Development of a new master plan will help guide future improvements to Noosa’s much loved Botanic Gardens at Lake Macdonald.
Council appointed a stakeholder reference group including three councillors, Jessica Phillips (chair), Karen Finzel and Amelia Lorentson, at its Ordinary Meeting on Thursday to assist in developing the new plan – an important first step in the process.
“We are in the very early stages of planning and look forward to consulting our community in the months ahead with a range of opportunities planned,” Mayor Frank Wilkie said.
The reference group includes representatives from key community groups and other organisations. They include Friends of the Noosa Botanic Gardens, SEQ Water, Noosa Hinterland Residents Association, Cooroy Area Ratepayers Association, Cooroy Chamber of Commerce, Cooroy Future Group, Outdoors Queensland, Tourism Noosa.
Council appointed consultants 02 Landscape Architects to this year prepare a Noosa Botanic Gardens Master Plan during 2024.
With its team of sub-consultants including arborists, community engagement and engineering expertise, 02 Landscape Architects are contracted to provide a Landscape Master Plan, Visitor Experience Themes, Small Scale Business Opportunities, Consultation Program and Operational Decision Making Matrix.
Its schedule includes holding councillor and stakeholder workshops in April-May, a stakeholder review of a draft master plan in June before the draft plan is released in July for broad public consultation and finalisation of the plan in August-September.
Gracing the shores of Lake Macdonald, Noosa Botanic Gardens first opened in 1990 and has become a much-loved destination for locals and visitors who enjoy walks, picnics, photography and horticulture.
Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh, said community members have volunteered much time and energy over many years in a very successful collaboration with Noosa Council to maintain the gardens.
“After 30 years the time is right for us to develop this new masterplan and so we’re excited to continue that collaboration to guide the future of this much-loved asset,” he said.
“The gardens will of course continue to provide an inclusive, connected, and vibrant place for our community to share, with the master plan process to consider the evolving needs and interests of residents across the shire.
“We will continue to work alongside our local Kabi Kabi and Jinibara First Nations peoples in an exchange of ideas for enriching the culture of the gardens.
“The Noosa Botanic Gardens Master Plan will be a culmination of 30 years of hard work covering facilities and uses, as well as the overarching vision for the facility,” Mr Walsh said.
The gardens offer a variety of activities including scenic and guided walks, picnic and barbecue facilities and specialised garden areas.
The public can also hire sections of the gardens as well as the amphitheatre. These have been used for many concerts, weddings and other events.
To learn more about Noosa Botanic Gardens, visit noosa.qld.gov.au/services-facilities/parks-facilities/noosa-botanic-gardens
