NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS MASTERPLAN · Attachment 1. Noosa Botanical Gardens Masterplan_683_SD_LR002_E - Final Plan

               Background

Background

The gardens are located on the western shores of Lake Macdonald, a short drive from Cooroy .                 improvements over the next 25 years, ensuring the gardens’ botanic legacy and ongoing value
They are currently approximately 8 hectares in total.                                                        to the community.

The Traditional Custodians of the Botanic Gardens are the Kabi Kabi people. In the 1800s, the                In late 2023, consultants were appointed to initiate this process. A reference group was then
land was part of the Powell family farm before being resumed in the 1950s for the construction               established, including Friends of the Gardens representatives and various local and regional
of Lake Macdonald, establishing the setting for the future gardens.                                          community groups and associations. Additionally, an internal stakeholder reference group was
                                                                                                             formed, consisting of Councillors and Council staff.
The idea for the Botanic Gardens emerged in the early 1980s through local residents Jim and
Ida Duncan, who worked with Council and the community to transform the site from a former                    The Masterplan design response corresponds with the Noosa Design Principles and the
dumping ground into a landscaped garden. Early works included clearing the land, designing                   extensive stakeholder engagement process that was undertaken.
garden sections, and constructing key features such as rock walls. The Gardens officially                    The 2017 Vision was reviewed to reflect evolving community views, the impact of climate
opened in 1990.                                                                                              change and the growing desire of residents and tourists for more inland nature-based
Over time, the Gardens continued to develop with additions such as the amphitheatre,                         experiences.
sculpture walk, and expanded plant collections. Governance also changed due to council                       In 2024, Council engaged consultants to review the existing Vision and develop a masterplan
amalgamation and later de-amalgamation, before returning to Noosa Shire Council.                             to support the Gardens as a growing community asset. Following extensive community
In recent years, focus has shifted to strengthening the Gardens as a community and                           consultation throughout 2025 and 2026, the Masterplan has now been finalised.
environmental asset, with infrastructure upgrades, new facilities, and a greater emphasis on
conservation and education. Overall, the timeline shows a steady evolution from rural land to a
valued public space shaped by community involvement and ongoing Council investment.
Building on the 2017 Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan Stage 1: Vision document,
Noosa Council engaged with the community to develop a long-term plan for upgrades and




Cultural and Heritage Considerations
The Traditional Custodians of the Botanic Gardens are the Kabi Kabi people. This land holds
deep cultural and spiritual significance for them. The site has also served as the Noosa Botanic
Gardens for almost 40 years and is highly valued by the broader Noosa community, particularly
those in and around Cooroy. The masterplan aims to create landscapes, gardens, spaces
and facilities that can support cultural events, ceremonies, and gatherings and encourage
storytelling, cultural exchange, and education.
The site’s historical significance as a Botanic Garden is important to the community. Many of
the existing plantings include rare or threatened species, original collections, or specimens
donated by individuals who have played a key role in the Garden’s development.
 1. The Hoop Pine, planted in 1935 by the Powell family, is listed on the National Trust register
    of Significant Trees and as such holds immense value to visitors and managers of the
    gardens. There are many other species whose value is significant.
 2. Any potential removal of tree species will carefully consider their historical, botanic, and
    cultural significance and be done in consultation with appropriate stakeholders




Design Process                                            Masterplanning Process
This Landscape Masterplan serves as a guiding             The Vision and Goals of the Masterplan
                                                          are intended to be realised over a 25 year                                                                      CONCEPT
document, addressing key design consideration                                                                                         COUNCIL            AQUIRE          DESIGN FOR        DETAIL DESIGN
informed by community engagement.                         timeframe. Adaptive, flexible and responsive             MASTERPLAN
                                                                                                                                    ENDORSEMENT         FUNDING           FUNDED            FOR FUNDED       CONSTRUCTION
                                                                                                                                                                                              PROJECT
                                                          design over that period in the implementation                                                                   PROJECT
Following its endorsement, significant projects           of the masterplan, will help the gardens and its
will progress through the conceptual and                  community to respond to its changing needs.
detailed design phases, aligning with available
funding and Noosa Council’s established                   The Decision Making matrix will support current
processes.                                                and future site managers and caretakers in
                                                                                                                   STAKEHOLDER                                          STAKEHOLDER        STAKEHOLDER
                                                          setting funding priorities and establishing              ENGAGEMENT                                           ENGAGEMENT         ENGAGEMENT
Council are committed to seeking external                 timelines for the design and implementation of
funding opportunities that arise where they align         projects.
with the outcomes of the Masterplan.
                                                          Urgent works will be prioritised, while larger
                                                          projects will be carried out over an extended
                                                          period.




                               NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS
                               MASTERPLAN
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