About the Project

The Bass Coast Community Vision 2041 was created in 2021 through a deliberative engagement process by a representative Community Panel of residents.

In developing that vision, the Community Panel considered broad topics and long-term issues, such as access and equity, growth and housing, and climate change to determine our community's economic, social, cultural and environmental priorities for the future.

Developing the Plan

Across 2024-2025, Council undertook the 'Towards a Better Bass Coast' project to inform the development of Council's new key strategic documents for 2025-2029 and beyond.

As part of this project, Council sought feedback from the community to inform the review and refresh of the Community Vision to consider whether it still reflects the aspirations for the future of our diverse communities.

Shaped by the community, the process has been one of the most comprehensive community engagement projects Bass Coast has ever undertaken, spanning more than 15 months and involving thousands of people who live, work, visit, or have a connection to the region.

A highlight of this year’s review is a small but meaningful update to the Community Vision: the inclusion of “coastal woodlands” in the opening sentence of the Vision, celebrating the full breadth of Bass Coast’s unique landscapes.

“From its flowing hills to its coastal woodlands and wild unspoiled coastlines, the Bass Coast is a source of celebration for all who live in and visit the region,” reads the updated statement.

Engagement began in July 2024 with workshops, pop-ups, focus groups and surveys. A 45-member Community Panel, selected through a randomised process, then met across four workshops between November 2024 and May 2025 to deliberate on the challenges and provide recommendations. A final consultation period in August–September 2025 confirmed that the draft plans resonated with the community and led to refinements, including stronger support for agriculture.