Winton Wetlands future up in the air

“I got a phone call yesterday to say as of this morning [Thursday, June 26] there’s no need for me to come in on Friday,” volunteer Norm Cook said.

“I understand they’ve decided to close the hub and cafe for the time being, but we don’t know for how long.”

He expressed concern for the researchers, doing important tasks such as reintroducing the growling grass frog to the area.

“That side of things covers a large area and needs management,” Mr Cook said.

“Winton Wetlands is a great project that, I hope, will continue.

“We get visitors from around the world.

“Lots of school groups, and colleges. Photographers come out there a lot, and of course, you have the art trail that brings people in.

“And the hub is a great place to sit and enjoy a meal. You can see the snow on the mountains in the distance, as well as all the birds, reptiles and other animals.”

Winton Wetlands chief executive officer Dennis O’Brien said the wetlands will not close permanently.

“Despite considerable support from the Victorian Government and other partners, the current committee has not been able to establish a sustainable business model for the site,” Dr O’Brien said.

“As a result, the committee recently made the difficult decision to relinquish management of the reserve.

“After a brief transition period, land management responsibilities will revert to DEECA [Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action].

“DEECA has indicated that it will explore alternative management options for the reserve in collaboration with Traditional Owners, other stakeholders and the community.”

Dr O’Brien said despite the closure, he is happy with the work completed so far, highlighting specific achievements in biodiversity and conservation.

“Our restoration team has worked tirelessly to control feral plants and animals and implement a range of monitoring programs, which have shown an increase in flora and fauna species diversity across the site,” he said.

“We have achieved the reintroduction of three threatened freshwater fish species and a re-wilding program with aims to reintroduce the vulnerable Growling Grass Frog to the wetlands.

“As CEO, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished, thanks to our wonderful, passionate, and dedicated staff, volunteers, stakeholders and partners.”

DEECA Hume regional director Courtney Bertram confirmed the pause was due to the committee of management stepping down.

“Winton Wetlands Reserve is an environmentally significant site that delivers a range of benefits to local communities,” Ms Bertram said.

“DEECA is working on arrangements for the future management of the reserve following a decision of the current committee of management to relinquish the site.”

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the closure had left the community reeling.

“My thoughts are with the hardworking staff who lost their jobs with no warning or transparency,” Ms Cleeland said.

“They deserved far better.”

While it is the largest wetland restoration project in the Southern Hemisphere, the area has had its fair share of controversy.

In the 1970s the site, knows as Winton Swamp at the time, was dammed to create Lake Mokoan, a project aimed at supplying irrigation to local landowners, and recreational activities for people in the north-east.

However, after being closed for several years because of blue-green algae issues, the dams were removed and the lake drained — creating what is now Winton Wetlands.