From a dump to the Narromine Wetlands

Geoff Smith
Rotary Club of Narromine, NSW

About 14 years ago a 28ha block of land on the southern edge of Narromine, NSW, was a swamp and a dumping ground for the town’s rubbish.

Rotarians at the time decided to clear the area of the accumulated rubbish, including car bodies, and with the permission of the Narromine Council, return the area to its natural state and begin a tree planting program. As the area is a natural water catchment, two small shallow lakes were created to attract water birds; paths and two small pedestrian bridges were erected. Narromine folk saw the area as a good walking track and it began to be used.

More than 7000 trees, shrubs and salt bush were planted and the Narromine Wetlands were created.

Over the ensuing years the trees grew, even through the prolonged drought, and in recent years the Council decided to excavate 20,000 cubic metres for its community waste coverage and thus a large lake with three islands was created. The lake filled with glorious winter rain, trees and shrubs were planted on each island aided by a dripper system.

The Narromine Council engaged environment consultants to assess the area and make recommendations for completing the area. Council approached the Catchment Management Authority for a grant to complete part of the project. This was done and the Council added extra in cash and kind.

The Rotary Club of Narromine will manage the project which has also received contributions from local indigenous people, high school students and Friends of Rotary.

Several aquatic plants have been planted in the ponds, three picnic areas have  been established with seating and shelters, paths are be gravelled, grassed areas established and an old steam engine will be restored and located on site. About 40 River Gum trees have been donated by Narromine Transplants. Already several water birds including black and wood ducks, ibis, heron, pelican, spoonbills and teal have made the Wetlands their home. It is hoped a breeding program will commence and several birds will remain on site.

A viewing gazebo has been built overlooking the lake and several more trees and shrubs will be planted in autumn. Native fish fingerlings will be purchased and released for future sport.

This project is a work in progress and several other ideas are being considered including an ablution block and more tree and aqua grass plantings.

Narromine Rotarians have embraced the project and it is hoped, with good seasons ahead, the area will be a focal point for Narromine residents and visitors.