Oliver Lees
The Malmsbury Botanic Garden is set to receive a facelift.
At a council meeting last week, Macedon Ranges council approved the Malmsbury Botanic Garden Master Plan, which includes a number of works to upgrade the garden’s existing facilities and amenities.
This includes a new garden entry from Ellesmere Place, the design of a new pavilion and public barbecue space, and restoration of a bluestone fountain in the lake.
The garden was first established in the 1850s, making it one of the oldest of its kind in Victoria.
The adoption of the master plan follows a public exhibition period that saw 24 submissions detailing their wishes for the future of the space.
In an additional feedback survey that drew 46 respondents, more than 50 per cent of respondents indicated mature trees, views to the viaduct and views within gardens as the most important characteristics of the garden.
Councillor Mark Ridgeway said the community consultation was important to establishing the final plan for the garden.
“I’d like to thank all the… community members who put into the decisions and did have a lot of input from community members from Malmsbury and from other parts of the shire,” Cr Ridgeway said.
