The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, is continuing her push to ensure locals have a say in the future of Winton Wetlands, with hundreds already completing a community survey capturing views on the site’s future use, particularly the Mokoan Hub and Café.
Ms Cleeland has now met with representatives from DEECA and the Minister’s office to advocate directly for community involvement, and is in the process of sharing initial survey results to ensure local voices are at the centre of future decisions.
“There is cautious optimism that under DEECA, we will see a more transparent and community-focused approach to managing the wetlands,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I have been encouraged by early discussions, especially around plans to maintain and restore the wetlands, reopen the café and hub through a private tender process, and continue important environmental and restoration projects.”
The abrupt closure of the Mokoan Hub and Café left many residents shocked. Staff lost their jobs without warning, volunteers were stood down indefinitely, the Committee of Management resigned, and key research and environmental programs were suspended.
Ms Cleeland said it was vital that decisions about the site were made with the community, not behind closed doors.
“People are still incredibly disheartened by the sudden closure and the lack of transparency that came with it,” she said.
“But there is also a strong and shared determination to protect this site’s environmental, cultural and tourism value. I will be working alongside DEECA to make sure that happens with the community involved every step of the way.”
The survey invites input from residents, volunteers, researchers and visitors on ideas for land use, conservation, eco-tourism, education and potential private partnerships.
“All feedback is being presented to the Department and the Minister, so I am urging people to complete the survey as soon as possible to ensure their voice is included,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This is about giving our region the influence it deserves over a site that means so much to so many.”
The survey is available to complete at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WintonWetlands