Gardens in local hands

The transfer of Noosa Botanic Gardens to council will put the popular attraction back in local hands.
The ceremony to celebrate the handover was attended by representatives from Seqwater and council, plus members of the Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens.
Mayor Tony Wellington said the transfer formalised council’s role in the day-to-day management of the gardens and gave the authority to start planning its future.
Seqwater acting CEO Dan Spiller said the handover was part of Seqwater’s commitment to work with the Noosa Council and the community to deliver a number of key projects that include a major upgrade of the Lake Macdonald facility.
Mayor Wellington and council CEO Brett de Chastel joined Mr Spiller and Seqwater chairman Dan Hunt to plant a tree at the gardens today, to celebrate the occasion.
“Watergums are native to this area,” the mayor said.
“As it grows, this one will attract butterflies and birds, which all add to the beauty and charm that have made the gardens such a special place to visit over the past 27 years,” he said.