NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS MASTERPLAN · Report

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