New boardwalk at Griffith wetlands is not just for the birds
A wetland teeming with rare and endangered birds is now safe and accessible for all, thanks to a $358,857 investment from the Minns Labor Government.
The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities by investing in projects that enhance recreation and strengthen local communities. The new boardwalk at Campbell’s Wetland located six kilometres north of Griffith is the centrepiece of upgrades is designed to boost recreation, education and eco-tourism while protecting a vital environmental asset.
Designated an Important Bird Area, Campbell’s Wetland has recorded sightings of 178 bird species over the past decade. The sturdy, wide and slip-resistant boardwalk replaces an ageing structure, ensuring safe access for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the wetland without disturbing its fragile ecosystem.
The project was delivered with an additional $151,453 contribution from Griffith City Council. Works included sealing the car park, paving pathways, installing sandstone seating, picnic areas and a new entry sign, creating a more welcoming and inclusive space for the community.
Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing parts of Australia’s visitor economy, with international travellers spending $2.6 billion and domestic visitors $636 million on birdwatching trips in the year to June 2024 – up 53% since 2021. Campbell’s Wetland is now positioned to capture more of this growth, driving tourism and supporting local businesses.
Next steps for Campbell’s Wetland include new interpretive signage highlighting Wiradjuri cultural knowledge and the site’s ecology, with community consultation already underway. Plans are also progressing for a bird hide among the cumbungi waterweeds.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities and investing in our regions.
“Grants like this one from Crown Reserves Improvement Fund provide vital support for regional communities who rely on tourism to thrive.
“The investment in Campbell’s Wetland will create a haven for twitchers and no doubt deliver significant returns in the fast-growing visitor economy.”
Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:
“Campbell’s Wetland is a real gem for Griffith and the wider Murray region.
“This new boardwalk means locals, school kids, and birdwatchers alike can enjoy it safely, while protecting the environment.
“It’s great to see investment that brings people closer to nature and strengthens our community.”
Vice-President of the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists, Nella Smith said:
“Campbell’s Wetland is a well-known site for rare birds. And because it’s so far west it attracts a different suite of birds than you get anywhere else, including migratory and nomadic shorebirds. It’s one of the few places you can find pink-eared, blue-billed and musk ducks, and it’s an important site for the endangered Australian bittern and the little bittern. There are also raptors – swamp harriers, little eagles and white bellied sea eagles – and an ibis rookery.
“The boardwalk is really important because it gives access to that deep part of the wetland for bird monitoring and bird watching. You can’t get anywhere near the place without it. It gives good access, improves visitation, and it’s a fantastic educational opportunity. It’s safe to walk children along the boardwalk, and they can see easily, which is usually really hard in a wetland setting.”
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said:
“The Campbell’s Wetland boardwalk upgrade is a wonderful example of how grant funding can deliver long-lasting benefits for our community. This project has improved access to one of our city’s most beautiful natural assets. Investments like this create spaces that locals are proud of and that visitors want to explore, which in turn benefits our local economy and strengthens our community.”