Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden

The Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden
was established in 1998 with a vision to be a world-class regional botanic garden, with a unique character based on the natural characteristics of the Sunshine Coast area.

After 20 years of establishment and success, Sunshine Coast Regional Council commissioned an update to the original garden master plan. Landscapology partnered with Urban Enquiry, and worked with a diverse group of consultants and stakeholders to deliver the update.

The updated master plan advances the ideas and achievements of the 1998 plan and sets in place a refreshed framework to guide the future evolution of the garden.

It defines strategies that will enable the garden to evolve and
strengthen, maintaining and advancing its relevance as:
- An ecological resource and reserve
- An environmental educator
- A botanic collection
- An important green amenity for a growing community.

The ‘refreshed’ master plan will guide the next 20 years of the
gardens growth, and is a resource to guide planning, align thinking, investment and action to deliver the vision for the botanic garden of the Sunshine Coast.

Collaboration:

Client: Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Urban Design: Urban Enquiry
Transport and Traffic: Cambray Consulting
Civil and Environmental Engineering, Alternative Energy: Bligh Tanner
Engagement and Communication: Three Plus
Economics: Pracsys
Graphic Design: Nicole Phillips

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Together with the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary and Mary Cairncross Scenic reserve, the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden is one of three significant environmental reserves on the Sunshine Coast.

Together with the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary and Mary Cairncross Scenic reserve, the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden is one of three significant environmental reserves on the Sunshine Coast.

Working to a master plan prepared by Lawrie Smith, the Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens have worked with Council to develop trails and attractions.

Working to a master plan prepared by Lawrie Smith, the Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens have worked with Council to develop trails and attractions.

There are popular open lawn areas,

There are popular open lawn areas,

and a focus on sculptural artwork, all in a subtropical bushland setting.

and a focus on sculptural artwork, all in a subtropical bushland setting.

The onsite Arts and Ecology Centre was the venue for a range of engagement and consultation activities, including: an Enquiry by Design with the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden Advisory Group and Friends of the Maroochy Regional Bushlan

The onsite Arts and Ecology Centre was the venue for a range of engagement and consultation activities, including:

  • an Enquiry by Design with the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden Advisory Group and Friends of the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens

  • a ‘People’s Day’ with free events and activities

  • extensive additional consultation with the Friends group, and

  • several interim presentations of work-in-progress that enabled robust discussion of all ideas.

The revised master plan, comprising three documents, was successfully presented to the stakeholders, followed by additional public consultation. It is available for viewing on Council’s website .

The revised master plan, comprising three documents, was successfully presented to the stakeholders, followed by additional public consultation.

It is available for viewing on Council’s website.