Central Goldfields Shire has received a $150,000 grant for the Phillips Gardens in Maryborough – thanks to the State Government Growing Victoria's Botanic Gardens grants program.
The Grant will see the existing irrigation system be upgraded to a central control system (Rainbird), with a master valve and flow meter, which will be more sustainable and will reach areas of the Gardens not currently irrigated.
Central Goldfields Shire Councillor Geoff Lovett said it was wonderful to see investment in one of the municipalities best-loved natural assets.
"We forget the Phillips Gardens are botanical gardens dating back to the mid-19th century, and one of very few remaining in regional Victoria.
"In recent years considerable work has been undertaken at the Phillips Gardens, all of it commendable - and this irrigation project will be another step towards making it even better.
"Some of these recent improvements include new fencing at the northern entrance and the botanical labels which take us back to the very genesis of the gardens.
"We're also about to commence development of a Landscape Plan which will provide us with a detailed plan for the future of this precinct.
"A positive step towards ensuring it remains a popular meeting and recreational space for our local community and a must-see destination for our tourism visitors.
