NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS MASTERPLAN · Report

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                                 9 JUNE 2026


REPORT
1. BACKGROUND

Council budgeted for the preparation of a Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan in the 2023/24
Financial Year, building on the 2017 Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan Stage 1: Vision document.
The key purpose of the Masterplan is to engage with the community to develop a shared 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.

In late 2023, Consultants, O2LA, were appointed to initiate this process, assist with the consultation
and drafting of the plan in collaboration with community and Council stakeholders. The planning
was designed to take place over two phases: Phase 1 Visioning and Ideas Gathering, and Phase 2
Engagement on the draft Masterplan and finalisation of the plan.

The draft vision determined for the gardens in collaboration with stakeholders is “to cultivate a vibrant
botanical garden that reflects the community’s values - working with nature, now and for the future”.

Existing Conditions
The Noosa Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake Macdonald is a valuable amenity space for
residents and visitors that has an increasing valuable botanical collection in a stunning waterside
setting. It is increasing recognised for its value for both Cooroy and Noosa residents. Its evolution
to date has been largely incidental originally evolving from a community led initiative. There is
significant opportunity to improve the setting and recognition of the botanical collection, as well as
improve visitor facilities to make the space more accessible and comfortable for all. In addition, aging
infrastructure and substandard pathways require investment to rectify established defects.

The preparation of the Masterplan has been informed by an External Stakeholder Reference Group,
an internal working group of Council staff, as well as Phase 1 community engagement program and
Phase 2 Engagement and finalisation of the plan. In addition, targeted engagement has occurred
with First Nations representatives from the Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation.

2. ENGAGEMENT

External Stakeholder Refence Group
To guide the delivery of the Masterplan process, Council appointed a voluntary community
stakeholder reference group in a voluntary capacity including Friends of the Gardens representatives
and various local and regional community groups and associations. The purpose of the group was
to provide advice and strategic direction for the development of the Masterplan as it evolved.

Members of the group has included representatives from:
•   Councillors - Cr Finzel (Chair), Cr Phillips, Cr Lorentson
•   Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens
•   SEQ Water
•   Noosa Hinterland Residents Association
•   Cooroy Area Residents Association
•   Cooroy Future Group (Cooroy Butter Factory)
•   Outdoor Queensland
•   Tourism Noosa
The Cooroy Chamber of Commerce was also invited to participate but declined from attending due
to other priorities but expressed an interest in being kept up to date as the plan evolved.
Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce were actively involved in the Phase 2 pop-up in Maple

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                             9 JUNE 2026


Street, Cooroy.

Formed in March 2024, initial one on one meetings with members were held to assist consultants
understanding of stakeholders' interests. Four formal meetings have been held in June, July and
November 2024 and April 2025. An additional meeting was held with representatives from the
Friends of the Gardens in June 2025 to discuss and resolve specific considerations.

Further meetings with the group were scheduled following Phase 2 community engagement to
broadly consider feedback and then review and comment on the updated plan on the 2 March 2026
and 27 April 2026.

Cultural Engagement
An onsite meeting was conducted with representatives of the Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal
Corporation in September which has also lead enhancements to the Draft Masterplan.

Community engagement - Phase 1
Public engagement for Phase 1 predominantly took place in September 2024, with the aim of
understanding the collective vision, values, aspirations, and ideas of the local community to inform
the draft Masterplan.
Additional, early stakeholder engagement was also conducted, with key stakeholders including
members of the Stakeholder Reference Group. This included both one on one conversations and
workshops.

How we engaged
•   One on one interviews with 15 key community stakeholders
•   Noosa Heads Tourist Info Centre walk through
•   Your Say Noosa survey
•   Email submissions
•   Two community pop-ups in the Gardens on the 1 and 7 September 2024, leveraging off the
    Guided and Shade Garden walks, Music in the Gardens and Plant Sale
How we communicated
•   “Stakeholder Engagement Pack” consisting of postcards and poster distributed to SRG members
    for promotion to networks
•   Displays at Noosaville and Cooroy Library
•   Posters at Aquatic and Recreation Centres
•   Promotion of pop-ups, Friends events and opportunity to engage via Council’s social media
    channels, E-News, Your Say subscriber database and print media (Cooroy Rag, Noosa Today)
•   Media Release and the Council website
How we went
•   A total of 101 people completed the online survey of which 88 identified themselves as Noosa
    Shire Council ratepayers.
•   The main demographic of survey were Noosa Shire residents aged 55+, with community group
    members, business owners, workers and visitors also participating.
•   Hundreds of submissions were recorded at the pop ups and 1 on 1 interviews.
What we heard
The following graphic summarises key community feedback from this process:

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                               9 JUNE 2026




A draft Masterplan was developed informed by an External Stakeholder Reference Group, an
internal working group of Council staff, as well as Phase 1 community engagement program.

Council approved the draft to be released for the next phase of community engagement following a
report by the Parks and Streetscapes Coordinator to the Services & Organisation Committee dated
9 September 2025.

Community engagement - Phase 2
Public engagement for Phase 2 for the Draft Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan was delivered from
13 October to 7 November 2025 and generated more than 120 contributions, including 80 online
surveys, 23 written submissions and 21 pieces of anecdotal feedback captured through activations
and pop-ups.

Engagement activities included a Cooroy community pop-up, a series of wellbeing activations within
the Gardens (art therapy, nature therapy, nature play and yoga), targeted stakeholder meetings, and
a coordinated communications campaign supported by media, social media and newsletters. Overall
feedback demonstrated a high level of support for the Draft Masterplan. Of the 80 survey
respondents, 91% indicated they support the proposed 25-year long-term vision for the Gardens.
Community input focused primarily on refining and clarifying elements already included in the draft
rather than proposing major changes.

Consistent themes across all engagement channels included:
•   Protecting and strengthening the botanical collections and long-term stewardship
•   Maintaining the Gardens’ tranquillity and natural character
•   Improving accessibility, pathways and wayfinding
•   Enhancing comfort and amenity such as shade, seating, shelters and toilets
•   Clarifying dog access, lake use and the 25-year implementation timeframe
•   Recognising the ongoing role of the Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens
The findings indicate strong alignment between the Draft Masterplan and community feedback.
Targeted refinements were recommended to improve clarity, strengthen stewardship and
partnership recognition, and reinforce the Plan’s long-term direction prior to Council consideration of
the finalised plan in 2026.

3. SUMMARY OF CHANGES MADE FOLLOWING PHASE 2 ENGAGEMENT

The following changes were made to the Draft Masterplan following the Phase 2 Engagement and
external stakeholder reference group meetings.
•   Inclusion of reference to creation of a Living Collection Management Plan
•   Improved climate change adaptability actions
•   Highlighting continued support for dog on leash walking and activities

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                                 9 JUNE 2026


•   Increased car park spaces within the gardens and in the northern boat ramp precent
•   Provision of a larger pavilion by the lake for all weather functions and public use
•   Increase in size of the community centre from 70m² to 100m²
•   Areas for new botanic collections identified
•   Potential for partial filling of large (fish hatchery) lake
•   Improved clarity on the operational decision-making, investment prioritisation and staged
    investment strategy
•   Potential for increased plants sale frequency from the Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens
    propagation facility
Following the final meeting of the external stakeholder reference group on 27 April 2026, the
following items were clarified on the finalised plan:
•   Strengthening connection to surrounding localities and activities including the Noosa Trail
    Network & trail head
•   Inclusive, equitable, safe and independent accessibility imbedded as a core design principle with
    refined definition extending beyond physical accessibility
•   Best practice erosion management techniques utilised
•   Identification of increased formalised car and trailer parks for the boat ramp area
•   Increased public art opportunities
4. OUTCOMES

The Masterplan serves as a guiding document, addressing key design consideration informed by
community engagement to set a framework for both operational decisions, as well as priority for
future capital investment if funds are gained through Council budget allocations or grant
funding. The timeframe for implementation of plan is 25 years, and this long-term time frame has
been consistently articulated to stakeholders.

Any subsequent detailed design planning for works will also be subject to ongoing community and
stakeholder engagement, strategically informed by the Masterplan. Adaptive, flexible and responsive
design over that period in the implementation of the Masterplan, will help the gardens and its
community to respond to its changing needs.

In terms of immediate operational decisions, the Operational Decision-Making & Staged Investment
Strategy contained within the plan will support current and future site managers and caretakers in
setting operational priorities and establishing timelines for the design and implementation of projects.
The matrix also provides transparency to key stakeholders such as the Friends of the Noosa Botanic
Gardens about their opportunity for involvement in operational decisions.

5. KEY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The draft Masterplan is included as Attachment 1 to the Report. Key inclusions in the plan are listed
below:

Activity Zones and Functional Arrangement
The following zones are connected by the accessible Garden and Rainforest promenades.
•   Arrivals Zone
•   Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens Zone
•   The Green
•   Botanic Playground

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                               9 JUNE 2026


•   Lower Lakeside
•   Rainforest Zone
•   Paths - intuitive, accessible
•   Garden Promenade - between 3m to 4m wide (some routes require occasional service vehicle
    access)
•   Rainforest Promenade - 2-3m wide
•   Secondary paths minimum 1 .5m wide
Visitor Support Facilities
Key to the value proposition for the gardens is improved visitor support facilities to better enjoy and
appreciate the Botanic Gardens:
•   Creation of arrivals zone with an improved visitor entry experience including an appropriately
    scaled community facility/kiosk/shelter and amenities, supplemented by the adjacent Friends of
    the Noosa Botanic Gardens Zone
•   Provision of a wide accessible ‘Garden promenade’ throughout the northern portion of the
    gardens
•   Provision of a wide accessible ‘Rainforest promenade’ throughout the southern portion of the
    gardens
•   Relocation of the Council depot and Friends Nursery from valuable elevated space better served
    for park visitors
•   Refurbishment of the existing Amphitheatre
•   Integration of the Northern Parklands (Lake Macdonald Park) with the existing Botanical Gardens
    to ensure a seamless parkland experience
•   Development of a Children’s Botanic Playground and learning zone to diversify visitor
    demography and instil intergenerational interest in the gardens
•   Creation of more sunny, open spaces to diversity plant collections and provide areas for
    picnicking and informal recreational activities
•   Development and consolidation of a climate relief zone along the water’s edge to provide
    valuable shade in waterside setting during heatwaves
•   Upgraded security and lighting systems
•   Modest expansion of carparking facilities, incorporating both formal and nature-based options
Legibility and Accessibility
A comprehensive approach for the upgrade of pathways is proposed to foster a cohesive, user-
friendly environment that prioritises ease of navigation, safety and accessibility for all visitors:
•   Major universally accessible pathways - wide pathways, creating intuitive and comfortable
    pedestrian journeys through the site
•   Legibility - enhancing how users perceive and navigate the site to ensure a comfortable and
    intuitive user experience
•   Accessibility - expanding inclusive, equitable, safe, accessible pathways to future-proof the
    gardens, making them usable for a broader range of visitors
•   Appropriately spaced and placed benches, walkways, ramps and handrails will be an important
    component of any upgraded or newly designed zones

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                                  9 JUNE 2026


Botanical Collection
The original impetus of the preservation of this open space was the community led creation of a
botanic gardens, and this is a fundamental premise of the draft Masterplan.
•   Preservation of significant species and collections through protecting, maintaining and
    organising important plant species and collections
•   Revitalisation and consolidation of the Botanical collection by enhancing the health and diversity
    of the collection through careful consolidation and management
•   Enhancing existing themed garden walks and creating new, engaging and educational garden
    walks that highlight specific themes and plant groupings.
•   Development of a Living Collection Management Plan
The Living Collection Management Plan will include the establishment of a Project Working Group
to guide short-term development of the Plan, and will address:
•   Thematic planning and interpretation of the botanic collections
•   Review and evaluation of existing collections
•   Identification of gaps within the current living collections
•   Preparation of a comprehensive Collection Management Plan, including criteria for
    accessioning, removal of plants, careful consolidation or rationalisation, records management,
    invasive species management and climate change adaptation strategies. It shall also include
    forward planning for the removal and/or additions of plants.
The Plan will provide a strategic framework for future planting and collection development, and may
inform detailed design stages of Masterplan implementation. Staff will start the scoping for the project
working group and terms of reference including selection of representatives from internal and
external parties.

Cultural and Heritage Considerations
This land holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Traditional Custodians the Kabi Kabi
people and they have graciously shared thoughts and ideas that have been embraced in the draft
Masterplan.

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.

Activation Plan
Critical to the success of the gardens is its attraction appeal to visitors – both residents and tourists.
The draft Masterplan includes an activation program of site appropriate live entertainment, guide
walks and workshops to encourage visitation and longer stays.


Link to Corporate Plan
Theme No. 2 - Liveability
Liveability encompasses housing, facilities and services, transport, health and wellbeing to enable
an inclusive, connected and vibrant community.

2.2 Fund and deliver accessible and improved, parks, open spaces, walking and cycle paths and
trails, including greening our paths and cycleways to meet contemporary needs.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                            9 JUNE 2026


Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes, 18 September 2025
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.


Finance
The draft Masterplan project has been funded as an operational initiative. The Phase 2 engagement
program will be delivered using in house resources.

Implementation of the Masterplan will be dependent upon future funding allocations but will be used
as a key platform to attract grant funding.


Risk & Opportunities
The draft Masterplan addresses a key risk / opportunity regarding having a clear direction for the
ongoing maintenance and new infrastructure in the Botanic Garden that aligns to both organisational
and community needs and desires.

The draft Masterplan provides a key opportunity for external and grant funding to support site
improvements to reduce financial risk.

The proposed community engagement program ensures community appreciation and alignment in
the future direction of the gardens implemented by Council.

The draft Masterplan also provides increased opportunity for community visitation and enjoyment of
the Noosa Botanic Gardens, and low-key opportunities for business and entertainment appropriate
to setting.


Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.


Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
As outlined in previous sections of the report.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                                    9 JUNE 2026


Internal Consultation
An internal stakeholder reference group was formed of Council staff with meetings scheduled in
March 2024, November 2024 and May 2025.

Departments consulted:
     Office of the CEO, Mayor &             Community Services               Corporate Services
             Councillors
 x    Mayor & Councillors                 Director                        Director
 x    Chief Executive Officer             Community Development       x   Financial Services
      Executive Officers              x   Sport & Active Lifestyles       Fleet
 x    Community Engagement            x   Arts & Culture                  Revenue Services
      People & Culture                    Community Connection            ICT
      Governance                          Customer Experience             Procurement

                                                                          Commercial Property

      Strategy & Environment              Development & Regulation        Infrastructure Services
      Director                            Director                    x   Director
 x    Strategy & Sustainability           Development Assessment      x   Infrastructure Planning, Design
                                                                          and Delivery
 x    Economic Development        &       Local Laws                  x   Civil and Asset operations
      Destination Management
      Environmental Services              Environmental Health            Waste
      Innovation & Digital Hub            Building & Plumbing         x   Building & Facilities
                                      x   Property / Permits              Disaster Management