Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre
A regional hub for nature, learning and climate resilience.
What is the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre?
Located adjacent to the Ramsar-listed Cheetham Wetlands, the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre will create a regional hub for environmental restoration, education and community connection in Melbourne's west. It will transform the site into a working wetlands precinct supporting biodiversity, improving water quality and delivering nature-based solutions to climate challenges.
The centre will also provide a base for environmental education, volunteering and nature-based wellbeing programs, activating the wetlands as a year-round community asset.
The project is Council-endorsed, supported by a comprehensive master plan and business case, and with Stage 1 now underway, the project is ready for its next critical phase.
Why this matters
Melbourne's west continues to experience a shortfall in green space and environmental infrastructure as population growth accelerates. The Wetlands Centre responds directly to this need, protecting a significant natural asset while creating a place for community connection, learning and participation.
Access to green space is linked to better mental health, increased physical activity and stronger community wellbeing.
The opportunity
Stage 2 will deliver a fully operational Wetlands Centre, enabling year-round education, conservation and community use.
Total project value: ~$10 million
Council commitment: $5 million
Funding sought: $5 million
This investment unlocks the full value of works already underway.
Funding request
We are seeking a $5 million funding commitment towards Stage 2 of the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre.
We also welcome staged investment and strategic partnerships to support delivery.
Explore the project
Environmental outcomes
The Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre delivers long-term environmental benefits at a local and regional scale.
Protecting biodiversity
Strengthening habitat for native species, including migratory birds along international flyways.
Improving water quality
Demonstration wetlands will naturally filter and treat water across the system.
Climate resilience
Wetlands help reduce flood risk, manage water and cool surrounding areas.
Nature-based solutions like wetlands are one of the most cost-effective ways to respond to climate impacts while delivering lasting environmental value.
First Nations partnership
The project is located on Bunurong Country and is grounded in a commitment to genuine partnership with Bunurong Traditional Owners. This includes:
- co-design of key elements of the site and visitor experience
- cultural storytelling and interpretation embedded across the precinct
- opportunities for naming, cultural visibility and connection to place
- ongoing involvement in delivery, programming and stewardship.
This approach ensures the centre reflects both environmental values and the cultural knowledge that has shaped the landscape for generations.
Project progress and what Stage 2 will deliver
Stage 1 (underway)
Council has committed $1.5 million to deliver:
- indigenous planting and habitat preparation
- walking trails and connections to the Bay Trail
- boardwalks and visitor infrastructure
- site preparation and ecological works.
Completion is expected mid-2026.
Stage 2 (funding sought)
Stage 2 will deliver:
- a 0.5-hectare demonstration wetlands system
- a 300-square-metre community and education facility
- infrastructure for school programs, research and volunteering
- improved access, pathways and visitor experience.
Stage 2 is required to enable the site to operate as a functioning wetlands centre.
Master plan vision and principles
The Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre is guided by a comprehensive master plan that sets out a long-term vision for a regional environmental and education and hub embedded within the wetlands. Key principles include:
- a landscape-led design: prioritising ecological regeneration
- climate-responsive outcomes: supporting water management, cooling and resilience
- caring for Country: embedding Bunurong knowledge and cultural storytelling
- community access: inclusive trails, boardwalks and learning spaces
- staged delivery: enabling progressive investment while maintaining the full vision
The master plan ensures the project is deliverable, scalable and ready for investment.
Why now
- Stage 1 is funded and under construction.
- The project is shovel-ready.
- Strong community and stakeholder support is in place.
- Construction costs are rising.
- Stage 2 is needed to realise the full value of the current investment.
Stage 2 investment ensures the project can be delivered efficiently and at full scope.
Alignment with government priorities
This project supports key state priorities, including:
- climate adaptation and resilience
- biodiversity protection and nature-based solutions
- health and wellbeing through access to green space
- closing infrastructure gaps in the west
- First Nations recognition and Caring for Country
- eco-tourism, education and local economic activity.
It also aligns with:
- Plan Melbourne 2017-2050
- Infrastructure Victoria's 30-year Infrastructure Strategy (2021-51)
- Victorian Climate Change Strategy
- Marine and Coastal Policy and Strategy
- Melbourne Water's Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018-2028.
Partnership opportunities
The Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre offers opportunities for government, industry and community partners to contribute to a high-impact environmental project.
Opportunities include:
- Co-investment in Stage 2 delivery.
- Support for education, research and community programs.
- Strategic partnerships aligned to sustainability and environmental outcomes.
To find out more about the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre Inc. community group, click below.
Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre Inc.
