New Year, new space in Winch

THE NEW Year will bring new life to the Winchelsea Common space with works set to begin early 2018.

High levels of contaminants including lead shot, clay fragments and plastic casings were found at the site of the former gun and go-kart club, forcing it to close in 2012.

Sally Patterson from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) said they would appoint a contractor to undertake the works, which include cleaning up parts of the site and re-establishing more public use across the reserve.

“This will include scraping and sifting contaminated material from the areas of low value vegetation, establishing an all-access walking path and a fenced off-lead area for dogs,” Ms Patterson said.

“This is the start of a process to reopen sections of the common allowing the community to enjoy the site’s unique natural values and will be in line with a plan that DELWP and the Surf Coast Shire released earlier this year.”

Ms Patterson said they worked closely with the community and received more than 100 submissions in order to create the Common’s Future Use Plan.

Surf Coast Shire Winchelsea Ward Councillor Carol McGregor welcomed the news of remediation works and said the common was a treasured community space.

“We know how much residents value the common, which was reiterated during the feedback period and when it’s re-opened, it will be a place where people can enjoy nature,” Ms McGregor said.

“It fits in perfectly with our council purpose – to help our community and environment to thrive.”

For more information about the Future Use Plan visit the website engage.vic.gov.au/winchelsea-common or contact Sally Patterson at DELWP on 5226 4780.