Deputy Mayor's Message

By Cr Ron Bauer

Like many people across Bass Coast, I was disappointed to hear the World Superbikes will no longer be held at the Phillip Island beyond 2027.

For 35 years, the event has been part of Phillip Island's identity and a significant contributor to our local economy. It has brought thousands of visitors to our region each year and provided an important boost for local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants and retailers.

Coming after the ongoing uncertainty around the future of MotoGP, it's understandable that many businesses and community members are concerned.
Council has been very clear with the Victorian Government that Phillip Island and Bass Coast cannot continue to absorb these economic impacts without a plan to support our region. We will continue advocating strongly for investment, events and opportunities that recognise the enormous contribution our region makes to Victoria's visitor economy.

Saying that, we keep delivering projects that strengthen our communities for the long term.

Take for example The Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project. Anyone who has been through Cowes recently can see the changes taking shape. While construction has caused disruption, particularly for local traders, the finished precinct will create a safer, more accessible and better connected town centre that makes the most of one of Phillip Island's greatest assets – its foreshore.#

These improvements will make it easier for residents and visitors to move around, spend time in the township and support local businesses, helping ensure Cowes remains a vibrant destination for years to come.

We're also continuing to progress, as one of Council's highest advocacy priorities, the Phillip Island Sporting Precinct. A lot of work has already happened behind the scenes to ensure this project is ready as funding opportunities become available. A project of this scale doesn't happen overnight, but this groundwork is essential. It's the sort of work people don't always see, but it puts us in a much stronger position to deliver for the community when funding opportunities arise.

Some of this behind the scenes work includes extensive community consultation, cultural and environmental investigations, stormwater planning, traffic assessments, arborist reports, revegetation works and detailed design work for the Ventnor Road entrance. Council is also progressing a planning zone change for the site so we're in the strongest possible position to move forward when investment is secured.

The loss of these major events is a reminder that we can't solely rely on events controlled by outside groups to support our future and it is important to build our own Bass Coast brand. We need to continue attracting visitors through events and experiences that we control, that make Bass Coast a better place to visit, live and work.

Across Bass Coast, we've always learned, adapted and thrived. From our coal mining history in Wonthaggi, the chicory kilns on Phillip Island to our farming communities, we have evolved into the area that is the envy of all Victoria. I wish to reassure the community that we'll keep making the strongest case for private investment opportunities and continue to build a diverse and resilient future.