A unique environmental development has taken shape downstream from Albury, along the floodplain of the Murray River - the Wonga Wetlands.

The water that is bringing new life to this beautiful country is not directly from the river - it's from the AlburyCity's wastewater treatment systems.

During the warmer months the reclaimed treated wastewater is used for irrigation, while in wetter months it is redirected to the wetlands, helping to restore the natural flow regime.

Since the construction of the Hume Dam in 1919, the Murray River has been regulated for irrigation and does not flood as often. When flooding occurs, it is now often in the late Spring or Summer and is of a lower intensity.

This alteration to the natural flow has dried out many of the floodplain wetlands and billabongs, destroying the bird and fish breeding habitat.

The Wonga Wetlands development is an opportunity to revert to the original hydrological regime, with birds and other wildlife now returning to the wetlands.

Continued developments at the Wonga Wetlands are making the area more accessible to the public and researchers: whilst protecting and enhancing the habitat for the native flora and fauna.