- Published on
PROTECTION of existing ecosystems such as the Western Port Woodlands is at the heart of Bass Coast’s new nature strategy.
The draft Nature Positive Bass Coast Strategy 2026-36 sets out a vision for healthier ecosystems, better-connected habitats and a community that takes an active role in caring for the natural environment.
The strategy aims to halt and reverse the decline of nature, protecting what remains while restoring degraded habitats and regenerating ecosystems on land and sea.
"Protecting existing ecosystems is often more effective, affordable and successful than attempting to recreate them once they have been lost."
Draft Nature Positive Bass Coast Strategy 2026-36
It identifies habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, invasive plants and animals, changing water availability and pressures on coastal and marine environments among the key threats facing Bass Coast.
The council says protecting existing ecosystems should come first, followed by enhancement and, where necessary, restoration and regeneration.
The draft builds on the Natural Environment Strategy 2016–2026 and the Bass Coast Biolinks Plan, which has helped guide habitat restoration and connections between fragmented ecosystems.
Since the Biolinks Plan was adopted, more than 1.5 million native plants have been established through partnerships with landholders, community groups, environmental organisations and government agencies.
Have your say
The council wants to hear what is missing from the proposed vision and principles, what would encourage more people to get involved in caring for nature, and which partnerships and projects should be pursued.
Residents are also asked to identify barriers to volunteering and environmental stewardship.
The draft and survey are available at Engage Bass Coast. Submissions close on October 21.
The strategy focuses on five pillars:
- Protect What We Have – protect and enhance native plants, animals and habitats.
- Restore and Connect – restore degraded areas and reconnect habitats.
- Work Together – build partnerships with Traditional Owners, landholders, community groups, businesses and government.
- Inspire Stewardship – encourage community action and awareness.
- Measure, Learn and Adapt – monitor progress and improve what is being done.
The council estimates native vegetation cover across the shire has increased from about 14 per cent to 17.2 per cent over that time. It aims to have restoration projects underway or planned across 30 per cent of Bass Coast’s land area by 2030.
The new strategy broadens the focus beyond vegetation restoration to include the health of ecosystems on land and sea, climate resilience, community stewardship and long-term nature recovery.
It also recognises that the council manages less than one per cent of the land area in Bass Coast, making co-operation with rural landholders, Traditional Owners, environmental groups, businesses and residents essential to achieving its goals.
Following consultation and adoption of the strategy, the council will prepare an action plan for 2026-29, setting out priority actions, timeframes, responsibilities and measures of progress.
Some work is already underway, including environmental values mapping and technical work aimed at strengthening nature protection across the shire.