The Wagirra Trail Wonga Wetlands Loop
Wonga Wetlands was developed in the 1990’s as a pioneering method for using treated wastewater from Albury City to improve and enhance the natural environment. The wastewater is delivered to a series of lagoons adjacent to the Murray River and is set up to replicate the pre-regulated wetting and drying regime of the riverine wetlands.
Since that time Wonga Wetlands, with its lagoons and walking trails has become a mecca for bird watchers, nature lovers, schools and those seeking a tranquil place to reconnect with nature.
The Wagirra Trail project at Wonga Wetlands is a three-year project to design and construct approximately 12 kilometre of shared path along the Murray River that loops around Wonga Wetlands. Wagirra in Wiradjuri language translates to ‘step on the ground’ and Wonga translates to ‘black cormorant’.
The Wagirra Team – who sit as a part of the larger Natural Areas Team at AlburyCity Council consists of six local Aboriginal people who are trained or are training in Conservation and Land Management or Civil Construction. The team have been responsible for the construction and ongoing maintenance of the trail, have undertaken cultural heritage investigations and have also run guided tours of the site.
A Wiradjuri camp has been built at Wonga Wetlands in conjunction with local elders to replicate a traditional campsite. This forms a part of the Wonga experience for visitors.
Once the Trail is open to the public (anticipated by July 2022) the Wagirra Team will be engaged to develop a suite of interpretative material and artwork that will be installed as signs across the broader Wonga site.
The Natural Areas Team and Wagirra staff are currently working with the Tourism Team and the broader Aboriginal Community to investigate cultural tourism opportunities at Wonga to showcase Aboriginal culture across the broader Albury area.
Wonga Wetlands and the Wagirra Trail will allow for the blending of knowledge regarding treating and managing wastewater with Traditional Owner knowledge of the land. Whilst Wonga has traditionally only been used by those walking the lagoons and wetlands, the new trail will open the experience to a broader audience through activating the outer perimeter of the site.
This will ensure passive and active areas, as well as dedicated wastewater management areas are kept separated.
As winner of the Kwatye award, the opportunity to donate the $2,000 prize to the charity or program of their choice will be provided to Nerilee and team on behalf of sponsor, TRILITY.