Wetlands Australia 33: Wonga Wetlands – a living example of reclaimed water changing the floodplain landscape

Author: John Hawkins, Albury City Council

Albury City Council finds an innovative solution to disposal of wastewater.

Albury City Council provides water and sewer services to 55,000 customers in the Albury area. In 1999, Albury City Council opened a new wastewater treatment plant to keep up with the city’s growing demand. Part of the environmental approval for this new facility was that no reclaimed water would be allowed to be discharged back into the Murray River. Therefore, the obvious question is what to do with 12 to 15 ML of reclaimed water per day if you cannot put it back in the river.

The answer, Council purchased 1,000 hectares of farm and floodplain land adjacent to the Murray River in West Albury. This land included a heavily grazed ephemeral wetland system, which rarely saw a drop of water.

For over 20 years, Wonga Wetlands has been managed as an ephemeral wetland using the reclaimed water for a flood event every winter before allowing the wetlands to dry out during summer.

Aerial view of Wonga Wetlands. Photo: John Hawkins.

Bird counts have shown that the wetlands attract over 176 different species of birds and a variety of other wildlife. No bikes or dogs are allowed on the wetlands which has assisted in maintaining large bird numbers.

The wetlands cover 80 hectares of river floodplain made up of 7 different-sized lagoons, over 4 kilometres of walking trails plus 6 bird hides.

During summer, reclaimed water is diverted from the wetlands onto the pastures and tree plantations allowing the wetlands to dry.

Over the years the natural environment at Wonga Wetlands has provided the people of Albury and the surrounding districts with an educational facility, which is used by many students from primary schools to universities. Students learn about the wastewater treatment process, wetlands, and the local Wiradjuri Aboriginal Nation who have used these floodplains for many years.

The water quality and health of the wetlands is exceptional, with extremely sensitive macroinvertebrates calling Wonga home. This innovative reuse scheme is now recognised as one of the top birdwatching locations in the region and home to many endangered species. This has all be made possible by using reclaimed water from the city to change the floodplain landscape.

Misty Wetlands. Photo: John Hawkins.