document is the most important.
It dictates terms for the compilation of another important council policy document, the Council Plan 2025-29 (soon to be prepared), its annual plan, budget and all the rest.
Only one member of the community turned out at the Dalyston session, local dairy farmer and vice president of the Dalyston FNC Andy Thomas.
Mr Thomas was at pains to point out that there’s very little reference to farming and agriculture in the shire Vision 41 document and not much elsewhere in shire policies.
In fact there are two references:
Farming: Priority 2.4 We support and attract industries that are environmentally sustainable and our farming practices are regenerative.
Agriculture: Drawing on our creativity, innovation and resilience we’ve created a thriving and diverse economy that supports sustainable agriculture and industry.