Phil Wright

The numbers talk

14/12/2018

Former Bass Coast mayor Jordan Crugnale is the new MP for Bass.

By Phil Wright

FOR the first time in history, Bass Coast Shire has an ALP representative in Parliament. To make the story more unbelievable, the ALP has a strong state majority and is likely to be in power for at least eight years.

There is now an opportunity for Bass Coast to ride on the back of the election promises and deliver a long-term sustainable plan. The objectives are clear: increase social inclusion, protect beaches and wildlife, reduce the domination of private cars, develop high quality environmental destinations – Inverloch and Phillip Island – and develop Wonthaggi as a booming regional town.

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Cars vs people

30/7/2016

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Architectural drawing of the Chapel Street frontage

By Phil Wright

AT THE Bass Coast Shire Council meeting on July 19, councillors considered an application for construction of a five-storey building with 44 units and a café at 46-48 Chapel St Cowes. At first glance, this proposal appears unsuitable for Cowes. Surely, we must keep the development down to three storeys and contain the visual bulk?

In making a planning decision, however, it is essential to follow the process. First, let’s look at issues raised by the 12 objectors and the council officer’s response. The objections were predictable: lack of parking, waste management issues, noise, height and bulk, loss of neighbourhood character, vegetation and habitat, shadows, and overlooking of private secluded places.

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Raise the rates!

23/8/2014

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Cr Phil Wright

By Catherine Watson

AS HE does every year, Bass Coast councillor Phil Wright voted against this year’s shire budget. He believes we should double our rates and spend twice as much on services and infrastructure.

“My fellow councillors seem to think they’re being generous to people on low incomes by keeping rates low,” he said at Wednesday’s council meeting. “Nothing could be further from the truth.

“Rates are a great way to raise money because the person living in the small house pays much less than the person living in the $2 million mansion who might only use it three or four times a year.”

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Bang goes the community

17/5/2014

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With traditional religious belief on the decline, it’s more important than ever to maintain
some of our secular communal celebrations, writes Phil Wright. And that includes fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

By Phil Wright

CREATIVE societies are bound by a sense of community and common moral vision. Few of the previous councillors who voted to move the Cowes fireworks from New Year’s Eve to Carols by the Bay showed any sign of vision. It was about the 2012 election.

Modern Australia is the richest and most prosperous community that has ever existed. With this wealth come choices not possible for developing nations. Now we have the option to ignore traditional religious values. Unfortunately, the new lifestyles are unchartered, which is leading us into a cultural desert with minimal traditions except for sports, music and shopping.

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​The numbers talk

Cars vs people

Raise the rates!

Bang goes the community

The numbers talk