As the first drops of water trickled into Parkes Wetlands in late 2023 the site was supplied with water for the first time in more than five years, marking the beginning of Parkes Shire Council’s exciting project to activate the Parkes Wetlands for community use.
The Parkes Wetlands project was first envisaged many years ago when the construction of Parkes Shire Council’s new Sewage Treatment Plant was nearing completion, and the town’s old maturation ponds were decommissioned.
The first stage of the wetland’s development was completed in 2023, which included major earthworks to convert the old treatment ponds into a hydrologically complex, naturalistic and functional habitat capable of supporting a diverse range of native fauna and flora, including listed threatened and migratory birds.
The wetlands will create a crucial habitat for a range of native animals, affording birds, reptiles, mammals and invertebrates an important refuge, particularly during dry periods and prolonged drought.
Additionally, the area surrounding the wetland is being managed to restore a patch of Fuzzy Box Woodland Endangered Ecological Community (EEC). When this vegetation matures, it will provide connectivity between the wetlands, existing EEC remnants in nearby linear roadside reserves, and an adjacent waterway.
Stage 2 of the wetlands project began in mid-2024 and involved the construction of a 2.5km gravel pathway around the wetlands to enable all abilities access to the site, and facilitate recreational activities such as walking, jogging and cycling around the site. This stage was completed in early 2025.
To fully activate this space for community use, Council sought and was successful in securing additional funding under the Federal Government Growing Regions Program – Stage 3 of the wetlands activation.
This funding will see the installation of a boardwalk and viewing platforms at the wetlands and the construction of two all-abilities access bird hides, as well as habitat creation, revegetation, interpretive signage, and public art.
Additionally, Council have been successful in receiving funding through the NSW Government Local Small Communities Allocation program to go towards the cost of installing the bird hides at the Parkes Wetlands.
The transformation of this site into a fully integrated cultural, educational, recreational and eco-tourism space will, over time, create a high-impact birdwatching experience for locals and visitors, and provide a unique opportunity for tourists and travellers seeking ecotourism experiences, particularly birdwatchers.
The project is not only an economic win for Parkes but may facilitate regional collaboration and investment in nature-based tourism across the Central West, such as the potential to develop a birdwatching trail linking the Parkes Wetlands to Gum Swamp in Forbes, Lake Cowal, and Lake Cargelligo.
Community volunteers have already had an input into this project by taking part in annual National Tree Day events on and adjacent to the site for the past four years, creating green spaces to complement the work undertaken at the wetlands.
In the interest of public safety while we work towards major infrastructure installation, the wetlands remain closed to the public. We’re working towards getting this space open for community access, and we’re not too far away.
READ MORE: Parkes Wetlands Parkes Shire Council
