The City of Casey is inviting the community to provide feedback on the draft Wilson Botanic Park Berwick Masterplan 2022 currently on public exhibition.
Launched to coincide with Wilson Botanic Park's 30th birthday and fresh off the back of being awarded 'Park of the Year (VIC/TAS)' by Parks & Leisure Australia, the plan sets a strategic direction to ensure the future investment and improvements to the park are coordinated, sustainable and fit-for-purpose.
In developing the Master Plan, Council aims to create a botanic park of excellence, one that creates a healthy community by connecting plants, people and place through conservation, unique features and meaningful experiences. To achieve this, five objectives have been developed to guide the development and management of the park into the future:
- A place for horticulture
- A place to gather
- A place to learn
- A place to celebrate
- A place to explore
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM, encourages residents to take this opportunity to view the draft plan and share their thoughts.
"The masterplan articulates a vision for the park to secure it as a thriving botanic garden of the future, with its unique features and landscapes celebrated as a point of difference to others in the region," Ms Duff said.
"The Park attracts over 600,000 visitors per year and warrants further development to generate economic growth opportunities by attracting tourists to the region, as well as further enriching the lives of our local community. The masterplan sets a strategic direction for Council to provide even more open space and recreation opportunities that support active ageing, encourage the participation of young people and are accessible and inclusive of all cultures within the community."
"To assist the implementation of this Masterplan, Council will require external funding from a variety of sources including State and Federal Government, so it is important that we know the draft masterplan meets the needs and expectations of the local community before we undertake any advocacy."
Annual delivery programs to expand the plant, garden and forest development, stewardship, education and events are intended to be implemented by Council on an ongoing basis.
The plan outlines several projects that the City of Casey intend to deliver, subject to funding. These projects include:
- Upgrade and expansion of main car park
- Redevelopment and relocation of Visitor Centre
- Play precinct development
- Feature planting at main entrance
- Perennial garden
- Cool temperate rainforest planting
- Accessible ramp access to Anniversary Lake, Café and Amphitheatre
- Irrigation system upgrade
- Utilities upgrade (sewerage and electricity)
- Wi-Fi installation
- Lighting masterplan
- Advocacy for signalised intersection at Princes Highway/Entrance Road
The draft Wilson Botanic Park Berwick Masterplan 2022 will be available to view until Friday 29 July, after which public feedback will be considered prior to Council adoption being sought.
