Meeting papers

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                       9 SEPTEMBER 2025


7.2           NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS MASTER PLAN


Author             Parks and Streetscapes Coordinator, Geordie Lascelles
                   Civil Assets & Operations | Infrastructure Services Department
Index              ECM / Asset Management / Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan
Attachments         1.   Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan Draft Design Report


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
   •     The report presents a draft Master Plan for the Noosa Botanic Gardens at Lake Macdonald
         for the next stages of community engagement.
   •     The draft Master Plan builds off the draft 2017 Vision Statement that was prepared by Council
         for the gardens in collaboration with community stakeholders.
   •     The draft plan has been prepared by landscape architecture consultants with key inputs from
         an external Stakeholder Reference Group, and internal Council working group, and informed
         by an initial Community Engagement program.
   •     The preparation of the draft masterplan has been iterative over the last 18 months taking into
         account diverse feedback and provides a revised vision and objectives with a realistic long-
         term plan for upgrades and improvements over the next 25 years, ensuring the gardens’
         botanical legacy and ongoing value to the local and broader community.
   •     Major features of plan include preservation and enhancement of the botanic collection,
         creation of a improved visitor entry experience, improved facilities for the Friends of the
         Botanic Gardens, creation of a primary grade accessible wayfinding pathway around the
         gardens, improved activity zones that support a variety of users as well as cultural heritage
         considerations.
   •     The plan will be a key platform to prioritise available future operational funds, as well as
         attract grant funding from multiple sources.
   •     It is proposed that this draft be released for public consultation. A summary of submissions
         received, engagement outcomes and any changes to the draft Masterplan will be
         subsequently presented for council consideration and adoption of a finalised plan.




RECOMMENDATION
That Council
A. Note the report by the Parks and Streetscapes Coordinator to the Services & Organisation
   Committee dated 9 September 2025 regarding the draft Masterplan for the Noosa Botanic
   Gardens.
B. Approve the draft to:
       1. be released for the next phase of community engagement; and
       2. note that a final summary of engagement and master plan will be presented for Council
          consideration.




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