The Lachlan Branch of the National Trust met for a tree planting and viewing of a commemorative plaque on Thursday, October 3 at 10.30am, at the Parkes Wetlands Development. The plaque was donated by National Trust Australia and the tree was selected by Parkes Council to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the local branch of Lachlan National Trust. Lachlan National Trust's Gai Baker said the local branch of the Lachlan National Trust was first formed with a gathering of interested friends at the house of Pixie Tom 40 years ago. Ms Baker said she wishes to thank Hannah Farrant-Jayet and Michael CHambers from Parkes Shire Council for making the tree planting and installation of the commemorative plaque possible at the Parkes Wetlands. Parkes Shire Council's Manager Environment and Sustainability (Acting) Michael Chambers said it was fantastic to see many local community groups interested in the Parkes Wetlands. "This site is the perfect location for the Lachlan Branch of the National Trust to plant a commemorative tree as the wetlands are part of Parkes' water infrastructure history, and will flourish into the future as part of our natural heritage," Mr Chambers said. Work began on the Parkes Wetlands in 2019 at the site of the decommissioned Parkes Sewage Treatment Plant effluent ponds with a focus on revegetation with local native plants, and the creation of various wetland features to provide varying habitat elements to cater for different species. Earthworks at the site of the wetlands began in mid 2023, with water flowing into the site from September 2023. Around that time, revegetation efforts were commenced with local volunteers, community groups and industry joining forces to plant more than three thousand individual plants across the site.. Council's revegetation activities at the time focused on planting macrophytes and sedges in the pond to create habitat for species that prefer dense vegetation close to water. Efforts have also been made to link the wetland to the high-quality riparian corridor along Goobang Creek by reestablishing Fuzzy Box community. Parkes Wetlands was designed by Australian Wetland Consulting to attract a diversity of fauna, including open-water species, waders, insectivorous birds, and birds of prey. The wetland is intended to be ephemeral, receiving flows of recycled water from Parkes' Advanced Water Recycling Facility. The water levels will vary seasonally, and subsequently, assemblages of wildlife will respond to the changing conditions throughout the year.
