NSW Government completes important maintenance work at Fivebough Wetlands

The NSW Government has completed major maintenance work at one of the region's most significant environmental areas, with flood-damaged walking tracks repaired and new Aboriginal- designed signage installed at the Fivebough Wetlands near Leeton in the Riverina region.

Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, oversaw the $731,887 maintenance project, which took three months to complete.

The work involved resurfacing and erosion repair of the north walking track, removal and replacement of a damaged stock fence, and installation of new navigational and educational signage for the benefit of visitors.

The maintenance and upgrade work will enhance the visitor experience and ensure the safe enjoyment of the internationally recognised wetlands reserve.

Crown Lands worked closely with the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council to ensure the newly erected signs acknowledged the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage. The signs include dual naming to reflect the local Wiradjuri people’s deep cultural connection to the wetlands. The new signs also incorporate artwork from Wiradjuri man Elijah Ingram, who has used specialised cross hatching techniques that are unique to the local Aboriginal community.

The Fivebough Wetlands Reserve is located just 2 km from Leeton’s town centre and is internationally significant for its preservation of the high valued wetland ecosystem. The wetlands reserve offers a refuge that supports threatened and endangered waterbirds and a range of native wildlife species.

The wetlands feature walking tracks and bird watching shelters, and support public recreation activities including bird watching, walking and cycling amongst the wetland and woodland ecosystem.

The 342 hectare reserve is listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international significance for conserving biological diversity. It supports some of the Riverina’s highest bird numbers and threatened plant communities, as well as other wildlife including kangaroos, echidnas, lizards, snakes, water-rats, frogs and aquatic snails.

Aboriginal artist, Wiradjuri man and Miil Miil Productions co-founder Elijah Ingram said the artwork on the signs honour the local Aboriginal people.

“It was important the artwork that was used as part of these signs reflected and celebrated the Wiradjuri people who have lived on this land for thousands of years,” Mr Ingram said.

“For the artwork I used cross hatching techniques that were common to the Wiradjuri people, while all the colours of the artwork were taken from local photographers’ photos of the wetlands.”

Aboriginal animator, artist and Wiradjuri man Bernard Higgins said many local Aboriginal people feel a deep connection to the wetlands.

“When I go to the wetlands, I know I am walking on the same land my ancestors were walking on for thousands of years,” Mr Higgins said.

“The Wiradjuri people feel a deep cultural ownership of this place. That’s why it is so important the Wiradjuri language is incorporated in all the signage around the wetlands, as it makes us feel more welcomed in a space where are ancestors walked.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the infrastructure improvements will allow the public to safely access the site.

“Crown Lands is committed to protecting the important infrastructure at Fivebough Wetlands to ensure everyone can safely access this ecological wonder,” Mr Kamper said.

“Crown land reserves play a big role in the NSW visitor economy supporting tourism and local businesses, jobs and economies that prosper from visits.”