Lakes and Wetlands in Our Region

Our lakes and wetlands are special places that support incredible biodiversity and play an important role in our environment.

Lake Ranfurly and Lake Hawthorn

Lake Ranfurly and Lake Hawthorn are shallow, hyper-saline lakes nationally recognised for their environmental significance. Historically part of the Murray River floodplain, these lakes now function as stormwater andirrigation drainage basins within the Salt Interception Scheme, which helps manage salinity levels in the Murray-Darling Basin. Despite this engineered role, they remain vital natural habitats supporting diverse plant and animal life, including unique salt-tolerant vegetation communities.

Lake Ranfurly is listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia and is protected under international agreements for migratory birds, making it an essential stopover for species traveling along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. The lakes provide critical feeding and breeding grounds for waterbirds, including several species of conservation concern. Rare and threatened wildlife have been recorded here, such as the critically endangered hooded scaly-foot (Pygopus schraderi), alongside other reptiles, invertebrates and plants adapted to saline conditions. These ecosystems play a key role in maintaining biodiversity in the semi-arid Mallee region and offer opportunities for birdwatching and environmental education.

Lake Cullulleraine

Lake Cullulleraine is an important natural area within the Murray Scroll Belt Bioregion, known for its black box woodlands and chenopod shrublands. These habitats provide habitat for threatened plants and wildlife and help maintain biodiversity in the semi-arid Mallee landscape.

Lake Cullulleraine also plays a role in regional water management and offers opportunities for birdwatching, nature based recreation and environmental education. Its conservation is essential for protecting threatened plants such as saltbush and bluebush species, as well as wildlife such as woodland birds, reptiles and invertebrates that depend on these specialised habitats.

Constructed Wetlands – Nature and Water Working Together

Council manages three major constructed wetlands:

• Etiwanda Wetlands
• Mildura South Wetlands
• Bob Corbould Wetlands

These wetlands provide urban areas for wildlife and help clean stormwater before it flows into our rivers and creeks. They support biodiversity by offering native vegetation, breeding sites and food sources for birds and other animals.

Murrayville Wetlands

The Murrayville Wetland is a community managed wetland located within the Murrayville Recreation Reserve. The Wetland is designed to restore natural habitat, improve stormwater management and provide a welcoming recreational space for both residents and visitors.

Green-Minimalist-Content-Engagement-Analysis-Report.pdf(PDF, 12MB)

Why are wetlands important?

• They filter excess nutrients and chemicals from stormwater
• Provide habitat and nesting sites for birds and aquatic species
• Stabilise banks and improve plant diversity
• Offer refuge for wildlife in urban areas

How Do Constructed Wetlands Work?

Constructed wetlands are shallow, plant-filled areas that naturally treat stormwater. Water flows through a series of ponds:

1. Sedimentation Pond – where pollutants settle
2. Treatment Ponds – where plants filter water and capture pollutant
3. Clean Water Pond – where filtered water is returned to the environment

Etiwanda Wetlands is a great place for a walk, with opportunities to see rare plants and birdlife while learning about this natural water treatment process.