Winch Common finally reopens

LOCAL families have wasted no time returning to Winchelsea Common in droves this month, following the reopening of the site by management authorities.

Representatives from local community group Growing Winchelsea, the state Department of Environment Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP) and Surf Coast Shire Council formally reopened the Common this month following years of closures due to safety concerns from contamination.

Growing Winchelsea president John Tebutt played a key role during negotiations to reopen the Common as the Winchelsea community’s representative in talks between state and local government.

Mr Tebutt said he was thrilled to see locals, along with their kids and pets, again using the important public space.

“The community is absolutely delighted that the common is open. It’s a fantastic asset for Winchelsea,” he said.

“It’s very satisfying to have been able to play a role in bringing that about.”

Mr Tebutt said the community was also looking forward to planned future upgrades of the Common, including a pump track for mountain biking and picnic facilities such as gazebos.

Remediation ahead of the reopening included construction of a new all-weather path, landscaping and fencing around sensitive vegetation.

Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority cleared the site for public use following a clean-up of lead and clay target contamination from previous gun club activities.

The council formally resolved legal issues with state authorities last month and outlined a new environmental protection plan and land management arrangement for the site.