Dubbo Treatment Plant bird hide

["Kim Farley via Canberrabirds " <>]

Thanks for raising this, Shorty. It's a good chance to talk about what has been quite a long story.

Canberra Birds/COG has discussed the building of a hide at Fyshwick with Icon water for a long time. I am across the work on this since 2021 but there were earlier discussions as well.

Unfortunately all efforts have been unsuccessful.  We picked up the task again in 2025 and despite some early positive interest, it again failed. 

There are various reasons Icon is not interested (not their core business most notably). In 2025 we made the case that a hide would benefit Icon as well as birders and other Jerra Wetland visitors, as it could be used to promote the activities shown here https://www.iconwater.com.au/sustainability-and-environment

The Dubbo hide looks great and as many of us know, hides at treatment works can found right around the country. The Western Treatment Plant at Werribee in Vic is a nationally and internationally known birding destination, and Melbourne Water manages access very very well.  On a smaller scale, there is your Dubbo example and the newish hide at Fivebough Wetlands overlooking the Leeton STP evaporation ponds is another. On the other hand, some jurisdictions are reducing access - the 2024 virtual closure of the Lake Cargelligo evaporation ponds an example.

There is more detail to the whats and whys of the discussions with Icon over the years, and the issue more broadly, but the Chatline is not the place for me to share that. I am happy to discuss further if you or others wish to write to me.

Cheers

Kim

President, Canberra Birds

On Tue, 22 Sept 2026, 12:48 pm shorty via Canberrabirds, <> wrote:

Hi All,

I am not sure if it has been mentioned on here before but two Years ago I paid a visit to the treatment plant and I have to say I was very impressed with the bird hide there. The pond it is at has the water coming right up to the hide providing excellent views for Birders and photographers alike.

How good would it be if they would do the same at the Fyshwick Treatment Plant.

Shorty

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