Tenders are expected to be called soon for the project that is being funded by council ($537,000), Riverina Local Lands Services ($200,000) and the Environmental Trust ($75,000).

The wetlands will be almost unique in the lower Murrumbidgee, said council's environmental management team leader, Tony Phelps.

To be developed over about 20 hectares, the project will include filling three disused and dry ponds with highly-treated wastewater from the upgraded nearby sewerage treatment plant, the planting of reeds and natural grasses and the construction of bird hides and walking tracks.

Mr Phelps said it was hoped the wetlands would attract more and additional types of bird life as well as other fauna, including endangered squirrel gliders seen at nearby Wilks Park and even platypus.

"The way we plan to manage the water will encourage the platypus to return," Mr Phelps said.

Mr Phelps said much of the construction work would be completed over the summer when the site was dry, with plantings in the cooler months next year.

Wetlands in Albury and Leeton attract thousands of tourists a year, according to council, and while the Wagga wetlands will not be on the same scale, it is hoped visitors will be drawn to the attraction.

"There is potential for a lot of people to come and see this," Mr Phelps said.

Mr Phelps said the wetlands would also be a valuable educational resource.

He said the great response to last weekend's native tree planting day in Wagga encouraged him to believe the wetlands would be very popular.

"We had about 80 volunteers," Mr Phelps said.

"The value of the natural environment is more and more in the front of people's minds," Mr Phelps said.

He said council would work with the community and form a user group to advise council on facilities needed at the wetlands to suit their purposes.