Council to increase support of Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens

Goondiwindi Regional Council has agreed to increase its support of the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens Committee for the next five years.

During its Ordinary Meeting last week, Council agreed to amend the Memorandum of Understanding it holds with the Botanic Gardens Committee and increase its annual funding by an additional $2,250 (plus GST) until 2026.

Council will also continue to contribute in-kind to the Gardens’ maintenance by mowing the lawn areas and cleaning the public toilet facilities.

Councillor Lachlan Brennan, who holds Council’s portfolio for Parks and Gardens, said the maintenance of the region’s natural spaces was an essential part of Council’s contribution to local lifestyle.

“We’re so lucky to have a space like the Botanic Gardens on our doorstep,” Cr Brennan said. “It’s really a centrepiece of nature and tranquillity in the Goondiwindi region, with some unique native plants and birdlife throughout its 25 hectares.

“Like much of the region, there’s no doubt that the last few years of drought have been really challenging for the Gardens in particular, with lack of water certainly taking a toll on the lake which is usually so beautiful to walk around,” he said.

“This boost in Council funding, coupled with the fantastic engagement of volunteers, will help the committee to maintain and rejuvenate the Gardens going forward.

“The Botanic Gardens Committee and volunteers are a great demonstration of how passionate community members are able to provide and contribute to a community asset, which in turn encourages pride and engagement within the wider community.”

Council manages 25 parks and gardens across the Goondiwindi region. The decision to increase the Gardens’ funding comes in addition to several recent works at the site, including the replacement of previously damaged bollards with new, specially-selected wooden posts in keeping with the natural appearance of the surroundings. The work was funded by the State Government’s 2020-21 COVID Works for Queensland program and complemented a range of recent similar safety projects at other parks across the region.

The Botanic Gardens feature public barbecue, picnic and playground facilities, as well as public toilets and ample car parking. The Gardens also include a popular walking trail around a five-hectare lake that is home to a nesting island for native birds.

The site has also recently become the location for Opera in the Gardens, which makes the most of the stunning natural backdrop and native flora.

“I’m really pleased we were able to reach this agreement and am looking forward to continuing to work with the committee going forward,” Cr Brennan said.

“The success of the Gardens is a reflection of how the community really drives projects to successful outcomes,” Cr Brennan said. “The contribution of local volunteers and our community’s love of where they live is what continues to make us ‘Regional Australia at its Best’.”