Bass Coast Shire Council

Project Profile

Issues

The Bass Coast Shire has some of the most diverse, well known and well visited coastline in Victoria and is also part of the internationally recognized Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve.  The Bass Coast Shire Council consists of 11 Landcare Groups covering seven catchments with over 1000 families involved. The Bass Coast Shire Council has invested in both the local Landcare and the local Coast Action and Coast Care Programs since 1990.

Project Detail

While many local councils are working towards more sustainable communities, the Bass Coast Shire Council has been nominated for a National Landcare Award for its contribution and ongoing commitment to many local Landcare groups.

The Bass Coast Shire has some of the most diverse, most visited coastline in Victoria and also takes in part of the internationally recognised Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve.  The Bass Coast Shire Council consists of 11 Landcare Groups covering seven catchments with over 1000 families involved. The Bass Coast Shire Council has invested in both the local Landcare and the local Coast Action and Coast Care Programs since 1990.

Landcare principles have become an integral part of all environmental management and planning in this local shire.  These key areas are strongly recognised within the Bass Coast Shire Council Plan and the Planning Scheme. Council staff have recently developed an Environment Sustainability Plan.  The Plan aims to achieve positive health and social outcomes and increased economic benefits, particularly in agriculture and tourism.

Council’s financial contribution to Landcare of $50,000 per year provides a base level of funding and in-kind support which encourages greater investment by other agencies, corporate and government bodies.  This funding combined with other partnership support has seen in excess of 250,000 plants established over 180 hectares, 100 kilometres of roadside weeds controlled, 12 sustainability seminars delivered each year, 60 landholders with developed Environmental Management Systems and associated works and more than 500 individual landholders engaged in the Landcare Program.

There are also 13 Coast Action groups totalling 150 members who provided over 5,000 volunteer hours annually to coastal reserves. Their achievements include weed control and removal, construction of boardwalks and beach access, fencing, and public education projects.

By supporting local Landcare groups, Bass Coast Shire Council has contributed significantly to the environmental sustainability of the local coastline.

The Bass Coast Shire Council project is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be
announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010.  Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Bass Coast Shire Council