Tucked between Mary and Caroline Streets in East Devonport, opposite the East Devonport Recreation and Function Centre, the Mary Binks Wetlands is a peaceful pocket of nature. Spanning around 1.7 hectares, the wetlands are home to a range of native plants and animals and provide a quiet place to walk, sit, and enjoy local wildlife.
A Special Place, Named for a Local Leader
In 2018, the area formerly known as the Mary Street Wetlands was renamed to honour the late Mary Binks OAM, Devonport’s first female Mayor and a passionate advocate for her community.
Mary Binks served on Council as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Alderman from 1989 for 13 years. She received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2005 and was named Devonport’s Citizen of the Year in 2008. During her time on Council, she was a key supporter of the idea to transform the area into a wetland for the benefit of local residents and wildlife.
From Landfill to Local Landmark
Before it became a wetland, the site was used as a Council landfill. After it closed in 1999, Council began exploring ways to return the land to nature. A working group of nearby residents, schools, aged care services and other community members was formed to help guide the project.
With the support of partners like Don College, Melaleuca Home for the Aged, and East Devonport Primary School, the area was transformed in 2000 with help from a Green Corps team. Major works were carried out to create a pond, install pathways and boardwalks, and plant native vegetation. Weed control and ongoing rehabilitation followed, with strong community involvement.
In 2001, the Friends of Mary Street Wetlands volunteer group was established to continue looking after the site. The project received a Tidy Towns Major Environmental Award in 2001, and further improvements—including path extensions and seating—were added in 2002.
Council is always open to hearing from individuals or groups interested in helping care for the wetlands.
Ongoing Community Connection
In 2020, a new pathway through the park was decorated with mosaic pavers created by local community members and artists. The works were part of a project led by the Devonport Regional Gallery and involved East Devonport Child and Family Centre, Reece High School and Devonport Community House Mosaic Club.
Looking Ahead
The Mary Binks Wetlands continue to be a place of natural beauty and community pride. Council is working closely with Devonport Community Landcare to:
Plant over 200 native species during winter 2025
Maintain walking paths and improve access
Controlling weeds and encourage native regrowth
Leave logs, bark and other natural material in place to support local wildlife
You can learn more about the wetlands—including the plants and animals that live there—by checking out our flyer
Thank you to Jennifer Rowlands from the Devonport Community Landcare for sharing this video of three frogs calling in Mary Binks Wetlands March 2025. The Mary Binks frog species are:
Common Froglet (Crinia signifera),
Pobblebonk or Banjo frog (Lymnodynastes dumerilii), and
Spotted Marsh frog (Lymnodynastes tasmaniensis).
Address: 93-95 Mary St, East Devonport TAS 7310, Australia
From Landfill to Local Landmark
Before it became a wetland, the site was used as a Council landfill. After it closed in 1999, Council began exploring ways to return the land to nature. A working group of nearby residents, schools, aged care services and other community members was formed to help guide the project.
With the support of partners like Don College, Melaleuca Home for the Aged, and East Devonport Primary School, the area was transformed in 2000 with help from a Green Corps team. Major works were carried out to create a pond, install pathways and boardwalks, and plant native vegetation. Weed control and ongoing rehabilitation followed, with strong community involvement.
In 2001, the Friends of Mary Street Wetlands volunteer group was established to continue looking after the site. The project received a Tidy Towns Major Environmental Award in 2001, and further improvements—including path extensions and seating—were added in 2002.
Council is always open to hearing from individuals or groups interested in helping care for the wetlands.
Ongoing Community Connection
In 2020, a new pathway through the park was decorated with mosaic pavers created by local community members and artists. The works were part of a project led by the Devonport Regional Gallery and involved East Devonport Child and Family Centre, Reece High School and Devonport Community House Mosaic Club.
