MEMBERS of Mansfield cultural, heritage and arts community (MCHAC) group recently met with council representatives to discuss the ongoing care of the Mullum Wetlands.

John Owen, who was was involved with the setting up of the wetlands and ran the wetlands management group, was joined for a walkabout with fellow MCHAC member Sarah Stegley AM, Mansfield Shire Council's Environment and Sustainability Officer, Kylie Russel, and shire Coordinator Waste and Environment, Melissa Reed.

John, who Sarah Stegley AM described as 'the father of the wetlands' was there to share his wealth of knowledge and understanding with Kylie Russel who is in the process of providing a maintenance plan for the ongoing care of the wetlands.

The maintenance plan aims to ensure continuity of care for the wetlands, prioritising the management of noxious weeds, invasive plant species and sediment levels that come in from the urban environment.

Sarah Stegley AM was delighted to see work being undertaken to ensure the wetlands can be enjoyed as they were intended for generations to come.

“Today is an opportunity for council and the community to come together to ensure the care of the wetlands," she said.

"I have spoken to Kirsten (shire Chief Executive Officer - Kirsten Alexander) about this and she is very keen to see the shire and the community working together.

"With John's understanding of the wetlands and the work Kylie Russel is doing, we can look forward to a healthy future for the Mullum Wetlands."