Land ownership helps Botanic Gardens to blossom

The formal transfer of the land that is home to Noosa Botanic Gardens is finally underway. After 9 years with Seqwater, ownership of the land is reverting back to Noosa Council. Agreements are in place, and the formal process should be completed by Christmas.

“Being located right next to Lake Macdonald, the land was transferred into Seqwater’s ownership as a result of a restructure of Queensland’s water supply in 2008,” Mayor Tony Wellington explained.

“Despite the land ownership situation, Council has continued to maintain the Gardens, with considerable help from the Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens and volunteers. However, this new land deal will remove uncertainty and allow both Council and the community to plan the future of this much-loved facility.

“Council has budgeted to undertake a master planning process for the Botanic Gardens, so the agreement with Seqwater is very timely. 

“We are very grateful to Seqwater for their understanding and cooperation.”

The agreement involves a reconfiguration of Seqwater’s property (via boundary realignments) to split the lake and foreshore land into separate parcels.

“As part of the deal, Council will also be acquiring the Lake Macdonald Park next to the Botanic Gardens, including the boat ramp,” Mayor Wellington added. “Thanks to Seqwater’s generosity, all of the land will transfer to Council at nil cost.”

The Noosa Botanic Gardens were the brainchild of resident Ida Duncan in the 1980s. The Gardens were officially opened by then Mayor Noel Playford in August 1990.

For all the latest on the Botanic Gardens Masterplan please visit Council's YourSay Noosa website.

5 September 2017