Parkes Wetlands

When the new Parkes Sewage Treatment Plant was completed in 2017, the associated old treatment ponds became redundant, leaving Council with an obligation to rehabilitate them (as enforced by the NSW Environmental Protection Agency).

Since being constructed in the 1960s, the old Parkes Sewage Treatment Plant ponds supported a wide variety of bird life. The ponds effectively acted like wetlands for decades, providing a home for many of our native plants and animals, especially waterbirds.

These ponds were often visited by avid birdwatchers who knew the value of treatment ponds as perfect locations to view rare and migratory birds. Parkes' own local birdwatching group, the Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW, have been visiting the site for over 30 years.

When the future of the treatment ponds came into question during the construction of the new Parkes Sewage Treatment Plant, Council was faced with two options: allow the ponds to dry out, or transform the site into a naturalistic wetland for the entire community to enjoy.

Council chose the latter option as it stood to benefit the entire Parkes Shire community, would create numerous economic benefits for our Shire, and would provide vital habitat for native flora and fauna which is increasingly important in the face of a changing climate. Moreover, it would fill a much-needed gap in our community by creating a freely accessible 'blue space' close to town for residents to enjoy.

With a passionate drive by key Council staff, and the full support of Councillors, the first steps to creating the Parkes Wetlands were taken.

When complete, the Parkes Wetlands will be transformed into an attractive and accessible public space for residents and visitors to connect with nature. The expected positive outcomes are wide-ranging and include positive outcomes for global biodiversity, local and regional economy, public health, and social connection.

Environmental Benefits

This project will transform this area into a vital, thriving wetland that sustainably supports local biodiversity, including many identified threatened species. A range of native animals, birds, reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates will be afforded an important refuge, particularly during prolonged drought which the wetlands have been designed to withstand.

Economic Benefits

There are two main economic generators from this project: the improved liveability of the township of Parkes and the Shire, and the new tourism opportunities the project offers for regional, national, and international visitation. The visitation experiences created by this project will benefit Parkes economically by stimulating the visitor economy and providing opportunities to connect with neighbouring nature-based attractions.

Health Benefits

Parkes township lacks a river or major freshwater feature with residents required to travel at least 30km to enjoy water (or 'blue') spaces. The wetlands will be within easy walking distance from the town, easily accessible on foot, bike or car. Benefits from connecting with green and blue spaces is well documented and has long been recognised in government planning policy, based on a large body of academic research showing that accessible green/blue spaces lead to better health outcomes including increased fitness, reduced rates of depression, more space to enjoy active recreation, and more space to enjoy a place of peace in nature. This project will also facilitate enhanced social connection.

To date, $440,000 worth of grant funding has been secured for this project through the following programs:

• NSW Environmental Trust Restoration and Rehabilitation Program (NSW Govt.).
• Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (Federal Govt.).
• Local Small Commitments Allocation (NSW Govt.).

Additional grant funding will continue to be sought to further activate the wetlands for community use.

To date, $500,000 has been contributed to the project from Council's Sewer budget. This budget can only be used on projects related to Council's sewerage operations - the rehabilitation of the treatment ponds as historical sewerage infrastructure falls into this category.

This project has been factored into Council's sewer budget for the past five years. Directing funding towards this project has not and will not impact on Council's ability to continue to provide a high standard of sewerage operations to the Parkes Shire.

This project has not and will not direct funding away from other important infrastructure or Council services.

In 2021, Parkes Shire Council conducted comprehensive community engagement to assess the current priorities of residents. The resulting Parkes Shire Operational Plan and Budget 2022-23 utilised these identified priorities to determine capital projects for the Parkes Shire 2035+ Program.  

The development of the Parkes Wetlands will address six of the community’s top eleven priorities. These include cycleways and shared paths, public art, open spaces and reserves, community gardens, public amenities, and passive recreation. In the same document, wetland restoration was listed as one of the principal priorities related to open spaces and recreation.  

In February 2021 a community engagement survey asked respondents if the Parkes Wetlands would be a space they visited once complete, and over 97% of respondents answered 'yes.'

In December 2023, Council conducted a community engagement survey to raise awareness about the proposed plans to further activate the Parkes Wetlands for public use. Over 100 respondents participated, with 100% affirming support for Council’s efforts to secure grant funding to continue the project. Additionally, 100% of responders expressed eagerness to utilise the site upon completion.

Council has partnered with Central West Lachlan Landcare to host community revegetation activities on site over several years, including numerous National Tree Day events.