# Mokoan Dam

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Former dam, now wetlands, in Victoria, Australia

Dam in near Benalla, Victoria

Mokoan Dam Aerial view of the reservoir in 2008, prior to its decommissioning in 2011 Country Australia Location near Benalla, Victoria Coordinates 36°28′52″S 146°01′14″E / 36.4811592102051°S 146.020690917969°E / -36.4811592102051; 146.020690917969 Purpose Water supply Irrigation Status Decommissioned Construction began 1960s Opening date 1971 Demolition date 2011 (decommissioned) Operator Goulburn–Murray Water (as a dam) Dam and spillways Type of dam Earth fill dam Impounds Winton Swamp off-stream Height (foundation) 11 m (36 ft) Length 7,500 m (24,600 ft) Dam volume 956×10^3 m3 (33.8×10^6 cu ft) Spillway type Uncontrolled Spillway capacity 255 m3/s (9,000 cu ft/s) Winton Wetlands Lake Mokoan (former) Dead Murray River Red Gums in the wetlands, 2021 Location Northern Victoria Coordinates 36°30′22″S 146°5′46″E / 36.50611°S 146.09611°E / -36.50611; 146.09611 Type Wetlands Primary inflows Seven Mile Creek Winton Creek Eleven Mile Creek Show Creek Taminick Creek Mokoan Inlet Channel (catchment flooding) Primary outflows Evaporation Broken Creek (catchment flooding) Catchment area 339 km2 (131 sq mi) Surface area 9,000 ha (22,000 acres) (wetlands site) 789.1 ha (1,950 acres) (as a reservoir)[a] Max. depth 7.3 m (24 ft) Water volume 365 GL (296,000 acre⋅ft) (as a reservoir) Surface elevation 165 m (541 ft) AHD Website wintonwetlands.org.au References [2][1] Location Interactive map of Winton Wetlands

The **Mokoan Dam** is a [decommissioned](/source/Project_commissioning) earth-filled [embankment dam](/source/Embankment_dam) across Winton Swamp, located approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) north-east of [Benalla](/source/Benalla), in northern [Victoria](/source/Victoria%2C_Australia), Australia. Completed in 1971, the resultant [reservoir](/source/Reservoir), **Lake Mokoan**, was also fed through [off-stream](/source/Off-stream_reservoir) storage by water diverted from the [Broken River](/source/Broken_River_(Victoria)) and Hollands Creek into the Winton and Green swamps – a former [wetlands](/source/Wetland) system. Operated by [Goulburn–Murray Water](/source/Goulburn%E2%80%93Murray_Water), the dam was a source of [supply](/source/Water_supply) of [potable water](/source/Potable_water) and [irrigation](/source/Irrigation).[2]

Ongoing environmental issues – including [algal blooms](/source/Algal_bloom), significant water loss from evaporation, costs of operating the reservoir as a water supply, and dam safety upgrade costs – caused frequent interruptions to supply due to, in part, not completing the intended works downstream of the reservoir making the reservoir inefficient.[3] In 2004, the [Victorian Government](/source/Victorian_Government) decided to decommission the dam[4] and transform the former Lake Mokoan into the **Winton Wetlands**. Decommissioning work was completed between 2009 and 2011, with estimates that the new wetlands may take between 30–40 years,[1]: 73 or up to 100 years[5] to return to its natural conditions.

## Dam and reservoir overview

### Dam

Located on the traditional lands of the [Yorta Yorta](/source/Yorta_Yorta) people,[6] construction of the former dam began in the late 1960s and was completed in 1971.[7][8] The former [earth-filled dam](/source/Earth-filled_dam) wall was 11 metres (36 ft) high and 7,500 metres (24,600 ft) long. When full, Lake Mokoan had a storage capacity of 365 [gigalitres](/source/Gigalitre) (296,000 [acre⋅ft](/source/Acre-foot)) and covered 789.1 hectares (1,950 acres), drawn from a [catchment area](/source/Drainage_basin) of 339 square kilometres (131 sq mi). The [uncontrolled spillway](/source/Spillway#Types), prior to its decommissioning, had a discharge capacity of 255 cubic metres per second (9,000 cu ft/s).[2]

### Reservoir

Following its flooding, approximately 150,000[6] to 200,000 [Murray River Red Gums](/source/Eucalyptus_camaldulensis)[9] within the former swamplands and surrounding plains soon died.[1]: 60 The large[7] and shallow 7.3-metre-deep (24 ft)[3] lake had a very high surface area to volume ratio, resulting in extreme water loss through evaporation, and there were frequent toxic algal blooms that required regular closures for recreation activities and caused livestock to become ill and die.[10][11][12][13]

It was initially planned that the East-Goulburn Channel, in conjunction with water supplied from the 40.4-gigalitre (32,800 acre⋅ft) [Lake Nillahcootie](/source/Lake_Nillahcootie) collect water during winter and high rainfall events for diversion into Lake Mokoan. The East-Goulburn Channel was never completed. Additionally, minor flooding problems limited the effectiveness of this strategy. The [Eastern Australian drought](/source/1979%E2%80%931983_Eastern_Australian_drought) caused Lake Mokoan to completely drain in 1983, cessation of flood mitigation strategies in 1992, major flooding in the area in 1993, and political pressure to return environmental flows to the [Snowy River](/source/Snowy_River) were cited as reasons to evaluate the future of the reservoir.[14]

## Decommissioning of the dam and reservoir

Although a locally popular recreational destination, after intensive studies,[4] in 2004 the Victorian Government decided to decommission the dam, canals, and reserve to restore the landscape to a natural wetland and woodland ecosystem. Planning for the decommissioning began in 2004[15] and work started in 2009.[16] The restoration effort was expected to take between 30–40 years,[1]: 73 or up to 100 years.[5]

Decommissioning the lake was expected to allow the rebalancing of 44 gigalitres (36,000 acre⋅ft) per year to the Broken, [Goulburn](/source/Goulburn_River), Snowy, and [Murray](/source/Murray_River) rivers[4] and irrigation network, with environmental and economic benefits to both upstream and downstream areas.[17] Instead of evaporating, the saved water would be redirected or pumped overland from the upstream Lake Nillahcootie and [Lake Eildon](/source/Lake_Eildon). It was claimed that 30 gigalitres (24,000 acre⋅ft) of the former lake would be released into the Murray River system, and another 20 to 21 gigalitres (16,000 to 17,000 acre⋅ft) released into the Snowy River.[18][19] Completed by Goulburn-Murray Water, the decommissioning involved a 10-metre-wide (33 ft) breech in the embankment, as well as the dismantling and infill of various channels.[20]

## Winton Wetlands

In 2010, the former Lake Mokoan, covering 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) was reformed into [ephemeral](/source/Ephemeral) wetlands and the area, totalling 9,000 hectares (22,000 acres), classified as the *Winton Wetlands Reserve*.[1]: 60 It is the largest wetlands restoration project in the [Southern Hemisphere](/source/Southern_Hemisphere) and, in 2013, it became the first site outside the United States to be classed as a *Wetland of Distinction* by the [Society of Wetland Scientists](/source/Society_of_Wetland_Scientists),[6] and the only site in Australia. The wetlands contains 180 native species of birds, fish, frogs, reptiles, bats and plants; and nearly 30 species that are listed as endangered or at risk.[21]

The Victorian Government initially committed $1 million to assist with the restoration of the wetlands;[4] subsequently increased to $17 million.[6] Managed by a local management committee, restoration of the landscape and development of tourism commenced,[22] with a visitor's centre and cafe, interpretive information signs, four campgrounds, picnic areas, public toilet blocks, 60 kilometres (37 mi) of roads, bush walks, 30 kilometres (19 mi) of cycling trails, and artworks celebrating the landscape and its history. Camping, boating, and fishing facilities were made accessible.[23]

As of 2023[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mokoan_Dam&action=edit), environmental restoration averaged 200 hectares (490 acres) per year, and plants regenerating and wildlife populations were increasing on the site.[23] However, in July 2025 it was reported that the management committee was unable to establish a sustainable business model for the wetlands, and parts of the site were closed to the public.[24]

## See also

- [Victoria portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Victoria)
- [Water portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Water)
- [Environment portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Environment)
- [Wetlands portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Wetlands)

- [List of lakes of Victoria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Lakes_of_Victoria_(state))

- [List of reservoirs and dams in Victoria](/source/List_of_reservoirs_and_dams_in_Australia#Victoria)

- *[A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia](/source/A_Directory_of_Important_Wetlands_in_Australia)*

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Although, flooded area is believed to total 3,000 ha (7,400 acres).[1]: 60

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MP_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MP_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-MP_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-MP_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-MP_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-MP_1-5) ["Master Plan: Final Draft"](https://wintonwetlands.org.au/app/uploads/2018/02/Winton_Wetland_Masterplan_Geography_highlighted.pdf) (PDF). *Winton Wetlands Committee of Management*. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ANCOLD_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ANCOLD_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ANCOLD_3-2) ["Register of Large Dams Australia-2015"](https://ancold.org.au/information-resources/dams-information/) ([Excel](/source/Microsoft_Excel). Requires download. Row 354). *[ANCOLD](/source/ANCOLD)*. January 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Guide_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Guide_4-1) ["Decommissioning and repurposing dams - A guide for dam owners"](https://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/671951/decommissioning-and-repurposing-dams-a-guide-for-dam-owners.pdf) (PDF). *Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action*. [Victorian Government](/source/Victorian_Government). September 2024. p. 17. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-76136-936-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-76136-936-0). Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Fact_Sheet_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Fact_Sheet_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Fact_Sheet_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Fact_Sheet_5-3) ["Securing Our Water Future Together: Fact Sheet 6: Returning water to our rivers – Lake Mokoan"](https://vgls.sdp.sirsidynix.net.au/client/search/asset/1294958). *Department of Sustainability and Environment and Department of Primary Industries*. [Victorian Government](/source/Victorian_Government). June 2004. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1449-7549](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1449-7549). Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CT_1991_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CT_1991_6-1) O'Neill, Graeme (24 July 1991). ["Folly of building dams in a rush or against advice"](http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122372866). *[The Canberra Times](/source/The_Canberra_Times): Midweek Magazine*. Vol. 65, no. 20, 556. p. 24. Retrieved 8 March 2017 – via Trove. [National Library of Australia](/source/National_Library_of_Australia).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CSU_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CSU_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CSU_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-CSU_7-3) Finlayson, Max (9 June 2010). ["The Winton Wetlands: why its restoration provides a sense of hope"](https://news.csu.edu.au/opinion/the-winton-wetlands-why-its-restoration-provides-a-sense-of-hope) (Press release). [Charles Sturt University](/source/Charles_Sturt_University). Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CT_1971_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CT_1971_8-1) ["Dam open"](http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110681323). *[The Canberra Times](/source/The_Canberra_Times)*. Vol. 46, no. 12, 937. 9 October 1971. p. 9. Retrieved 8 March 2017 – via Trove. [National Library of Australia](/source/National_Library_of_Australia). *...The third largest reservoir in Victoria (land area, not water volume), Lake Mokoan, near Benalla, was officially opened by the Minister of Water Supply, Mr Dunstan, today…*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Lake Mokoan"](https://web.archive.org/web/20091017095643/http://www.g-mwater.com.au/browse.asp?ContainerID=mokoan). *[Goulburn-Murray Water](/source/Goulburn-Murray_Water)*. Archived from [the original](http://www.g-mwater.com.au/browse.asp?ContainerID=mokoan) on 17 October 2009. Retrieved 17 January 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Restoring River Red Gums at Winton Wetlands"](https://www.airseedtech.com/projects/restoring-river-red-gums-at-winton-wetlands). *Air Seed*. n.d. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Carbis, C. R.; Waldron, D. L.; Mitchell, G. F.; Anderson, J. W.; McCauley, I. (1995). ["Recovery of hepatic function and latent mortality in sheep exposed to blue green algae "Microcystis aeuruginosa""](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Graham-Mitchell-2/publication/15716326_Recovery_of_hepatic_function_and_latent_mortality_in_sheep_exposed_to_blue_green_algae_Microcystis_aeuruginosa/links/58b61076aca27261e5166298/Recovery-of-hepatic-function-and-latent-mortality-in-sheep-exposed-to-blue-green-algae-Microcystis-aeuruginosa.pdf) (PDF). *Veterinary Record*. **137**: 12–15. Retrieved 18 May 2026 – via ResearchGate.net.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** O'Neill, Graeme (4 December 1991). ["Scientists warn on toxic algae"](http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=mokoan&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=04%2F12%2F1991&ed=04%2F12%2F1991&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=news911204_0207_7128). *[The Age](/source/The_Age)*. p. 5. Retrieved 8 March 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Neales, Sue (4 January 1995). ["Blue-green algae outbreak likely to be worst on record"](http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=age&kw=mokoan&pb=all_ffx&dt=enterRange&dr=1month&sd=04%2F01%2F1995&ed=04%2F01%2F1995&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=adv&clsPage=1&docID=news950104_0079_0124). *[The Age](/source/The_Age)*. p. 3. Retrieved 8 March 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Return to wetland"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120317083835/http://www.lakemokoan.com/environment.htm). *lakemokoan.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.lakemokoan.com/environment.htm) on 17 March 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** [Skykes, Bill](/source/Bill_Sykes) (February 2018). ["Some thoughts of Mokoan"](https://wintonwetlands.org.au/app/uploads/2018/02/Interpretive-Signage-WW.pdf) (PDF). *wintonwetlands.org.au*. p. 1. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Haxton, Nance (28 July 2004). ["Man made lake to be released into Murray River"](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2004/s1164058.htm). *[PM](/source/PM_(radio_program))*. [ABC Radio](/source/ABC_Radio_(Australian_network)). Retrieved 17 January 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Lake Mokoan decommissioning delayed"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090401071508/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/30/2529458.htm). *[ABC News](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))*. Australia. 30 March 2009. Archived from [the original](http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/30/2529458.htm) on 1 April 2009. Retrieved 17 January 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Flow Regime Fact Sheet"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060819170543/http://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/downloads/FloodplainManagement/Flow-Regime-Information-Bulletin.pdf) (PDF). *Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority*. July 2006. Archived from [the original](http://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/downloads/FloodplainManagement/Flow-Regime-Information-Bulletin.pdf) (PDF) on 19 August 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Jeffrey, David R. (2011). [Mokoan – Return to Wetland Project](https://ancold.org.au/product/2011-mokoan-return-to-wetland-project/) (abstract). *[ANCOLD](/source/ANCOLD)* (Report). Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Water boost for Snowy River"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-07-29/water-boost-for-snowy-river/2016984). *[ABC News](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))*. Australia. 29 July 2004. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Office of Water (2007). [Environment Effects Act Referral – Lake Mokoan Decommissioning & Mid Murray Storage Project](https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/698116/2007-5-Referral-form.pdf) (PDF). *Planning Victoria* (Report). [Victorian Government](/source/Victorian_Government). p. 2. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Winton Wetlands"](https://sws.org/members/?id=81379949) (Search: Australia). *[Society of Wetland Scientists](/source/Society_of_Wetland_Scientists)*. 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Project Ethos"](https://wintonwetlands.org.au/about/winton-wetlands-project/ethos/). *Winton Wetlands*. n.d. Retrieved 20 August 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-AR_2023_24-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-AR_2023_24-1) ["Annual Report: 2022-2023"](https://wintonwetlands.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Winton-Wetlands-Annual-Report-22-23_6_WEB.pdf) (PDF). *Winton Wetlands Committee of Management*. May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Winton Wetlands temporary closure sparks concern pest numbers could 'explode'"](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-08/winton-wetlands-temporary-closure-sparks-environmental-concerns/105503234). *[ABC News](/source/ABC_News_(Australia))*. Australia. 8 July 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

## External links

- ["Winton Wetlands official website"](https://wintonwetlands.org.au). - ["Master Plan Summary Sheet"](https://wintonwetlands.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Master_Plan_Summary_Sheet_FINAL-1.pdf) (PDF). *Winton Wetlands Committee of Management*. August 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

- ["Home page"](https://www.bsfg.org.au). *Benalla Sustainable Future Group*. n.d. Retrieved 18 May 2026.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Mokoan Dam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mokoan_Dam) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mokoan_Dam?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.