A local MP wants the community to have its say on the future of the Mokoan Hub and Café, and Winton Wetlands.
Photo by
Blake Smith
State Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, is continuing her push to ensure locals have a say in the future of Winton Wetlands.
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Hundreds of locals have already completed a community survey capturing views on the site’s future use, particularly the Mokoan Hub and Café.
Ms Cleeland has met with representatives from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos’ 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.”
Winton Wetlands is the largest wetland restoration project in the Southern Hemisphere.
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, ecotourism, 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.”
For more on the current situation at Winton Wetlands, check out Country News’ July 22-28 edition, free inside the Benalla Ensign and online at countrynews.com.au/
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