Pinnaroo Wetlands

It was in 2010 that Southern Mallee District Council upgraded the storm water system on the site of the old railway dam infested with bulrushes.

The upgrade included 2 small lakes with adjoining channels that were planted up with filtering reeds.

Once the initial work was completed the council of the day moved that nothing else would be done on the site!  Community members became aware of this situation and formed a Friends of the Pinnaroo Wetlands with local volunteers who had a vision for the site.

This group gathered suggestions and ideas from the local community and had a masterplan drawn up which was an invaluable resource as we worked to get each part in place.

With very little funds the group began to plant into the clay soils on site.  Working bees were held with students from the kindergarten, primary school and enthusiastic community members.

Bulrushes had taken over at this stage so we waged war to get them under control. A working bee was held in 2012 with the attempt of drowning the reeds but to little effect. It was a huge undertaking but with information gained from other wetlands groups we have been able to get them under control.  The filtering reeds you will find at the wetlands are of a variety that are not invasive.

Once the 2 bridges were built it meant we could cross to the other side of the site which a great plus for us.  Trevor Tyler and Barry Sharrad were instrumental in the building of these.

The irrigated lawned area was installed by the volunteers from the Pinnaroo Golf Club.

2014 brought with it a large Commonwealth grant that provided the shelter, BBQs, toilets, signage and caravan dump point.

A feature of site is the totem poles found around the walking track.  These were created by students of the Primary School and local artists.

Wild life is abundant in the Pinnaroo Wetlands with birds, turtles, frogs, yabbies and the odd snake!  Unfortunately the water contains mosquito fish which are a real pest and make the water unsuitable for fresh water fish.

The Friends of the Pinnaroo Wetlands still gather together to weed and tidy the area and would welcome anyone who would like to join them.

The Pinnaroo Wetlands has become an inviting space for all to enjoy…travelers and locals alike.