Surf Coast Shire Council is seeking public feedback on community-led designs for renewal of Winchelsea’s riverside Mud Hut shelter.
Council resolved at its April meeting to endorse revised concept plans for the shelter and put them out for consultation for seven days, closing 4 May.
The consultation will enable community members to provide feedback on the new design and how it has addressed the concerns expressed through a community petition. Council will be constrained with any changes it can accommodate.
The revised concept plans for the shelter include low-profile walls, added timber cladding and design elements reminiscent of the existing hut.
The shelter also includes picnic tables and seating.
People can see the designs and provide feedback via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/mudhut
“We encourage community members to look at the designs and share their thoughts,” Mayor Liz Pattison said.
“Councillors wanted to provide the community with opportunity for a final check-in, given the journey we have been on with this renewal process, while being mindful that we have no scope for spending more on the project.
“After having contended with some significant delays we are pleased to be at this point.
“The project clearly means a great deal to the Winchelsea community and we have appreciated all input provided along the way, particularly the insights of our community-led Project Control Group on leading revision of the original shelter designs.
“The design nicely captures some of the elements of the existing building, while also providing a functional shelter space for residents and visitors to use and enjoy for many years to come.”
The new shelter was scheduled for installation mid-January 2023 but pandemic restrictions, contractor unavailability, extended community consultation through the Project Control Group and discovery of microbats breeding in the existing structure have contributed to project delays.
Council engaged a zoologist to assess the microbats and provide advice on how to manage them. The microbats have been found to have moved on, but Council will continue to work with the zoologist should any return during demolition of the structure.
Demolition of the existing hut will start as soon as possible.
The $265,000 project is jointly funded by Council and the Australian Government, through a $50,000 allocation from its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Council will seek funding to secure an $80,000 budget shortfall resulting from changes to the design.
