The WAMA site comprises three sections. The majority of land is protected by a 2-tiered ‘Trust for Nature’ Covenant: a Grampians Covenant over 3.37 ha and a Wetlands Covenant, 5.49 ha. The remaining 6.13 ha forms the WAMA development site, an area of previously cleared and farmed land.
On the WAMA development site, a museum, incorporating a gallery and interconnected complex of educational facilities will be built, surrounded by gardens and wetlands. 
The interdisciplinary Melbourne School of Design project involved close consultation with industry and professional experts (including representatives of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne,

Architecture firm, Bates Smart, and Landscape Architecture firm, Tract Consultants), well-known wildlife artists and key members of the local community regarding issues such as gallery design, tourism, natural heritage and landscape management. The WAMA
property will be enclosed by
a vermin proof exclusion fence
of the highest standards. The
fence will provide a safe haven
for rare indigenous species of
flora and fauna. The erection
of this fence will commence
in 2015.
The development will be undertaken in stages, with the first stage focusing on the regeneration of the covenanted land and the construction of a multi-functional space, botanic garden, amenities and vehicle parking.