About the Project

Investment is vital for our local businesses to adapt, leverage innovative technology, attract, and retain talent, and stay competitive. Council is seeking increased investment to help the private sector address the enduring impacts of the pandemic, navigate emerging challenges related to climate change, and adapt to structural shifts in Gippsland’s industries. With 35 per cent of Melbourne’s international visitors coming to Bass Coast annually, support is essential to maintain our status as a preferred destination. Programs facilitating business expansion into new markets and providing support throughout the project cycle are crucial. We advocate for continued support for conceptual planning and the development of jobcreating initiatives.

Initiatives like the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund enhance the liveability, economic vitality, and visitor experience of regional towns and cities. This includes revitalising and investing in the underutilised Wonthaggi TAFE campus. Currently, students seeking entry-level tertiary education in commercial cookery, automotive technology, hairdressing, agriculture, nursing, healthcare, early childhood education, and building and construction must travel over 40 kilometres and up to almost 100 kilometres.

We endorse the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan and the Experience Victoria 2023 strategic plan. Additionally, we advocate for increased investment in our public transport system, particularly in enhancing service frequency to major hubs to bolster the local workforce economy.

As the most tourism-dependent destination in Victoria and just over an hour east of Melbourne, Bass Coast offers 180 kilometres of stunning coastline, picturesque nature reserves, scenic hinterlands, and hosts major events like The Block 2024, motorcross, and surf competitions. With these attractions, we seek regional commitments to secure long-term contracts for future major events.