Where we're going to the Macquarie Marshes

The Macquarie Marshes, in the central-west NSW and on the Traditional land of the Wailwan people, is one of the largest remaining inland semi-permanent wetlands in South-Eastern Australia.

In times of flooding, these wetlands extend over a massive 200,000 hectares, encompassing extensive areas of reed swamp, water couch grasslands, river red gum woodlands and floodplains. And 20,000 hectares are recognised as Ramsar wetlands of international significance and protected as a nature reserve.

It is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin – an awe-inspiring interconnected patchwork of miniature habitats bursting with life.

In nesting season, after flooding, this important nesting site can see hundreds of thousands of water birds converge in one of the biggest bird breeding events Australia has seen.

But this spectacular and interconnected patchwork of wetlands is under threat. Miners want to drill the land arround the protected nature reserve for gold. Multiple attempts at exploratory drilling have been stopped but we need to make sure these wetlands are protected for good.

With your support Nature Conservation Council NSW will be able to address the gaps in inaccurate wetlands mapping and legislation that leave the Marshes vulnerable to mining.

Donate today to support NCC's efforts to protect the Macquarie Marshes