The Brick Pit Wetland off Edgells Lane at Kelso occupies an area of more than six hectares.

It is part of the Raglan Creek wetland complex that once comprised inter-connected pools and swamps which formed valuable habitat for wildlife, particularly waterbirds.

Council completed its acquisition of the wetland in mid-2017 and has been working since then to protect and restore the habitat.

A report to councillors by environmental, planning and building services director Neil Southorn said $50,000 had been set aside in the 2017-18 budget to fund a hydrological study of the area and there were plans for another $50,000 in this year’s budget to develop a detailed design of the wetland.

“The hydrological assessment includes a surface water assessment of the frequency and nature of flooding, and a groundwater assessment of groundwater movement between the site’s aquifers, Macquarie River and Raglan Creek. This report will be completed shortly,” the report states.

“The report will provide a concept plan for the wetlands and will describe what further actions are required in order to commence detailed design of the wetland enhancements.”

Mr Southorn said council had removed stock from the wetland, replaced fencing along the Edgells Lane boundary and removed rubbish, including asbestos, since acquiring the area.

Signage had been installed to explain the significance of the area and weed control had focused on the removal of Bathurst burr and blackberry.

“There is significant potential to enhance the environmental quality, habitat value and tourism potential of the Brick Pit Wetlands and council has commenced a program to protect and enhance the wetlands,” Mr Southorn states in the report.

“This program was commenced in January 2017 following the acquisition of the first portion of the property and was assisted by a grant of $10,000 from Local Land Services under the Migratory Bird Habitat (Targeted Ecosystems) Program.”

Future plans include upgrading the fencing along the remaining boundaries and investigating the possible design and construction of a bird hide and boardwalk at the wetland.