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Camping facilities and a store for locals and visitors could be developed for the Winton Wetlands area under draft proposals to be discussed by the community.

Although the proposed first stage is a modest one, the whole project — with government money and private investment — could exceed $50million in value.

Consultants have come up with a range of ideas which they are floating with the regional community over the next few weeks.

The consultants have proposed a bigger second stage which could include accommodation, an entertainment centre and a restaurant.

The restoration of the 8750ha Winton Wetlands is expected to be the largest wetland restoration project in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Winton Wetlands Reserve has more than 3000ha of wetlands surrounded by substantial areas of red gum and box grassy woodlands.

The project aims to create a major national facility for wetland education and research as well as demonstrate best practice natural resource management, and develop nature-based tourism activities and recreation.

The wetlands has a core of $17million of government money to spend in restoring the former Lake Mokoan.

The latest ideas include a proposal to lease about 2000ha of land to farmers while a decision is reached on whether the land should be sold or kept.

Consultant David McKinna from McKinna et al said the proposals include a site for bush camping with basic facilities only, another camping site with full amenities, the conversion of the former Lake Mokoan Yacht Club building into a small community cafe and store servicing the nearby community and visitors. Bike tracks, board walks, a picnic ground and educational displays would be included.

A more sophisticated and expensive stage two is proposed, which would require private investment in environmentally friendly accommodation, a restaurant, infrastructure including roads and an improved railway crossing, a permanent water feature of about 30ha, and creating a site suitable for large scale music or entertainment events.

‘‘Glamping’’, or camping accommodation with every modern convenience, could also be included.

Mr McKinna said stage one was viable enough to implement now and could be completed within one to two years.

However, research had indicated there wouldn’t be sufficient private industry investment to start on stage two now.

A range of factors in the tourism industry, including the value of the Australian dollar would make it untenable right now.

Winton Wetlands committee chairman Bill Hill said everyone was welcome to attend the community meetings in February and stressed this would not be the last opportunity for community feedback and input.

Feedback received will be provided to the Winton Wetlands committee of management for consideration and inclusion in the draft Winton Wetlands Masterplan before its release for public consultation.