2023 Wetland Closures.

Eight wetlands will be closed or partially closed to hunting for the 2023 duck season, to prevent disturbance to significant numbers of threatened species. A total of thirteen wetlands will be closed, including three others that are routinely closed each year to reinforce their wildlife sanctuary status.

The wetlands to be closed to hunting are:

-Tower Hill State Game Reserve (13km north-west of the township of Warrnambool) to protect a significant number of Blue-billed Ducks and Blue-winged Shoveler.

-Lake Goldsmith State Game Reserve (west of Ballarat) to protect a significant number of Blue-winged Shoveler.

-Lake Natimuk (near Horsham) to protect a significant number of Blue-winged Shoveler and Freckled duck.

-Bryan Swamp State Game Reserve (north-west of Dunkeld) and The Green Swamp State Game Reserve (east of Dunkeld) to protect a significant number of Brolga.

-Lake Murphy State Game Reserve (south of Kerang) to protect a significant number of Magpie Goose.

-Gaynor Swamp State Game Reserve (west of Shepparton) to protect a significant number of Great Egret.

-Reedy Lake State Game Reserve (near Nagambie) will be partially closed to protect a colony of Grey-headed flying foxes residing in the north-western side of the lake (see map below).

-The three wetlands that are routinely closed to reinforce their status as wildlife sanctuaries where game hunting is prohibited are:

Kow Swamp, near Gunbower

Reedy Lakes (Reedy, Middle and Third Lake) at Kerang

Richardson River between Donald and Lake Buloke.

Please refer to the GMA website.

https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/media-releases/2023/wetlands-closed-to-hunting