NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS MASTERPLAN · Report

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.