Cowes set to lose more than half of their car parks, revealed in draft streetscape plan

Locals are outraged after it was revealed a huge number of car parks could be lost in a popular spot on Phillip Island. Find out why.

Bass Coast locals are outraged after the release of the draft Cowes streetscape master plan revealed dozens of car parks in the main street would be cut.

Community consultation on the draft Cowes streetscape master plan began last week and outlines the changes proposed to “reinvigorate” the Cowes main street.

According to Council the plan includes the “redesign and improvement of Cowes main community and visitor activity hub on Thompson Ave, from The Esplanade to Church Street”.

“Streetscape redevelopment will respond to population and tourism growth by delivering an attractive social, dining and retail environment, prioritising pedestrian use, generating investment and creating jobs,” the plan said.

But locals are unhappy at plans to cut car parks in Thompson Ave from 66 spaces to 24.

Bass Coast locals are outraged after the release of the draft Cowes streetscape master plan revealed carparks in the main street would be cut from 66 to 24 spots.

Parking is already limited in the popular holiday town, they say.

“Doesn't sound like a great idea unless you can replace these car parks within a very short walking distance, we already have a shortage of car parks in peak periods,” one local wrote on Facebook.

The cuts to car parks would be along Thompson Ave where the plans indicate current angle parks would be converted to parallel parking instead.

Parks on Chapel and Church streets would also be cut from 46 to 41 and 24 to 11 respectively.

The plan in its current state would also see the introduction of another set of traffic lights at Thompson Avenue and Church St and give pedestrians and cyclists priority with “opportunities for crossing every 75m”.

As a part of the push for pedestrian access, it’s also been suggested speed limits be reduced from 40km/h to 30km/h north of Church St, and to 10km/h within shared zones north of Chapel St.

You can have your say on the plan here.

What else has council been up to recently?

An example of the dinosaur trail to be installed on the Bass Coast.

Funding Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail

The Bass Coast is set to go back to prehistoric times, with the government contributing half a million dollars to a dinosaur trail.

Bass Coast Shire Council mayor Michael Whelan said the Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail would celebrate the region’s prehistoric heritage.

“Bass Coast has the most diverse range of polar dinosaurs in the world, and it is great to see the State Government back this innovative and creative project that will help us grow our sustainable tourism economy,’’ he said.

Six sites for people to interact and learn about the dinosaurs of the region will be created with the $500,000 funding boost.

Bass Coast Shire Council last year purchased land in Wonthaggi for $1.2m to create an interactive sound and light ‘Gondwana Garden’.

Once developed it will feature sculptures and prehistoric-inspired gardens, featuring vegetation similar to the landscape polar dinosaurs once inhabited.

The funding will also go towards innovative digital activation at The Caves and Eagles Nest, a village green at Kilcunda, a sculptural dinosaur interpretation at San Remo, and a concept development of a Discovery Centre in Inverloch.

The Bass Coast is home to a number of significant dinosaur fossil sites, including evidence of the Koolasuchus Cleelandi — Victoria’s fossil emblem.

The six creative art sites on the Dinosaurs Trail will link to these sites.

“Honouring, acknowledging and celebrating the rich Bunurong culture and building upon the work of volunteers over the past 40 years, the project will create diverse creative experiences,’’ Mr Whelan said.

Disability funding

Kids with a disability will now be able to take part in a Nippers program, after the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club received a grant for specialised equipment.

One of nine businesses receiving up to $1000 from the council, the Starfish Nippers will now have specialised equipment for aquatic program for youth with disabilities.

Bass Coast Shire mayor Michael Whelan said the annual grants program provided an opportunity for businesses and community groups to ensure their facilities and services could be used by more people.

“Congratulations to the recipients of the funding, who are committed to making their business or group more accessible and inclusive for people with disability,” he said.

“People with disability are often faced with barriers that prevent them from participating in everyday life, so it is fantastic to see the response to this program, from businesses and community groups dedicated to reducing these barriers.”

The Bear Street Gallery and Bluette Cafe in Inverloch will both receive an internal rubber wedge ramp, as will the Cowes Yacht Club.

The Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House will now have both internal and external rubber wedge ramps, while the National Vietnam Veterans Museum and Anglican Parish of Bass on Phillip Island will extend some pathways to make them more accessible.

San Remo Osteopathy will receive accessible chairs for its waiting room, while the Bass Coast Adult Learning auspice for Kate Harmon will receive a copy of Beyond the Lens Photography, aphotographic book and story of achievement by a local photographer with disability.

Construction companies interested in building a new playground at the Kilcunda Foreshore should apply for the tender.

Kilcunda Skate Park and Renewal of Playspace

Bass Coast Council is calling for tenders for the construction of a new skate park and the renewal of a playground on the Kilcunda Foreshore.

The design for the skate park and playspace has been developed over the past 12 months by skate and play specialist Place, in consultation with a working group of local residents and the Kilcunda Community Association.

The new playground will feature a large slide, sensory play which will include a dry creek, a spinner and swings. These facilities are designed to connect to the Bass Coast Rail Trail and nearby public amenities.

It will also include a natural feeling space with timber and rock features, along with traditional play elements for climbing, sliding and swinging.

The skate facility has been designed to provide a “fun space that caters for beginners and younger children, while also including elements to challenge more advanced skaters”, council documents say.

The tender period closes on September 21 at 2pm, with construction expected to begin in February 2023.