Mary Binks Wetlands, East Devonport

Located in East Devonport, the wetlands are approximately 1.7 hectares of land between Mary and Caroline Streets.

In September 2018 the Devonport City Council voted to rename the Mary Street Wetlands to recognise the city’s first female Mayor and long-time community advocate, the late Mary Binks OAM. Mrs Binks served as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Alderman of Devonport over a 13-year period from 1989.

She was awarded an OAM in 2005 and was Devonport’s Citizen of the Year in 2008.

Prior to the formation of the wetlands, the area was used as a landfill site for Council.

Upon its closure in 1999, local interest in re-establishing the wetlands was canvassed by Council and a Working Group involving nearby stakeholders and community members was set up.

Partnerships were established between Council, the Don College, Melaleuca Home for Aged, East Devonport Primary School and local residents.

In 2000 A Green Corps team rehabilitated the site. Major earth works were carried out to form a pond as well as adjacent boardwalk and pathway.

The Mary Street Wetlands project won a State Tidy Towns Major Environmental award in 2001.

In 2020 a series of mosaic pavers were embedded into a new pathway made by local community groups.