Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre

Melbourne’s west is growing rapidly, but investment in environmental education infrastructure has not kept pace. The current Wetlands Centre is well used but limited in size and functionality, restricting its ability to meet demand from schools, community groups and visitors.

Without expansion, opportunities to connect people with this asset, and to build environmental awareness, will be constrained.

Stage 2 will transform the existing facility into a flexible, multi-purpose hub for education and community use. The project will deliver:

• New and upgraded learning spaces
• Flexible community and event areas
• Improved accessibility and amenities
• Wetlands ‘demonstration pond’ of approximately 0.5ha to support education and demonstration programs
• Capacity to expand programs and partnerships

Growing demand: Melbourne’s west continues to experience significant population growth, increasing pressure on community infrastructure.

Environmental significance: the Centre sits within the internationally recognised Ramsar-listed Cheetham Wetland in Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline), supporting important ecosystems and migratory bird species.

Climate and resilience: wetlands play a critical role in climate adaptation, including flood mitigation and coastal resilience.

• Expanded environmental education for schools and families
• Greater community connection to nature
• Improved health and wellbeing through access to open space
• Increased visitation and eco-tourism opportunities
• Stronger local identity and environmental stewardship

This project supports key priorities around climate actions, sustainability, education and lifelong learning and biodiversity protection, across all levels of government. Specifically:

• Victorian Government’s Plan Melbourne 2017-50
• Victorian Government’s Infrastructure Victoria Strategy 2021-51 recommendations
• Victorian Government’s Climate Change Strategy and the Marine and Coastal Policy
• Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways Strategy 2018-28
• North and West Melbourne City Deal proposed to federal and state governments

The project is well developed and ready to progress with funding.

• Planning and concept development completed
• Strong community and stakeholder support
• Existing centre already delivering successful programs
• Clear pathway to delivery

Council's committed to progressing the Wetlands Centre project, which is underpinned by:

• Council Plan 2021-25
• Council's 2024-25 budget allocation
• Climate Change Policy, Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013-30 and
• Environmentally Sustainable Development Policy Statement.