Bass Coast’s Long Term Financial Plan is out for community consultation until September 9. BASS Coast Shire Council has unveiled a long-term financial plan (LTFP) that commits to a decade of major infrastructure projects aimed at shaping the region’s future while balancing tight financial constraints.
The 10-year plan, which is out for community consultation until September 9, outlines a suite of capital works projects spanning sport and recreation, community facilities, tourism precincts, and transport connectivity:
The 10-year plan, which is out for community consultation until September 9, outlines a suite of capital works projects spanning sport and recreation, community facilities, tourism precincts, and transport connectivity:
- redevelopment of the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site
- the Phillip Island Sporting Precinct
- a new regional Aquatics and Leisure Centre in Wonthaggi
- a shire-wide tracks and trails strategy
- Stage 1 of the Cowes Streetscape upgrade.
The council says the investment will deliver “intergenerational benefits” to residents while supporting the shire’s rapid growth and increasing visitor numbers.
Council says these projects are crucial to improving liveability, health, and wellbeing, while also enhancing the region’s appeal as a place to live, work and visit. But it is also clear that projects will only proceed with state and federal funding.
While the capital program is extensive, Council has emphasised that it must remain financially sustainable. With rate capping limiting revenue growth, major projects will be funded through a combination of borrowings, reserves, developer contributions, grants and, where possible, revenue from new facilities.
Council has committed to keeping borrowings within the State Government’s recommended limit of 60 per cent of rates revenue.
The financial plan will be reviewed annually to reflect changes in the economic environment, population growth and government funding opportunities.
Council says these projects are crucial to improving liveability, health, and wellbeing, while also enhancing the region’s appeal as a place to live, work and visit. But it is also clear that projects will only proceed with state and federal funding.
While the capital program is extensive, Council has emphasised that it must remain financially sustainable. With rate capping limiting revenue growth, major projects will be funded through a combination of borrowings, reserves, developer contributions, grants and, where possible, revenue from new facilities.
Council has committed to keeping borrowings within the State Government’s recommended limit of 60 per cent of rates revenue.
The financial plan will be reviewed annually to reflect changes in the economic environment, population growth and government funding opportunities.
Wonthaggi Secondary College site
At the heart of Wonthaggi, the former secondary college site has been vacant since 2019. The State Government has offered the site to the council under a committee of management arrangement. The vision is to transform it into a vibrant arts and cultural precinct.
Stage one will include planning and site remediation, funded through borrowings and reserves. Stage two will involve construction and activation, backed by council reserves and external funding. Once complete, the precinct is expected to deliver significant cultural and economic benefits while strengthening community pride.
At the heart of Wonthaggi, the former secondary college site has been vacant since 2019. The State Government has offered the site to the council under a committee of management arrangement. The vision is to transform it into a vibrant arts and cultural precinct.
Stage one will include planning and site remediation, funded through borrowings and reserves. Stage two will involve construction and activation, backed by council reserves and external funding. Once complete, the precinct is expected to deliver significant cultural and economic benefits while strengthening community pride.
Phillip Island Sporting Precinct
The Phillip Island Sporting Precinct masterplan was designed following extensive consultation with local sporting clubs and community groups. The $10 million-plus project will include facilities for a range of sports not currently catered for on the Island.
Funding will come from a $5.2 million loan, $2 million in grants, and $2.74 million from council reserves. Council says the new precinct will boost participation across all ages and abilities while positioning Phillip Island as a hub for sport and recreation.
New Bass Coast Aquatics and Leisure Centre
The current pool is more than 45 years old and no longer fit for purpose. The new centre, designed as a regional facility, will feature a 25-metre competition pool, learn-to-swim and warm water pools, a splash pad, sauna, spa, gym, multipurpose rooms, café and event spaces.
The $32.5 million project will be funded equally through loans and state or federal government grants, with council contributing $1 million for detailed design. Council has flagged that if grant funding does not materialise, the project will be delayed.
Tracks and Trails
Council has committed $1 million per year to its Tracks and Trails Strategy, unlocking a further $5.1 million in grants for priority projects. The strategy aims to deliver a connected off-road shared pathway network linking major townships including Ventnor, Cowes, Rhyll, Wonthaggi and Inverloch. Council says the network will improve health and wellbeing, promote active transport, and attract visitors seeking outdoor experiences.
The Phillip Island Sporting Precinct masterplan was designed following extensive consultation with local sporting clubs and community groups. The $10 million-plus project will include facilities for a range of sports not currently catered for on the Island.
Funding will come from a $5.2 million loan, $2 million in grants, and $2.74 million from council reserves. Council says the new precinct will boost participation across all ages and abilities while positioning Phillip Island as a hub for sport and recreation.
New Bass Coast Aquatics and Leisure Centre
The current pool is more than 45 years old and no longer fit for purpose. The new centre, designed as a regional facility, will feature a 25-metre competition pool, learn-to-swim and warm water pools, a splash pad, sauna, spa, gym, multipurpose rooms, café and event spaces.
The $32.5 million project will be funded equally through loans and state or federal government grants, with council contributing $1 million for detailed design. Council has flagged that if grant funding does not materialise, the project will be delayed.
Tracks and Trails
Council has committed $1 million per year to its Tracks and Trails Strategy, unlocking a further $5.1 million in grants for priority projects. The strategy aims to deliver a connected off-road shared pathway network linking major townships including Ventnor, Cowes, Rhyll, Wonthaggi and Inverloch. Council says the network will improve health and wellbeing, promote active transport, and attract visitors seeking outdoor experiences.
Cowes Streetscape upgrade
Stage one of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan will see a $9.6 million transformation of the town centre, co-funded by an $8 million federal grant and $1.6 million in council borrowings.
Works include a revitalised Esplanade, safer pedestrian connections, wider footpaths, landscaped garden beds, sustainable street furniture and traffic calming measures.
Councillors voted at Wednesday's meeting to award the contract to Fulton Hogan Construction.
Stage one of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan will see a $9.6 million transformation of the town centre, co-funded by an $8 million federal grant and $1.6 million in council borrowings.
Works include a revitalised Esplanade, safer pedestrian connections, wider footpaths, landscaped garden beds, sustainable street furniture and traffic calming measures.
Councillors voted at Wednesday's meeting to award the contract to Fulton Hogan Construction.