A half-million-dollar upgrade to Campbell's Wetland near Griffith has delivered a new boardwalk and facilities that will boost eco-tourism whilst protecting one of the region's most important wildlife habitats.

Campbell's Wetland, located six kilometres north of Griffith, has received a significant boost with the completion of a $358,857 upgrade funded by the NSW Government's Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. The project, delivered in partnership with Griffith City Council who contributed an additional $151,453, centres on a new boardwalk designed to provide safe access for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The wetland has been designated an Important Bird Area, having recorded sightings of 178 different bird species over the past decade. The sturdy, wide and slip-resistant boardwalk replaces an ageing structure that previously limited access to this ecologically significant site.

The timing of the upgrade aligns with remarkable growth in Australia's birdwatching tourism sector. Recent figures show international travellers spent $2.6 billion on birdwatching trips in the year to June 2024, whilst domestic visitors contributed $636 million—representing a 53 per cent increase since 2021.

"Campbell's Wetland is now positioned to capture more of this growth, driving tourism and supporting local businesses," the government announced in releasing details of the project.

Beyond the boardwalk, the comprehensive upgrade included sealing the car park, paving pathways, installing sandstone seating and picnic areas, and erecting a new entry sign to create a more welcoming environment for the community.

Rare Species Haven

Vice-President of the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists, Nella Smith, emphasised the wetland's significance for rare and endangered species. "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," Smith explained.

The site is home to several uncommon duck species including pink-eared, blue-billed and musk ducks, and serves as an important habitat for the endangered Australian bittern and little bittern. Raptors such as swamp harriers, little eagles and white-bellied sea eagles also frequent the area, along with an established ibis rookery.

Smith highlighted the boardwalk's importance for both conservation and education: "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."

Looking ahead, plans are progressing for additional interpretive signage that will highlight Wiradjuri cultural knowledge alongside the site's ecology, with community consultation already underway. A bird hide amongst the cumbungi waterweeds is also being planned.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the investment demonstrated the government's commitment to regional communities. "Grants like this one from Crown Reserves Improvement Fund provide vital support for regional communities who rely on tourism to thrive," Minister Kamper stated.

Member for Murray Helen Dalton praised the project's community benefits, noting it would allow "locals, school kids, and birdwatchers alike can enjoy it safely, whilst protecting the environment."

Griffith Mayor Doug Curran described the upgrade as "a wonderful example of how grant funding can deliver long-lasting benefits for our community," adding that such investments create spaces "that locals are proud of and that visitors want to explore."

The completed project represents a significant step forward in balancing environmental protection with community access and economic development in the Murray region.