A nature-inspired playground, new visitor and community hub and expanded lakeside facilities are among the projects proposed under a 25-year blueprint for one of the region’s key green spaces.
Noosa Council has endorsed a new masterplan for the Noosa Botanic Gardens at Lake Macdonald, outlining a long-term vision to improve accessibility, visitor facilities and community use while protecting the site’s botanical collections.
Key projects include relocating the existing depot and converting the site into additional green space, new and expanded community facilities, upgraded amenities, a large shelter area, improved accessible pathways, a nature-inspired play area, expanded parking and improvements to the gardens’ amphitheatre.
The plan also responds to community calls for additional parking and the development of a collections plan to permanently record plant species and guide future plantings and removals.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the masterplan would help council secure external funding for future projects.
“It sets out clearly our aspirations for the gardens which will support our case for funding as we look to deliver key elements,” he said.
“This masterplan will ensure Noosa Botanic Gardens remain a vibrant, inclusive and accessible destination that celebrates nature, culture and community.”
The masterplan aims to balance conservation of the gardens’ botanical collections with upgrades designed to support growing visitor numbers and improve accessibility.
More than 250 people contributed to the masterplan through two phases of community consultation, including surveys, pop-up events and discussions with stakeholder groups such as Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens and the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce.
Stakeholder Reference Group chair Cr Karen Finzel said community support for the plan had been strong.
“It’s heartening to achieve more than 90 per cent support for the overall direction of the masterplan among those surveyed during the consultation,” she said.
Council plans to deliver the masterplan in stages, beginning with repairs, safety improvements, planning work, tree audits and garden bed renewal before progressing to infrastructure upgrades, improved amenities, upgraded play spaces and greater activation through events, tours and after-hours activities.
“The first two years focus on repairs, safety improvements, planning work, programs, tree audits and garden bed renewal,” Cr Finzel said.
“Years three to five focus on delivery of infrastructure upgrades, improved amenities, upgraded play spaces, and greater activation of the space through events, tours and after-hours activities.”
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Beyond the initial works, the masterplan also identifies opportunities for new event spaces, upgraded security and lighting, expanded educational opportunities and broader cultural and recreational activities designed to strengthen the gardens’ role as a community destination.
“The masterplan champions stewardship of the gardens, ensuring the landscape is climate change resilient, accessible, activated and vibrant, well-designed and a place that is educational while celebrating heritage and culture,” Mayor Wilkie said.
