The name of BHP Pond recognises the contribution of BHP Steel Works to the acquisition of the site and the construction of the pond. Brambles Pond, on the left, is named for the local transport company that also assisted with construction.
These artificial ponds, built on the site of the Hamilton Rugby Club rugby fields, were designed to replicate natural wetland ponds and collect water from a very small catchment after rain.
The depth of the water varies to provide different conditions for a variety of waterplants and visiting waterbirds. The island protects the birds from predators.
During long dry periods, water can be pumped from Farm Dam to maintain water in BHP Pond to support the birdlife.
How many different species of birds can you see on the ponds?
The Awabakal people are the traditional custodians of the land on which Hunter Wetlands Centre sits.
The open water areas and surrounding marshes immediately adjacent to the Max Maddock Visitor Centre have had a checkered history since the arrival of European settlers. Originally part of the Ironbark Creek floodplain swamps this area was infilled as a garbage dump before being reclaimed for rugby fields by Hamilton Marist Rugby Club. This enterprise however was ultimately unsuccessful and the site and buildings were obtained in 1985 by the Hunter Wetlands Trust to establish the Wetlands Centre. BPH Pond is directly in front of the Visitor Centre. This is an artificial pond, which was dug where the old rugby fields were.
The development of the HWCA involved support from many local industries and community members. BHP Steel Works, which was a significant industry in Newcastle at the time, contributed to the purchasing of the site and to the first earth works to create the pond.
The artificial pond was designed to replicate a natural wetland pond and collects its water from a very small catchment after rain.
It was also designed with different depths to cater for both wading and diving birds.
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A Glencore Community Project