BASS COAST PLANNING SCHEME

21.02 MUNICIPAL PROFILE 14/12/2006 C55

21.02-1 Introduction 19/01/2006 VC37 Bass Coast Shire was created on 2 December 1994 by the amalgamation of the former municipalities of Bass, Phillip Island and Wonthaggi, as well as including parts of the former municipalities of Cranbourne, Korumburra and Woorayl. Bass Coast Shire covers approximately 800 square kilometres, has a population of 21,000 and includes some of the most diverse and well known 175 kilometres of coastline in Victoria, as well as a most scenic rural hinterland. Major towns include Cowes, Wonthaggi and Inverloch. The local economy is primarily based on dairy and beef farming and tourism. The Shire has important economic, social and environmental links with both the metropolitan Melbourne and Gippsland regions, and it is a nationally and internationally recognised tourist and sporting destination.

21.02-2 Settlement 19/01/2006 VC37

Population characteristics

The resident population of Bass Coast was found to be 21,248 in the 1996 Census. 27% of the population is over 60 years of age. There are 9,260 households with an average household size of 2.29. The main employment sectors are agriculture, tourist-related industries (wholesale/retail section) and community services. It is projected that the Shire’s population will increase to approximately 26,200 by the year 2011 and 29,200 by 2021. During the period 1996-2021, the number of households is expected to rise from 9,260 to 13,500 with a steady decline in average household size. The rate of growth projected for Bass Coast Shire by 2011 is almost 80% higher than that projected for Regional Victoria. Population growth in part will be due to the proximity of the South-East Growth Area (SEGA) of metropolitan Melbourne, to the immediate north, and more particularly due to the Shire’s increasing attractiveness to retirees. Such growth has significant implications for future planning of the Shire.

HOUSE- HOUSE- HOLDS HOLD SIZE Number of Average occupied number of private people per dwellings private dwelling

1996 9,260 1996 2.29

2001 10,159 2001 2.27

2011 11,863 2011 2.21

2021 13,473 2021 2.16 Source: Department of Infrastructure, Victoria in Future 1996.

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Source: Department of Infrastructure, Victoria in Future 1996.

The impact of retired persons moving to the Shire is reflected in the projected age structure for 1996-2021. Throughout this period, the population will continue to age, with the proportion of the population over 60 years rising from 27% to nearly 42%. The ageing of a growing permanent population within smaller households will influence the type of dwelling, and the proximity and level of services and facilities demanded.

Source: Department of Infrastructure, Victoria in Future 1996.

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Age Structure

PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION 1996 2001 2011 2021

0 – 4 years 6.5 6.1 5.5 5.2

5 – 17 years 17.6 16.0 14.0 13.5

18 – 24 years 7.6 6.9 6.4 6.0

25 – 34 years 11.5 10.2 9.3 8.9

35 – 49 years 19.6 18.0 15.5 14.6

50 – 59 years 10.1 10.8 11.2 10.2

60 – 69 years 12.6 13.1 14.7 15.3

70 – 84 years 13.0 16.3 18.6 20.4

85 years and over 1.6 2.7 4.9 5.9

Source: Department of Infrastructure, Victoria in Future 1996.

Source: Department of Infrastructure, Victoria in Future 1996.

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Settlement patterns

Wonthaggi, Inverloch, and Cowes are the major towns within Bass Coast Shire. Other urban settlements are at San Remo, Grantville, Cape Paterson, Dalyston, Kilcunda, Corinella, Coronet Bay, Bass, Newhaven, Rhyll and Ventnor. Small residential estates are scattered throughout the Shire, particularly on Phillip Island and on the Western Port Bay coastline. Many of the residential estates that have developed along the coastline were originally developed as holiday resorts, with the style and quality of building stock reflecting the non- permanent nature of occupation. Some of these estates have been located in sensitive environmental areas. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is progressively acquiring the Summerland Estate to be included within the Phillip Island Nature Park. Low density residential development (generally on lots of between 0.4 - 2.0 hectares) and rural living development (generally on lots of between 2 and 8 hectares) are located on the periphery of some towns and as discrete settlements. Many are the result of restructuring old and inappropriate subdivisions. These properties are generally not used for any form of agricultural activity, however extensive revegetation has occurred on some of these lots. The Shire contains approximately 17,000 dwellings, although only 50% of these are occupied on a permanent basis. The level of permanent occupation of residences within the Shire varies considerably, from approximately 30% on Phillip Island to 70% in Wonthaggi. During school holidays, there is a significant increase in the population at holiday resorts on Phillip Island and at Inverloch, which impacts on a town’s service and facility capabilities. It is estimated that there are around 5,000 vacant residential lots within towns, either already existing or within areas identified as suitable for future residential development. Projected dwelling commencements by the Department of Infrastructure indicate that the Shire will need to accommodate approximately 4,400 additional dwellings by 2011. This expected growth will absorb most of the existing vacant lots and will lead to the subdivision of other land in the Residential Zone which should cater for this expected level of growth. A strategic review of the supply of residential land will need to be undertaken towards the end of this period. The existing residential settlement pattern has historically generally followed the conventional suburban form. Although there is ample vacant residential land within towns, Council is aware that special alternative residential lifestyles, such as recreation or open space/nature based developments, may have to be provided for outside township boundaries.

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1981 1986 1991 1996 Wonthaggi 4797 5346 5751 5887

Cowes 1563 2251 2658 3060

Inverloch 1523 1838 2195 2448

Newhaven 505 731 980 1091

Cape Paterson 239 440 517 593

Coronet Bay 165 300 457 482

Corinella 173 235 340 391

Grantville 195 323 383 389

Rhyll 150 225 321 378 Source: Department of Infrastructure, Towns in Time 1999.

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21.02-3 Environment 14/12/2006 C55

Natural resources

There is a considerable array of natural resources located throughout the Shire. These include: ƒ Bass and Powlett Rivers, and, Screw and Ayr Creeks. ƒ The wetlands of Western Port Bay, designated in the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) 1971. ƒ Proclaimed Water Catchment Areas of the Candowie and Lance Creek reservoirs. ƒ Significant flora and fauna habitats, in particular at Phillip Island Nature Park, Wonthaggi Heathlands, Thompson Estate at Inverloch, Screw Creek Estuary, Bass River mouth, and nature conservation reserves in the Grantville area. ƒ The coastlines of Western Port Bay, Bass Strait and Anderson Inlet. ƒ Kilcunda coastline, The Nits, Bunurong Cliffs coastal and marine area, Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve, Seals Rocks State Faunal Reserve, Phillip Island southern coastline, Churchill Island and Corinella, all of which are on Register of the National Estate. ƒ Significant rural landscapes of the Bass Valley and the Strzelecki Foothills.

Environmental hazards

Salinity, soil erosion, pest plants (marine and terrestrial) and animals, stormwater and effluent disposal, flooding, wildfire, and land subsidence due to mining, occur in varying degrees throughout Bass Coast Shire. Parts of the coastline may be vulnerable to sea level rise from the Greenhouse Effect in the future. There is mounting evidence to suggest that salinity within the Shire is worsening, in particular at the foothills of the Bass Valley and the area north of Inverloch. Several sites have been identified on Phillip Island. Landcare groups and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment are monitoring the extent and seriousness of salinity. Tunnel erosion, landslips and stream bank erosion are major hazards on the steeper slopes of the Strzelecki foothills. Fencing and tree planting are methods of erosion control works that have been implemented to date. The Powlett River environs are susceptible to flooding, a problem that is heightened by willows which cause soil erosion and affect flow regimes. Flooding of the Bass River is rare. Stormwater drainage is a concern, particularly in urban areas where there is inadequate street drainage infrastructure. Disposal of effluent from both residential areas not connected to sewerage, and low density residential development is a major problem in the municipality, which impacts on the water quality of Western Port Bay and inland waterways. The Roadside Weed Control Program is a joint initiative between the Shire and Landcare groups to eradicate weeds such as blackberries and ragwort. Ragwort is also a particular problem in the Kernot-Krowera area. Wildfire is of concern to both tourists and residents, particularly for those who reside in heavily timbered areas and in the Strzelecki foothills. Large tracts of land around Wonthaggi and Kilcunda have been mined, and are now susceptible to subsidence.

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Cultural heritage

There are a number of sites of heritage significance within the Shire, in particular around Western Port Bay where early exploration and European settlement occurred. Corinella, one of the earliest European settlements in Victoria and the site of Victoria’s first Government House has been the subject of archaeological exploration. The landing of George Bass at San Remo in 1798 and the George Bass Memorial at Bass acknowledge these early pioneering days. Woolamai House, Churchill Island, Archies Creek Dairy Produce Company Building, and the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi are on the Register of the National Estate. Woolamai House, the court house at Wonthaggi and the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi are on the Heritage Register. Churchill Island and Wonthaggi Railway Station are on the Government Building Register. The National Trust has classified the Archies Creek Dairy Produce Co. building and the jetty shed at Cowes, and recorded the Bay View Farm at Corinella and St. Paul’s Church (now Discovery Centre) at Newhaven. The railway line from Nyora to Wonthaggi (particularly the trestle bridges at Kilcunda), Queensferry Pier, the Lonely Grave at Grossard Point, Ventnor, and cemeteries throughout the Shire are other important heritage sites of local significance. Aboriginal archaeological sites are known to be located around Western Port Bay and Bass Strait. Aboriginal shell midden sites in the Coronet Bay area and on the western and southern foreshores of Phillip Island are on the Register of the National Estate.

21.02-4 Housing 19/01/2006 VC37 Housing in the Shire is characterised by a single dwelling on residential lots of approximately 650m2. Many of these dwellings are used as holiday houses, and this is reflected in the style and quality of the building stock. New permanent housing is located on the periphery of Wonthaggi and Inverloch. Medium density housing is not common, but such development is located in proximity to the Cowes commercial area; many of these units provide tourist accommodation. There are two types of low density residential and rural living development scattered throughout the Shire that caters for a particular type of lifestyle. There are discrete low density residential subdivisions on specifically zoned land or which are the result of the restructuring of old and inappropriate subdivisions, and, there are small rural lots scattered throughout the rural area. Lot sizes vary in size from 0.4 hectare to more than 8 hectares.

21.02-5 Economic development 19/01/2006 VC37

Business

Wonthaggi is the region’s main centre for administrative, retail, commercial and community activities, serving communities as far away as Grantville and Phillip Island. It provides a wide range of shops, service business (accountants, lawyers etc.), medical and related practitioners, schools, community facilities (library, court house) and municipal offices. Cowes provides the majority of the Phillip Island community’s retailing and service industry needs. San Remo, Grantville and Inverloch provide a similar function to their local populations. General stores scattered throughout the Shire provide basic community needs.

Industry

Wonthaggi has a significant manufacturing and industrial base. Small industrial estates, mainly occupied by service industries are located at Grantville, Cowes, Inverloch and Newhaven. There is capacity for infill development within all of these areas. There is a significant fishing industry based at San Remo.

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Tourism

Tourism is a major contributor to the local economy, with visitors coming from within Victoria, interstate and overseas for tourist and recreation purposes. Tourist attractions are both natural, built or a combination. The newly created Phillip Island Nature Park covers about 2,750 hectares of public land and includes the Penguin Parade, the seals at The Nobbies, Koala Conservation Centre, Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve and surf beach, Churchill Island, and the Rhyll Wetlands. The Nature Park, in conjunction with the new Seal Rocks development, has the potential to become an eco/nature based tourism experience of international standing. The Phillip Island Motor Racing Circuit is a nationally and internationally recognised sporting facility. Wildlife Wonderland at Bass, the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi, and Bunurong Marine Park are other major tourist attractions in the Shire. Facilities that support tourism include restaurants, hotels, and varying standards and types of accommodation located throughout Phillip Island, along the major coast roads, and within larger towns. During summer and the school holidays in particular, the Shire is a popular destination for day-trippers and holiday makers. The area’s surfing beaches located on Phillip Island and the south coast provide an excellent range and variety of surfing conditions that are widely recognised. Natural assets along the coastline also provide the same attraction. Fishing and sailing are popular activities, with boat ramps and a varying range of facilities at San Remo, Grantville, Corinella, Coronet Bay, Newhaven, Rhyll, Cowes, and Inverloch.

Recreation

All major urban centres have recreation areas for passive and active pursuits, including the Cowes, Wonthaggi and Lang Lang golf courses, tennis courts and indoor leisure centres at Cowes, Wonthaggi and Inverloch, and, numerous bowling clubs. There is a coastal walk within Bunurong Marine Park, a network of cycle/walking paths on Phillip Island, and the former Nyora-Wonthaggi railway line is being progressively developed for cycling and walking.

Agriculture

The rural hinterland is characterised by rolling hills used for dairy and beef cattle grazing. The land is generally of high agricultural quality. Little diversification in animal grazing and cropping has occurred to date, but there has been a steady increase in the variety of horticulture and exotic animal husbandry occurring in the Shire. Examples include vineyards, flower production, and, venison and emu farms.

Forestry and timber production

There is no forestry or timber production in the Shire.

Extractive industry

The Gurdies-Grantville area forms part of a regionally significant sand resource that is likely to be in demand for building construction in the future. There are a number of leases and licences that currently apply to sand and gravel operations in this area. The basalt quarry at Quoin Hill, Phillip Island is the only other current extractive industry operation in the Shire.

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21.02-6 Infrastructure 19/01/2006 VC37 The Bass Highway provides the major link between the Shire and metropolitan Melbourne to the north. Other major roads include the South Gippsland Highway on the northern Shire boundary and the Phillip Island Tourist Road. A public bus service runs from Cowes and Inverloch to Melbourne daily. Privately owned Phillip Island Airfield provides facilities for small charter and private aircraft, and there is a helipad at Cowes. Primary schools are located at Cowes, Newhaven, San Remo, Bass Valley (Corinella), Dalyston, Wonthaggi and Inverloch, with a secondary school at Newhaven and a secondary school and TAFE College at Wonthaggi. Hospitals exist at Wonthaggi and Cowes. The Shire has a comprehensive system of emergency management organisations. Reticulated water is available to all urban settlements except Jam Jerrup, Harmers Haven and The Gurdies. Reticulated sewerage is generally available in all towns except for Jam Jerrup, The Gurdies, Tenby Point, Bass, Silverleaves, Rennison Road and Harmers Haven. Despite the relative widespread reticulated services that exist in the Shire’s towns, there are some substantial inadequacies in street and town drainage systems and the capacity of the infrastructure base is placed under great pressure by the demands of the many non- permanent residents and visitors to the area.

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