Surf Coast Shire Council has approved scope for reactivating part of Winchelsea Common, including reopening the former go-kart track area for public use.
Council resolved at its August meeting to endorse a Future Use Project plan which earmarks the area for recreation, and addition of a loop path linking to Gladman Street, seating and interpretive signs.
The works will include an important crossover bridging the street to the Common and addressing localised flooding issues.
The former go-kart area contains contaminated soil from throughout the Common, but is safely capped with non-contaminated soil.
An Environmental Management Plan prohibits excavation or movement of soil within the area, meaning plans for construction of a bike park are unable to proceed but Council resolved to initiate discussions with the Winchelsea community, including exploring options with young people, about the potential for establishing a bike park elsewhere.
A report is due to come back to Council by March 2024.
Work on the former go-kart area is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023, continuing revitalisation of parts of the Common following its decade-long closure due to contamination from former gun club activities.
The reserve was reopened for restricted public access in March 2022 following extensive clean-up work by the then Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and Council.
“We look forward to seeing community members and visitors enjoying this grassed recreation space and making use of the new path and seating,” Cr Adrian Schonfelder said.
“Reopening of the area will enhance people’s ability to enjoy the Common’s flora, fauna and unique landscape, including its many magnificent River Redgums. This former go-kart area includes a gum estimated to be more than 300 years old.
“Winchelsea community members have rated having high quality and diverse shared open spaces as a community priority. Reopening of this area will provide more of that space for people to enjoy.”
Council will share further information on the scope of the reopening works with Winchelsea community during September.
Improvements to other public access areas of the Common since its reopening include building of an all-weather shared path, an off-leash dog area, grass play area, landscaping and protection of areas with sensitive vegetation.
Council and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action share responsibility for the Common, with Council responsible for day-to-day management and the department the land owner.
For more information visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Experience/Parks-and-reserves-listing/Winchelsea-Common-Nature-Reserve
