NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS MASTERPLAN · Report

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