Management of wetlands in doubt

I was saddened to hear that the Cafe and Hub at Lake Makoan at Winton Wetlands is closing due to the Winton Wetland Committee disbanding due to difficulties with funding. It is in the hands of DEECA until it is decided how and even if the area will be continued to be managed as a significant environmental wetland area.

My understanding is that initial government funding given years ago to provide infrastructure and continual upkeep and management of the area has run out and the government has declined the committee further funding to continue management. Other funding possibilities fell through and now here we are with the future of a really important wetland area up in the air.

People are quick to complain about how our National Parks and State Forests are managed. As in all endeavours in  this day and age, everything costs money. Government money is put into unsustainable and damaging practices such as fuel reduction burns which actually increase the fuel load and dry out the bushland floor, not to mention the damage to biodiversity of both native plants and animals. Sadly, governments are reluctant to offer more funding to assist in the management of such an important environmental asset. 

Millions of dollars can be spent on endangered species programs yet protection and enhancement of habitat on the ground seems to be often left to volunteer and non- profit organisations. 

This is the world we live in, where environmental protection is seen as a bad business deal. 

I remember being invited to take part in the opening of Winton Wetlands as the area it has become today. I gave an environmental talk about the local raptors in the area and the turnout of people on the day was amazing. The prospect of the environmental work being put into Winton Wetlands was exciting and a huge thing for the area of Benalla. My heart breaks at the thought of all the hard work over the years being lost if wrong decisions are made from here onwards by our governing body. 

Winton Wetlands is a special place to me. It supports bird life, reptiles and amphibians that are becoming harder and harder to find due to habitat degradation and loss. 

I always find something exciting when I am out there and it’s a wonderful place to explore. It’s also a very peaceful place to spend time in nature.

I wish I could be confident that the outcome will be in the favour of upholding and continuing to enhance and protect the Wetland’s unique environment. Sadly, past experiences with areas such as these and our conservation regulator’s history of mismanagement of significant environmental sites does not leave me feeling reassured. 

If you have not visited Winton Wetland, I suggest you take time to go and have a look. It’s a massive area of different habitat types and you may see some of the many creatures who are unaware that the future of their home and survival is dictated by money and whether those in power see the value in ensuring it remains the place I love.