He has vowed to keep fighting for access to Kow Swamp after meeting with more than 20 concerned swamp users on site last week.
Mr Walsh heard how some farmers would face devastating water challenges from May because the current cultural overlay meant they could not clear the silt from their irrigation channels.
He said a farmer at the meeting had his irrigation pump fenced off from his property and was no longer able to access it with equipment unless he could carry it on foot.
“The pendulum hasn’t just swung too far in the one direction, it has fallen right off,” Mr Walsh said.
“From something as crucial as being able to run your farm the way it always has, to things as simple as a single boat ramp for fishers to safely launch and recover boats, is hardly a deal breaker.
“Clearly we need better engagement, clearly we need better awareness and, above all, a sense of co-operation and fair play. We are all Victorians, and we are all in this together.
“Even the tourism potential of the site is significant because Kow Swamp is also one of the most diverse and productive bird rookeries, with migratory species coming from as far as the Arctic region of Russia.
“But none of this can be progressed unless we can get interpretation, and very specific interpretation, of what is currently a very open-ended and at times nebulous document.”
Mr Walsh said the weather damage to the once-impressive Lions Park was significant but not beyond repair.
He said some restoration on the banks, stone beaching and replacing some of the facilities could be a big step forward, if decisions and consensus could be reached with those administering the overlay.
“I heard a strong message of frustration this morning,” Mr Walsh said.
“Everyone there seemed supportive of the need to protect any historical or traditional areas in and around the swamp, and all they are asking for is a similar view of what they need to be able to get on with their lives.
“One of the many keen fishermen this morning conceded their recreational needs, while important to them, take a back seat to the access problems faced by the local farming community.
“So, in the next few weeks I will be reviewing all the latest reports, surveys and projects at the swamp and seeing how I can help these people to build a case giving them those two basic rights of farming and access.”
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