A shock shake-up of management has seen all Winton Wetlands’ 20 staff made redundant, the Winton Wetlands Hub and Café closed temporarily, and all environmental and research programs at the reserve paused.

It follows a decision by Winton Wetlands committee of management to relinquish management of the reserve and hand back land management responsibilities to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

In a statement to stakeholders, Dr Dennis O’Brien, CEO of Winton Wetlands CoM, said “despite considerable support from the Victorian Government and other partners, the committee has not been able to establish a sustainable business model for the site... and has made the difficult decision to relinquish management of the reserve.

“After a brief transition period, land management responsibilities will revert to DEECA.

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

The statement said the decision, announced to the 10 full-time and 10 casual staff members on Wednesday, “had not been taken lightly and followed extensive consultations with DEECA”.

“Unfortunately, while future options are being considered, the Winton Wetlands Hub and Café has closed temporarily, and environmental and research programs have been paused.

“The committee is committed to supporting the affected staff, who continue to be its top priority.”

DEECA Hume regional director, Courtney Bertram confirmed the department is working on arrangements for the future management of the reserve.

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

Since 2010, the reserve has been managed by the Winton Wetlands committee of management under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

In his statement, Dr O’Brien said staff and partners, guided by the committee, had made significant progress in landscape and site restoration, including development of key infrastructure such as the visitor hub, café, education centre, campgrounds, picnic areas, and more than 90 kilometres of roads, walking, and cycling tracks.

“Our Restoration and Monitoring Strategic Plan has provided the framework over the last 10 years to achieve significant biodiversity gains for the site,” it read.

“We have restored flows and improved the aquatic ecology of over 30 wetlands forming this unique ecosystem.

“Through our long-term partnership with the Regent Honey Eater Project, we have revegetated over 1600 hectares of River Red Gum swampland and improved water quality and habitat linkages across the reserve.

“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.

“We have achieved the reintroduction of three threatened freshwater fish species and a rewilding 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.

“While this marks the conclusion of the Winton Wetlands committee of management’s tenure managing this important site, there is still much work to do.

“I and others will watch the next phase of the wetland’s restoration with keen interest.”