orange botanic gardens draft master plan...orange botanic gardens draft master plan v 5....

ORANGE BOTANIC GARDENS DRAFT MASTER PLAN

Australia’s Colour City


CONTENTSPurpose of the Document

Executive Summary

1.0 Vision & Direction

2.0 Introduction 3.0 Opportunities & Constraints Site Characteristics Opportunities Constraints

4.0 Community consultation

5.0 The Master Plan Living Plant Collections Community & Facilities Environment & Landscape Access & Services Education Tourism & Economy Summary Table 6.0 Recommendations 7.0 Conclusion

APPENDIX ACommunity Consultation Report (May 2010)

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FeedbackThis master plan will be on public display

from 7 October until 5 November 2010.Council welcomes feedback to be submitted

by Friday 5 November 2010.

Comments can be made in writing by email or post to The General Manager, Orange City

Council, [email protected],PO Box 35, Orange NSW 2800

Consultant team

Level 10, 157 Walker Street

North Sydney NSW 2060

+61 2 9957 3997

SCAPE is a registered trading name of Scott Carver Pty Ltd

ABN 38 002 570 854

14 Hannah Place

Deakin ACT 2600

+61 2 6285 1955

This draft master plan is prepared to guide thedevelopment of the Gardens into the future. It sets

direction for education opportunities, for residents and visitors of Orange and sets the groundwork for a Botanic Garden

which responds to community and biodiversity needs.

ORANGE BOTANIC GARDENS DRAFT MASTER PLAN i

PURPOSE OF THE DOCUMENTOrange City Council is currently undertaking preparation

of a master plan to guide future works within the Orange Botanic Gardens. The document shall address

issues and concerns of stakeholders and set a direction for the development of the Gardens in line with future growth of the city. The City of Orange has a current population nearing 40,000, with a regional

population of over 100,000. The Orange Botanic Gardens have become an integral part of the landscape

of Orange, a town which is well known for its cool climate vegetation and autumn colour.

The master plan has incorporated ongoing initiatives and improvements to the Gardens, whilst taking

into account future development for the Planetarium site, Orange Adventure Playground and surrounding

precinct. This master plan will take into account recommendations from previous reports, as well as

input from the community consultation session.

Implementation of any particular project recommended in the Master Plan should be supported by further

planning studies to refine objectives and provide detailed designs for new works. Major capital works

projects will be subject to separate reports and approval from Orange City Council.

ORANGE BOTANIC GARDENS DRAFT MASTER PLAN iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYVision statementThe vision statement for the Gardens was established in the draft master plan prepared by Council circa 2005: ‘To develop and maintain a cool climate Botanic Gardens as a top regional attraction’. The master plan recommendations have been developed to create a Botanic Garden environment, with plant species which reflect the local climate with consideration of changing climate conditions. The statement ‘top regional attraction’ dictates that the landscape must be accommodating to visitors, whilst providing an intangible educational output which visitors can take away from their visit to the Gardens. The vision is inherent in all of the key directions.

Anticipated visitation and economic benefitsThe vision for the improvements to Orange Botanic Gardens to create a top regional attraction will increasingly create economic benefits for the city and the region. Orange City Council hope to increase the numbers from 75,000 to 100,000 visitors per annum in the next 5 years. This could result in direct increased tourism to the city of Orange.

Additional benefits from having a quality Botanic Gardens include attracting new residents to the city in line with up coming development in the Orange area, offering a free family friendly open space, providing a space for community gatherings and events such as weddings and family reunions and offering opportunities to learn about plants, gardening and climate change issues.

Master plan processThe development of a master plan for Orange Botanic Gardens is an ongoing process and the master plan should be reviewed regularly to update details on proposed works and report on progress of intended works.

Once this master plan has undergone consultation process, the next step will be to prepare detailed drawings as required for construction works, and other initiatives incorporated in Council budgets. It is acknowledged that this is a long term project and that the ongoing improvements of the Botanic Gardens will happen progressively over many years.

Key directionsThe key directions set the ground work for future recommendations to be made in keeping with broad principles for any future development. A number of key directions have been established in talking to the community and Council. The direction statements are a combination of community requests, in line with current objectives of the Orange Botanic Gardens. The key directions will form the basis of the short, medium and long term recommendations for the Orange Botanic Gardens Master Plan.

The categories are Living Plant Collections, Community, Environment, Access, Education and Economy. The key direction statements are:

Living Plant Collections

1. OBG shall develop a Living Collections Plan to guide the collection and documentation of cool climate living

plants that will be displayed in a horticulturally attractive setting

2. OBG will maintain a data management system for plantings in the Gardens in order to sustain a botanic database

3. OBG will continue to update the Service Maintenance Levels for current areas and proposed new areas of the Gardens

Community

4. OBG shall use community involvement to its fullest potential in the Gardens’ development

5. OBG shall be a welcoming space for community gatherings, appropriate outdoor events and passive recreation

Environment

6. All landscapes, buildings, infrastructure and stormwater systems within OBG will be created and maintained with sustainable best practice

7. OBG shall create a visually pleasing setting for all garden elements

Access

8. OBG shall be developed as an accessible and safe space for all visitors

Education

9. OBG will be developed to provide educational opportunities and experiences related to plants, horticulture, botany, ecology and climate change

10. OBG shall aim to expand its educational ability in relation to children’s education

ORANGE BOTANIC GARDENS DRAFT MASTER PLANiv

Tourism & Economy

11. OBG shall develop a funding management plan with the aim to develop its own revenue stream

12. OBG shall be a regional destination for visitors and aim to increase visitation

Staging and fundingThe legacy which is to be created by ongoing improvements to the Orange Botanic Gardens with create a space which continues to provide for the community and future generations. The costs should not be seen purely as a dollar figure, but as an equation about ‘return on investment’. The return will be lasting and continuous.

RecommendationsQuick wins - high priority1. Hydrology study to include analysis of topography

and water catchment study, function of creekline within the Gardens, irrigation supply and demand study, potential water harvesting from roof areas and proposed wetland to eastern entry.

2. Develop wayfinding and signage strategy to establish education through interpretive signage and displays.

3. Infill selected turf areas in native plantings section with native grass plantings to provide understorey growth to create a regeneration habitat, and reduce mowing requirements.

4. Redevelop the ‘Peace Garden’ to include a gathering node and picnic shelter overlooking the Gardens.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

vORANGE BOTANIC GARDENS DRAFT MASTER PLAN

5. Construction of new bridge over existing causeway as part of the ‘Country Walk’ loop to achieve access compliant with current Australian Standards.

6. Redevelop Homestead Gardens to include planting displays of both native and exotic plants which can be used in the Orange District for domestic use.

7. Redevelop the Rose Stage to include even surface. A temporary stage may be erected as required for large organised events.

Short term - high priority1. Develop a Living Collections Plan for OBG to

address the level of service appropriate to scientific recording of collections and plan future expansion of collections, including resource requirements of 1 x additional Horticulturalist for the Gardens.

2. Update Service Maintenance Levels to provide a sustainable maintenance regime for all areas within OBG.

3. Conduct visitors survey including number of visitors and postcode of residence to assist in determining visitation patterns (annually to show trends).

4. Develop Community Liaison Officer to organise recruitment of volunteers, develop contacts with schools and other education groups and be public contact for the Botanic Gardens.

5. Establish adequate charging rates for hiring of facilities within the Gardens for events, community gatherings and weddings.

6. Commence buffer planting inside the boundary fencing of OBG to provide buffer to adjacent residential development (Stage 1).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Marketing statement

Experience somethingextraordinary at the

Orange Botanic Gardens

7. Detailed design review of existing ‘Country Walk’ with the objective to make at least 25% of the Gardens accessible and review of hard surfacing for erosion control.

Medium term - high priority1. Upgrade to public toilet and catering facilities in the

Clover Hill Function Centre.2. Detailed design of landscaping around Orange

Adventure Playground to create a ‘children’s garden’ atmosphere to the existing playground and structures.

3. Design and construction of Mt Canobolas Lookout to be constructed outside the Gardens boundary.

4. Develop plan for successional planting to support life span of remnant Yellow Box trees within OBG.

5. Construction of signage on Orange Adventure Playground site to encourage passing motorists to visit the Gardens, cafe and picnic facilities.

6. Construction of Stage 1 of Country Walk to meet accessible codes and requirements. Stage 1 is approximately 215m of pathway.

7. Implementation of landscaping to Orange Adventure Playground.


9. Construction of works as recommended by hydrology study with aim for fully self sufficient irrigation for the Gardens.

10. Private lease of function centre.

VISION“To develop and maintain a

cool climate Botanic Gardensas a top regional attraction”

Source: Orange City Council DRAFT Master Plan (Circa 2005)

ORANGE BOTANIC GARDENS DRAFT MASTER PLAN 1

KEY DIRECTIONS1.0 VISION & DIRECTIONCriteria No. Key Directions Cross references to Council documents

Living Plant Collections

1 OBG shall develop a Living Collections Plan to guide the col-lection and documentation of cool climate living plants that will be displayed in a horticulturally attractive setting

Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (prepared by Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo Alliance of Councils 2007) - biodiversity management prin-ciples. Council policy ST071 - Trees - Plantings in Parks, Streets and in Rural Areas.

2 OBG will maintain a data management system for plantings in the Gardens in order to sustain a botanic database

Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (prepared by Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo Alliance of Councils 2007) - biodiversity management prin-ciples.

3 OBG will continue to update the Service Maintenance Levels for current areas and proposed new areas of the Gardens

Council policy ST007 - Asset Management.

Community 4 OBG shall use community involvement to its fullest potential in the Gardens’ development

Orange Community Plan (2007-2011) - ‘encourage community ownership of and participation in developing public spaces in new development areas’. Council policy ST115 - Orange Botanic Gardens Volunteer Workers.

5 OBG shall be a welcoming space for community gatherings, appropriate outdoor events and passive recreation

Orange Cultural Plan (2007-2011) - ‘provide, promote and make effective the use of the city’s public spaces as sites of entertainments, education and cultural expression’. Recreation Needs Study (2008) - ‘specific regional... settings such as Orange Botanic Gardens... fulfilling this passive recreation need’.

Environment 6 All landscapes, buildings, infrastructure and stormwater systems within OBG will be created and maintained with sustainable best practice

Local Government Act 1993 - Council Charter - ‘To properly manage, de-velop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible, in a manner that is consistent with and promotes the principles of ecologically sustainable development’.

7 OBG shall create a visually pleasing setting for all garden elements

2020 Vision - ‘a heathy, green, colourful, living community’. DCP 3.2-1 outcomes - ‘development incorporates landscaping that enhances the land-scaped setting of the locality’.

Access 8 OBG shall be developed as an accessible and safe space for all visitors

Orange Community Plan (2007-2011) - ‘provision of an accessible physical environment to enable families and people with a disability to get around safely’. Council policy ST003 - Access for People with Disabilities.

Education 9 OBG will be developed to provide educational opportunities and experiences related to plants, horticulture, botany, ecol-ogy and climate change

Local Government Act 1993 - ‘provision of community education’. Council policy ST067 - Signs - Informational and Directional.

10 OBG shall aim to expand its educational ability in relation to children’s education

Orange Community Plan (2007-2011) - ‘the provision of an educational environment that is meaningful and engaging for young people’.

Tourism & Economy

11 OBG shall develop a funding management plan with the aim to develop its own revenue stream

12 OBG shall be a regional destination for visitors and aim to increase visitation

Orange Cultural Plan (2007-2011) - Orange Botanic Gardens listed as a cultural place.

ORANGE BOTANIC GARDENS DRAFT MASTER PLAN2

BACKGROUND2.0 INTRODUCTIONCreating a legacy“The idea of establishing the Botanic Gardens in Orange

was visionary, the choice of the site thoughtful, the Concept Plans inspired, and the enthusiasm and hard

work of the many people who have caused it to become a reality worthy of applause”

(OBG Development and Management Plan 1996)

OBG was established with the enthusiasm of the community providing a solid founding to the Gardens, with tireless contribution from design through to construction. Although certain members of the Orange community have and continue to be involved in the Gardens, there is a lack of participation and even use of the Gardens to whole sections of the community. This document intends to continue the legacy which was created in the early days by encouraging the Gardens to be a community driven Botanic Gardens, involving all social economic groups of the region.

BackgroundCouncil has previously prepared two management documents including a Development and Management Plan (Revised November 1996) and the Draft Orange Botanic Gardens Master Plan (circa 2005). These documents establish some of the principles and information of the Garden current layout. In early 2010, Orange City Council tendered for a consultant to prepare a master plan for the Gardens addressing the following issues:

• Living Collections Policy siting and design guidelines for the botanical collections identified need to be addressed

• Security and access of the Gardens

access to the Gardens and the car park area

• Interpretation signage, brochures, web and audio information to be accessible through the Gardens and via the web for potential visitors to the Gardens

• Infrastructure upgrading and development the path network, public amenities, performance areas, drainage system, irrigation system, works areas, access to power and lighting of pathways

• Carbon impact of the Gardens tools for assessing and valuing carbon impacts need to be developed for linkages into the management plan in the future

• Water a recommendation to improve that the water quality and aesthetic value of the precinct are not to be compromised but enhanced

• Biodiversity how the environs of the Orange Botanic Gardens can be enhanced to provide habitat for declining fauna and flora of the region

The siteThe Orange Botanic Gardens is located within the northern residential suburbs of Orange. The Gardens are situated on the southern side of the Northern Distributor Road with residential development on the southern and eastern boundaries, and across Hill Street to the west. The Orange Botanic Gardens is a comparatively new parkland and currently exists as a 19 hectare open space.

The Gardens were established as part of the original development plan for the land release areas in the


BACKGROUND2.0 INTRODUCTION

Botanic Gardens location (Source: Orange City Council November 2009)

ORANGE BOTANIC GARDENS

late 1970s when the setting was part of a semi rural environment. The site was dedicated by the Bathurst-Orange Development Corporation as a new parkland to compliment the colonial character of Cook Park in town. The Botanic Gardens was officially opened during the Bicentenary year in 1988. The rolling landscaped parklands are home to a collection of native and exotic plants as well as elements and objects of cultural significance. (Source: Andrews Neil ‘Places and Precincts’ 2005).

The Orange Botanic Gardens Precinct includes the Orange Botanic Gardens (OBG), Clover Hill Function Centre, public amenities, the Botanic Room, the Orange Adventure Playground (OAP) and car park.

The Northern Distributor Road has been committed for upgrade of a new bypass through Orange, taking passing traffic away from the centre of town. This project is commencing in 2010, and will in time position Orange Botanic Gardens as one of the main town landmarks to passing motorists.


2.0 INTRODUCTION GARDENS TIMELINEThe following is a summary of the history of the Orange Botanic Gardens (Source: OBG Draft Master Plan circa 2005)

1979 The concept for an additional formal park for Orange was put forward by Council’s Parks and Street Trees Ad-visory Committee.

1980 December – an area of 9.186 hectares, formerly part of Clover Hill homestead was set aside for a parkland to the north of Orange.

1981 An organising committee was established to oversee the development of the site.

1982 Detailed site analysis was undertaken by Ryde School of Horticulture landscape architect/lecturer Rowan Hayes and his students on site. Conceptual plans were submitted, from which a master plan was drawn up by Mr Rowan Hayes. This plan was adopted by Council in November. September – Ms Betty Cuthbert launched the Gardens project at a function.

1983 Stage 1 preliminary work was carried out including clear-ing of site, fencing and provision of town water.

1985 Friends of the Orange Botanic Gardens was estab-lished.

1986 Stage 2 works were completed with government funding including construction of dam and main walking trackThe Peace Walk was commenced in the International Year of Peace.

1987 With funding as a Bicentennial Project work included:• Construction of formal entrance• Development of orchard area• Construction of Clover Hill Centre including amenities

1988 October – official opening of the Orange Botanic Gar-dens Additional 0.5 hectares and 0.57 ha was acquired; mud brick structures were made by 500 school children. August - The former Saint Paul’s Anglican Church from Shadforth was located to the Gardens.

Botanic Gardens site (Source: Orange City Council 2010)


GARDENS TIMELINE

2001 Council purchased the café and surrounding land. Land-scaping of the front entrance and subdivision south-west boundary started.The Federation Arch sculpted by Bert Flugelman was in-stalled in the Gardens to commemorate the Centenary of Federation.

2002 Renovations to the Homestead Gardens started. Stage two of the sealing of the car park was completed. October – the Orange Adventure Playground was built by the community over six days in the Botanic Gardens precinct. Wetland constructed to filter stormwater runoff from eastern subdivision. Kearneys Drive fence started.

2003 Renovations to the Heritage Rose Garden started. Staff moved into the North Orange Rural Fire shed. Subdi-vision on south-west boundary started. Music in the Gardens – a series of twilight concerts in the OBG com-mence as an initiative of FOBG with musical programs provided by the Orange Regional Conservatorium.

2005 Glasshouse for plant propagation by FOBG volunteers is commissioned.October – November IN SITE OUT sculptural exhibition.

2007 October – November IN SITE OUT sculptural exhibition

2008 October - 20th Anniversary of Orange Botanic Gardens celebrated with the planting of the Australian conifer garden. Establishment of the Canobolas Garden featuring local endemic plantings. November - Establishment of Roselawn Avenue entrance to Gardens with construction of fence and pathway.

2009 Opening of the Discovery Room exhibition with FOBG rostering volunteers for public exhibitions and sale of goods.

2010 March - The Garden Party Event was successfully held.June - Stage 1 of the Native Display Garden completed.Master Plan process commenced.

2.0 INTRODUCTION1989 Two lots of additional land were acquired: 1.632 hect-

ares (Montane) and 7.4 hectares (car park). February – Master Plan revised by Grant Donald, Council’s Land-scape Architect.

1991 The Heritage Rose Garden around the church was com-menced.

1992 The Round House was built by Canobolas Apex from a shed at Larras Lake.

1995 Supervisor appointed. Ornamental gates at car park entrance donated by FOBG and opened by Garry West, local State Member of Parliament.

1996 Master Plan revised by landscape students of Orange TAFE.

1997 Extension of the Country Walk into the Conifers was completed. June – Professor Carrick Chambers commissioned to comment on the Gardens.

1998 Analemmatic sundial was donated by FOBG to mark the 10th anniversary of the official opening of the Gardens The sundials were ‘opened’ by the Governor of NSW Gor-don Samuels.

1999 Extension of the Country Walk into the Montane was completed.July – a computer and engraving machine was purchased for label making. September - the entrance arch donated by Orange Gar-den Club was opened. October - first of five annual Central West Garden and Outdoor Expos organised by Orange Rotary (Daybreak) and FOBG. Proceeds were given to local charities and to OBG. The money was used to design and commence planting the new conifer section. November - Stage 1 of sealing of the car park was com-pleted.

2000 FOBG commenced regular guided walks. North Orange Rural Fire shed constructed within the Gardens com-pound.


2.0 INTRODUCTION MANAGEMENT OF THE GARDENSManagement and staffThe Orange Botanic Gardens is managed by Orange City Council with several stakeholder and community groups involved in various aspects of the Gardens and precinct. The Orange Botanic Gardens Community Committee is made up of Council staff, Councillors, community members and Friends of OBG and provides input back to Council on progress issues around the Gardens. The purpose of the committee is stated in the charter as being: “To advise Council through recommendation, via the Environment & Economic Development Policy Committee, on policy relating to the implementation of the Plan of Management and the promote the initiatives of the Orange Botanic Gardens” (Orange City Council, 2008).

The Friends of Orange Botanic Gardens is a volunteer group which was set up in 1985. The aim of the Friends is to encourage use and enjoyment of the Gardens, improve community awareness of the role of the Gardens, assist with operational works, liaise with local expertise, and generate income funds for the benefit of the Gardens.

The objectives of the Friends of Orange Botanic Gardens as stated in the Charter are:• To encourage the use and enjoyment of the Gardens

by the community;• To improve community awareness of the scientific

educational, historical, cultural and recreational functions of the Gardens;

• To serve as a link between the Garden and the community;

• The use its influence to promote the development of the Gardens and to raise funds for purposes of the Gardens;

• To arrange lectures, guided tours, excursions and social functions for the benefit of members; and

• To publish a newsletter concerning events in the Gardens and associated activities.

The area of maintenance and the development of collections in the Gardens have led to an increase in the maintenance required. The area of the Gardens has also increased since the conception of the Gardens which now incorporates a precinct. This precinct includes the area surrounding the Orange Adventure Playground, Saplings Café (adjacent to the Gardens), a newly developed stormwater basin located behind the Gardens which has now been incorporated into the Gardens and undeveloped Council owned land to the north of the Garden. The total area maintained by Council’s Orange Botanic Gardens staff is currently 19.1998 hectares.Maintenance and development of the Orange Botanic Gardens is currently undertaken by Council staff with some assistance from volunteers. The staff includes the Botanic Gardens Supervisor, Horticulturalist and an Apprentice. Although the Orange Botanic Gardens Community Committee was set up with the intention of assisting with the development of the Gardens Master plan this has now fallen onto Council to facilitate.

StakeholdersA number of stakeholders were invited to attend the community consultation session including:

Council Representatives• Orange Botanic Gardens Community Committee

• Director Enterprise Services – Mr Stephen Sykes

• City Presentation Manager – Mr Nigel Hobden

• Mayor – Cr John Davis

• Botanic Gardens Supervisor – Mr Neil Bollinger

• Parks Supervisor – Ms Lyn Gough

Horticultural Groups• Friends of the Orange Botanic Gardens

• Heritage Roses in Australia Inc. Orange/Central Tablelands Branch

• Orange Garden Club Inc.

• Molong and District Garden Club Inc.

• Milthorpe Garden Club

• Orange & District Horticultural Society

• Central West Dahlia Society Inc.

Environmental Groups• ECCO (Environmentally Concerned Citizens of

Orange)

• Orange Field Naturalists and Conservation Society

Other Stakeholders• Orange Regional Conservatorium

• Women Weaving Group

• TAFE

• CSU – Orange Campus

• Neighbours of the Gardens


BOTANIC GARDENS’ DEFINED2.0 INTRODUCTIONDefining a Botanic GardenA Botanic Garden differs from an urban park in a range of significant ways. The development, management and operation of a ‘Botanic Gardens’ must recognise,embrace and celebrate this difference.

There are two organisations which assist in the development of Botanic Gardens in Australia. These are the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ). The non-profit group BGCI was formed in 1987, in response to the growing global awareness of the fact that human activity is destroying natural habitats at an alarmingly accelerated pace and threatening the source of the diversity on which we depend. The mission of BGCI is to build and maintain a world network of botanical Gardens for plant conservation. The BGCI contain the following defining characteristics of Botanic Gardens (Source: www.bgci.org). These are:

• A reasonable degree of performance

• An underlying scientific basis for the collections

• Proper documentation of the collections, including wild origin

• Monitoring of the plant collections

• Adequate labelling of the plants

• Open to the public

• Communication of information to other Gardens, institutions and the public

• Exchange of seed or other materials with other Botanic Gardens, arboreta or research institutions

• Undertaking of scientific or technical research on plants in the collections

• Maintenance of research programs in plant taxonomy in associated herbaria

Botanic Gardens in regional contextThere are currently fourteen regional Botanic Gardens throughout NSW. Some are found in metropolitan areas but there is an increasing amount of developing regional Gardens that are primarily managed by local governments with the assistance of volunteers.

In more recent times the issue of climate change is being addressed by Botanic Gardens. Anne Duncan, Director of the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) in Canberra, and Council member of Botanic Gardens Australia New Zealand (BGANZ), said in the March 2008 BGANZ newsletter that ‘perhaps most importantly all Botanic Gardens are places where our largely urban populations can connect with the natural world, learn about climate change and what they can do to make our world more sustainable.

CHABG (Council of Heads of Australia’s Botanic Gardens) 2008, stated that:

“The early impacts of climate change are already having a significant impact on where plants species can live. As temperatures and rainfall change, many species may not be able to survive and breed because the environment will change faster that the plants’ ability to adapt”.

With the high visitation rates attracted by Botanic Gardens worldwide, and the increasing visitation rates received at Orange Botanic Gardens of over 75,000 persons per annum, there is an ever increasing potential to pass on knowledge about climate change, biodiversity, flora and fauna to all generations.


2.0 INTRODUCTION BOTANIC GARDENS’ DEFINEDMain activities of Botanic GardensThe following table is a summary of the role of Botanic Gardens sourced from the International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation, 2000. The table outlines three categories of activities which can be undertaken within a Botanic Gardens.

Biodiversity conservation and related stud-ies

Development of scientific basis for the ratio-nal use of plant resources

Education and public awareness promotion

1. Studies on biology of introduced plants in culture

1. Cultivation of diverse plant collection 1. Environmental educational programs

2. Establishment of gene banks of indig-enous plants, including seed banks and plant tissue cultures

2. Research on ethnobotany and traditional use of plants

2. Professional development, internship in botany, horticulture, and ecology

3. Development of herbaria and research on plant systematic

3. Research on horticulture and gardening 3. Public libraries and information centres

4. Reintroduction of plant species back to nature and research on restoration of their natural habitats

4. Integrated pest and disease management (IPM)

4. Facilities for recreation and rehabilitation

5. Monitoring and assessment studies of the environmental pollution influence on vegeta-tion and plants

5. Laboratory research, including plant propa-gation in vitro (tissue culture)

5. Teacher training (training of trainers)

6. Scientific studies of indigenous plants, conservation and restoration of rare and endangered species

6. Evaluation and introduction of new genetic resources of edible plants in culture

6. Promotion of ecological tourism

7. Involvement of local community in environ-mental conservation and decision making on plant protection

7. Ornamental horticulture and floriculture 7. Publication of special and scientific popu-lar literature

8. Cultivation, propagation and conservation of cultivars, including ancient ones (forms, varieties, etc.)

8. Consulting for visitors

9. City planning and greening, land use 9. Distance learning

10. Involvement of mass media in public awareness promotion


3.0 OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS SITE PLAN - BOTANICAL COLLECTIONS


SITE CHARACTERISTICS3.0 OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTSThe Botanic Gardens has been constructed for 30 years, which is still young in comparison to other established Botanic Gardens. The Botanic Gardens site has the following main areas and features.

Native plant collectionsThe southern side of the Gardens is generally allocated to native species. Within the native plantings, there are endemic species and non-local natives. The following areas are part of the native plant collections:

• Native Grasses of Australia - display of wide range of native grass species in mass plantings

• Eucalypt lawn - consists of remnant Eucalyptus trees with open space underneath for passive recreation

• Native Flora of the Orange Region - species collections from Mt Canobolas, Mullion Ranges and Ophir Reserve

• Native Plants of Australia - native species from around Australia including cultivars on display for use in domestic Gardens, colour and attracting bird life as well as suited to the Orange climate

• Bush Regeneration Hill - demonstration of bush regeneration including systematic removal of weeds to allow native plants to establish

Exotic plant collectionsThe northern side of the Gardens is generally allocated to exotic species. This area is divided into sections of flowering trees and shrubs, and coniferous trees and shrubs. In the exotic plants display areas plants are grown for ornamental or landscaping display purposes. They include cultivars (be they either hybrid or selected

forms), as well as those found growing in the wild. The following areas are part of the exotic plant collections:

• Meadow - open grassland for recreational purposes and organised events

• Apple Orchard - old and modern edible apple tree cultivars to demonstrate a variety of different orchard industry techniques

• Exotic Trees and Shrubs - a display of exotic trees and shrubs divided into flowering and cone bearing species

• Rose Garden - demonstration of cultivated heritage rose varieties (developed and maintained by the Orange/Central Tablelands Branch of Heritage Roses in Australia Inc.)

Clover Hill Display GardensThe display Gardens are located on the western side of the Clover Hill function centre at the highest point of the Botanic Gardens. The plantings create a focal point for the entry to the Gardens. The area currently consists of predominantly exotic species.

Country walk & pathwaysA 3.6 metre wide crushed granite pathway links or passes all collections and is referred to as the “Country Walk”. This is the element within the Gardens which provides access for visitors. It is very important that this pathway is user friendly and accessible to all people. A series of secondary pathways exist throughout the Gardens.

Main water featuresThe Orange Botanic Gardens is located in the Upper

Existing ‘Country Walk’ through native tree collection

Vista from exotic trees and shrubs across meadow


3.0 OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS SITE OPPORTUNITIES PLAN - FACILITIES


SITE CHARACTERISTICSReaches of the Macquarie River Catchment. The OBG landform has lent itself to the creation of a series of artificial creeks, ponds and dams. With the development of the residential subdivisions to the east and the future subdivision to the north, stormwater from these areas has been and will continue to be directed into the Orange Botanic Gardens. The aim of the main water feature therefore is to filter and then release any stormwater that travels through the Gardens into the catchment at an acceptable level. This has been achieved to a degree through sediment ponds at the subdivision pipe outlets and planting of aquatic species in all still water bodies.

Visitor facilities• Clover Hill Function Centre - available for hire for a

seated function of up to 80 persons• Botanic Room - established to provide an education

resource to visitors of the Gardens• Saplings Cafe - located to the north of the carpark• Bonsai House - displays maintained by volunteers• Church - initially St Paul’s Church in the Parish of

Cobar, moved to the OBG in 1988 for weddings and exhibitions.

• Adventure Playground - a regional facility for locals and visitors to the area including BBQ and picnic facilities supported by the Rotary Clubs of Orange

• Shelters• Public toilets• Seating• Stages for events - rose stage, regeneration stage

and ribbon gum stage

Cultural facilities‘Federation Arch’ Bert Flugelman (2001)

• ‘Two Roads’ Ian Marr stone (2007)• ‘Bellringer’ Matt Walker (2007)• artwork Ros Auld• Mud brick structures created by local school

children (1988)• Analamatic Sundial - 10 year anniversary

installation• Peace garden

MemorialsThe current policy for Orange Botanic Gardens is that no plant memorials are to be located in the Gardens. This policy shall continue for all future developments within the Botanic Gardens as the placement of memorial plaques with plants may change the nature of the Gardens from one of a Botanic Gardens to one of a place of mourning.

PlanetariumOrange Planetarium Inc is currently seeking funding for the development of a facility that will include:• Planetarium with an 8 to 10 metre diameter dome

with seating capacity of up to 80 seats;• The latest in optical technology and innovative

presentations that serve to promote an understanding of our place within the universe;

• Multifunctional observatory comprising several small-scale telescopes suitable for educational and general community use; and

• Remote access capabilities to the telescopes from anywhere in the world.

3.0 OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS

The Orange Adventure Playground and picnic facilities

Existing shelter within the Gardens underneath remnant native trees


OPPORTUNITIES3.0 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTSOPPORTUNITIES

A unique GardenEvery site offers the opportunity to create a landscape which reflects the location and specific site qualities. The uniqueness of the Orange Botanic Gardens lies in its location in the Central West, east of Mount Canobolas. The potential for these Gardens to act as a repository for threatened local species is now starting to be valued and encouraged. Other unique features include the layout of the Gardens allowing visitors to follow a ‘country road’ reminiscent of bygone days through collections and features that cannot be found at other Gardens.

Other elements of these Gardens seem to have been duplicated from other Botanic Gardens. The 10 anniversary of the Gardens was celebrated by the construction of an analamatic sundial, identical to the one installed in the Mount Annan Botanic Gardens. Duplications such as this take away from the uniqueness of Gardens.

Native collectionThere is an opportunity to improve current collections and expand with new native collections to include more shrub varieties and understorey groups. Plants shall be selected which:• Celebrate an expression of Australian culture;• Showcase excellence in landscape and garden

design using Australian plants;• Encourage appreciation of the potential and use of

Australian plants;• Present Australian flora in a creative way

to stimulate interest and extend visitors’

understanding of the flora;• Demonstrate the benefits of appropriate

maintenance techniques and educate visitors in the care of Australian plants;

• Demonstrate native species which may be suitable to test the impact of climate change effects.

It is understood that there has been recent failure of many understorey native plants due to the recent drought. This presents an opportunity to test both endemic and non-local natives against the effects of climate change including reduced water supply and increased temperatures.

The locally endemic species within the Gardens provide an important opportunity for conservation of endemic species for scientific purposes. The existing remnant Yellow Box Eucalypt species in the Eucalypt lawn, for example, are one of the last stands of endemic local species on public land to the north of the city as a result of urban expansion. These trees should be replaced, when required, with replacement plants propagated from the parent specimens to conserve the genetic qualities of these trees. These trees play an important role in maintaining a living collection for the whole of the region, not just for the benefit of the Gardens. Other local threatened species seed stock from the region around Orange could be sourced and propagated at the Gardens, with an area dedicated to conserving biodiversity of the region. This serves a higher purpose of taking responsibility to conserve and maintain these species for the benefit of the whole region for generations to come, hence establishing some backbone to ‘regional’ in the description of the Gardens.

Garden Party 2010 - Orange Botanic Gardens

Interpretive information on gate post, Melbourne Botanic Gardens


OPPORTUNITIES3.0 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTSBotanic databaseThere is an opportunity to further monitor the plants within the Orange Botanic Gardens in the form of a botanic database for scientific recording of collections. The Orange Botanic Gardens is currently undertaking an inventory of existing plants in the collection to identify gaps which may exist in relation to the collection aims, any unnecessary repetition of taxa and the identification status of plants. Lists of additional plants, which fit the collection criteria, could be compiled including rare and threatened taxa. This list should then be reviewed to consider plant availability, the horticultural viability of plants at the collection site as well as landscape design considerations. The best of three specimens should be planted with the best specimen kept and the others removed before maturity. This approach, which is considered ‘best practice’ in Botanic Gardens, aims to increase the success rate of collections formed in cultivation. The development of a Living Collections Plan is an opportunity which shall be explored to address the level of service appropriate for the Orange Botanic Gardens in meeting obligations of scientific recording of collections and individual plant specimens.

Orange Adventure PlaygroundThe trend at the present time for Botanic Gardens is the establishment of a Children’s Garden, which is influenced by the success of the Ian Potter Garden in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. The concept of a children’s garden would be an priceless resource for community and children’s education but does however require a large amount of funding. There is an opportunity to create a ‘children’s garden’ landscape in the existing Orange Adventure Playground as a place

which is attractive to children and enhances their experience in the Gardens. The future of this landscape could involved learning facilities for plant related topics.

EventsThe Orange Botanic Garden as with many other Gardens is now a space for large community and commercial events. Many celebrations and gatherings from weddings through to memorial services are held in the area. Displays held in the Orange Botanic Gardens have included sculptural competitions, a community scarecrow display and a recent inclusion of plants used by the Aboriginal community. Workshops from botanical art to water wise gardening for the local multicultural mothers group have been held. The annual Teddy Bears Day Out and the Music in the Gardens events has gathered so much momentum that the entrance price was increased to limit numbers. Events in the Gardens provide an opportunity to ‘display’ the Gardens to the public, by enticing people into the Gardens to encourage participation. Events should be encouraged and supported.

Social valuesAt present the Gardens are used on a daily basis by visitors and locals. Uses range from early morning jogs, walking the dog, bird watching, photography and the myriad of other uses that occurs in public areas. The social values of an area such as the Orange Botanic Gardens are immense. With the areas that are available throughout the Gardens they include religious ceremonies, which include weddings, naming ceremonies, birthday celebrations through to wakes. Other family celebrations include family gatherings for a variety of reasons, engagements, 21st celebrations and anniversaries. Many of the larger gatherings are formal

or semi formal with the use of the function centre but there is also smaller less formal gatherings of groups.

Community nurseryThe Friends of Orange Botanic Gardens currently have an area of the Gardens which has a dual role in producing and holding stock for the Gardens as well as supporting the FOBG in producing plants for sale to the public as a key fundraising activity. There is an opportunity for the Friends of Orange Botanic Gardens to develop and run a community nursery, providing an important service to the local community by making ‘garden worthy’ plants suitable for local conditions more readily available to the public without impacting on local wholesale business. Educational and research programs can be supported by the nursery through practical teaching, and the provision of advice. There is a great opportunity to improve and increase this service which will give ownership of Orange Botanic Gardens back to the community, and provide a service which will pay dividends into the future.

Australia’s Colour CityOrange has marketed itself as ‘Australia’s Colour City’ for a number of years. This phrase has carried a reputation of fantastic colour in the changing of the leaves in Autumn along the streetscapes of Orange, as well as reflecting the name of the town. Orange Botanic Gardens has the potential to market the Gardens as following the colour city theme. This can be used as the basis for ongoing improvements and renovations to the exotic trees and shrubs part of the garden.

Interpretation providing educationThere are many elements in the Orange Botanic Gardens which provide education on a number of


3.0 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS CONSTRAINTS

Retention pond capturing stormwater on the eastern boundary

topics including agriculture, biodiversity, plant life and information, climate change, residential garden ideas and many more. The key in conveying this information into a digestible format is to develop an information strategy at different hierarchical levels from overall wayfinding signage, through to plant tags and interpretive signage which offers information on specific areas or studies, as well as brochures. A strategy is required so that all elements are tied together in a graphic and material format which works together, is clear to read, and most importantly does not intrude on the character of the Botanic Gardens itself but reflects the character and enhances the experience.

CONSTRAINTS

Although these topics are listed as constraints, there is an opportunity in each constraint to develop services or facilities which will improve the user experience of the Gardens.

MaintenanceThe current trend to further development the Orange Botanic Gardens has been adding to the increasing maintenance. With the current focus on maintenance without strategic direction, resources are becoming stretched to breaking point. For example, the Orange Adventure Playground was planned and built by the community in a mammoth seven day effort with over one thousand participants. Although there was a plan for the Gardens in place this was not always followed and the development of the Gardens has kept rolling on despite the lack of substantial funding and strategic planning. Council now has a limited number of full-time staff at the Gardens which allows for maintenance and

minimal development work to be undertaken.

To alleviate this situation service maintenance levels for each area need to be developed. These may include:• The value of each area• The current level of service• The sustainable level of service required• Monitoring method for each area

AccessThere are some maintenance issues with the ‘Country Walk’ pathway related to stormwater management and erosion of materials which needs to be addressed. The current pathway slope and material doesn’t comply with the current Australian Standard for disabled access (AS 1428) which dictates a 1:20 maximum grade for wheel chair access.

The pedestrian access through the car park creates a constraint with no provision for accessible pedestrian entry from Hill Street. In peak times, overflow parking around the Gardens requires visitors to enter the Gardens from the street, causing a conflict between cars both entering and exiting the gates, and pedestrians. The vehicular entry is limited to a one lane wide entry gate and in peak times this causes conflict and delays. A traffic study is required to develop a one way carpark system with an additional exit gate to reduce these conflicts.

SecuritySecurity is an issue for Orange Botanic Gardens because the area is currently accessible 24 hours a day, causing unwanted access especially after dark.


CONSTRAINTS3.0 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

Events advertising - Music in the Gardens March 2010

The following issues need to be addressed in the master plan: • That there be no access to the Botanic Gardens

through private properties;• That a security style fence be installed on the Hill

Street side as a matter of priority; and• That the hours of accessibility to the gardens be

addressed so that the Gardens are not available to the public 24hrs a day.

Water qualityA number of sedimentation ponds have been established to filter stormwater runoff from surrounding development. However, more work is required to ensure that the water quality within the Gardens is suitable for re-use and irrigation. Circulating the water from pond to pond through a series of creeks and pumps to aerate the water will assist in improving water quality. Regular water testing should be carried out to monitor the levels in the water. At various locations near these water bodies, interpretation signs promoting the importance of looking after water and catchments shall be develop and installed.

VisitationBeyond the conservation of plants, Botanic Gardens are well recognised public open spaces with high social value. The Orange Botanic Gardens plays a vital role as a place for social connection and is an established tourist destination. The proximity of the garden to the Northern Distributor Road makes it more accessible than was previously the case. Visitation has increased since the inception of the Gardens in response to an active program of promotion which has raised the profile of the Gardens. With the growth

of visitation has come a growing demand on visitor services and basic facilities such as toilets are considered to be inadequate and not commensurate with the opportunities for recreation. By providing levels and standards of visitor services appropriate to the use of specific areas of the Gardens, the potential of the whole site to provide quality experiences will be enhanced.

The Botanic RoomThe current program of the Botanic Room is that it is rostered by volunteers. There is often not the staff or volunteers available to provide a consistent service to the community. There is an opportunity to enhance the ability of the Botanic Room to provide information to the public by providing additional permanent staffing to allow the centre to be open more regularly. The mission of the Botanic Room shall be:• To develop a minimum of two displays each year on

botanical and environmental themes and make the displays relevant to the local community;

• To promote awareness of botanical Gardens as more than simply a botanical collection;

• To demonstrate how the activities of a regional Botanic Gardens fit into the wider context of the global environment; and

• To encourage visitors to think about home Gardens in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Function CentreThe function centre can currently cater for events of up to 80 guests. Generally, people enquiring about having an event at the Gardens are turned away due to the limit of capacity. A function centre which holds up to 200 guests, including suitable kitchen and facilities,


The responsibility to help conserve, monitor and raise awareness of these threats to native plants and their habitats from climate change is a considerable challenge for Botanic Gardens worldwide. Efforts to conserve endangered plants ex situ, as a back up to in situ measures, are made even more valid and necessary as a result of climate change, when natural habitats for many threatened plants may no longer be able to support their indigenous species.

The constraint placed on Orange Botanic Gardens is that the carbon impact of the Gardens will need to be considered for the current site, and new developments and works within the Gardens.

Pest managementIn a place such as the Gardens, the management of fauna pests is complex. It often involves finding a solution that is sympathetic to the needs of the animals while understanding public needs and not compromising the Gardens’ core of growing and exhibiting plants. Hares and domestic cats create a direct threat to native fauna. Possums cause some damage to native flora, however their natural habitat in tree hollows attracts possums to reside in the Gardens. Dogs generally do not create a threat to the Gardens or fauna as they are mostly contained in domestic yards and kept on least in the Gardens, however management of the dog owners has proved difficult with dog faeces not being cleaned up and many not observing the leash only rule.

CONSTRAINTS3.0 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTSwould provide a key function space for the region for residents and visitors of Orange who may want to use the space for wedding receptions, community gatherings, conferences or training. There is the opportunity to hand over or lease the function centre to a private company who can run and manage it for larger events, and provide the necessary improvements to the building and facilities. It could be a key attraction for visitors to Orange.

Climate changeClimate change has become a major issue of concern for governments and international agencies over the last few years. With this growing concern, public opinion and understanding of climate change issues has heightened. This is partly as a result of apparently increasingly unpredictable weather patterns in many parts of the world, which are attributed to climate change. While climate change is now seen as a reality that must be addressed as a common concern of humanity, there is still seriously little concern for its impact on biodiversity in general and plants in particular. It is suggested that the plant species that will be most heavily impacted by climate change are the following: • Species that are already threatened due to a

variety of factors and reasons;• Species that occur in restricted or vulnerable

habitats (such as ‘alpine’ type habitats in the mountains, coastal sites and wetlands);

• Species that are particularly prone to loss due to competition from invasive alien plants; and

• Species that may be adversely affected by related changes to the biodiversity in their ecosystems as a result of climate change (such as loss of pollinators, seed dispersal agents etc.)


4.0 COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONThe community consultation event was held on Monday, 3 May 2010 at the Clover Hill function centre. A letter was sent out to invite participants from three groups – OBG Community Committee, Councillors & Council Staff, Friends of the OBG, and community and neighbours. In addition to the letter invites, the event was advertised in the local paper in the weekend prior. Three workshop sessions were planned for the afternoon to target information from the above three groups. All groups were invited to attend for the workshop from 4-6pm.

A set of master plan questions were developed to guide discussions. These were are listed below.

1. What do you think is the role of this Botanic Gardens currently and what do you see as the future roles?

2. What do you think will be the impact of climate change on the Gardens, and how this will impact the role?

3. What messages do you think the Botanic Gardens should give, and how should they be delivered?

4. What other roles would you like to see the Orange Botanic Gardens being able to offer the community and visitors?

In summary of the many topics discussed, the following items are the key issues derived from this session which will in turn form the basis for the key recommendations of the Orange Botanic Gardens Master Plan.

Botanic contentThe Gardens require a higher level of maintenance and improvement on current plant collections in order to establish the Gardens in line with International

SUMMARY

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SUMMARY4.0 COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONStandards. This includes documentation and recording of scientific research. An increase in specialist staff resources such as a botanist or environmental scientist is required in order to achieve this outcome. It was agreed that a combination of both native (local and regional) and exotic showcases should be developed in the Gardens for plants which thrive in the Orange climate and will withstand the possible effects of climate change.

Maintenance and volunteer managementThe master plan needs to address the potential resources of the volunteers of the Gardens. A volunteer management role should be developed in order to get the best out of the volunteer community groups. Current staffing levels does not allow for this to be done efficiently. Maintenance for the key points of the garden such as the entry area, chapel and other function spaces should be a high quality in order to increase visitation and revenue from the garden setting.

Water harvestingA Hydrology Study is required in order to allow for better management of water supply and irrigation of the Gardens. This is particularly important in relation to future climate change impacts of the garden and water supply will be a high demand item in the future.

EducationImprove the education value of the Gardens by liaising with local schools, TAFE and universities. An education officer is required to develop these relationships. The Botanic Room is the foundation for a more significant educational resource for locals and visitors alike. Education of climate change impacts, especially those

related to plant communities, should be explored in the Gardens as a physical output. The Children’s Garden is an idea to be explored in relation to educational benefits for children as an integrated part of the Gardens. The Gardens should host more exhibitions and shows in relation to education.

Access for allDevelop a garden which is accessible for all people with something for everyone. This includes upgrading the country walk to allow for compliant access and setting a benchmark for the future.

VisitationThe garden is a community asset and there is a need to improve facilities in order to increase visitation. There is an opportunity to incorporate a café with the discovery and merchandising centre in a ‘honey pot’ for access to information and facilities. The northern boundary of the Gardens will soon be the ‘face of the Gardens’ with the construction of the northern distributor – this will increase visitation as a stop off point for travellers passing through Orange and an opportunity not to be missed.

Recreation and eventsEvents in the Gardens should be encouraged as the events opens up the Gardens to new groups of people. The Gardens is a green community asset space and passive recreation facilities should be improved to encourage this - including seats, picnic tables, toilets, and shelter. Develop the function centre to accommodate larger capacity for weddings and conferences.

The full consultation report can be found in the Appendix of this document.

Presentation to the OBG Community Committee

Working group session with the public and Friends of OBG


The majority of Orange Botanic Gardens has already been developed. It is important that the future development continues to improve the existing setting and follows the conceptual framework for the Gardens. This framework needs to be able to respond to shifting expectations of Botanic Gardens worldwide, while the future viability of the Orange Botanic Gardens partly depends on fulfilling its potential as a leisure and tourism resource through appropriate development of facilities and services.

The master plan actions have been developed in a series of ‘design layers’ which take into consideration the mission of the Orange Botanic Gardens. The mission is stated as:

• Collect and document a collection of cool climate living plants that will be displayed in a horticulturally attractive setting;

• Promote an awareness of plants and the importance of their conservation; and

• Develop a landscape of a high standard that would provide an enjoyable place for local residents and identify as a major tourist attraction for Orange.

Time framesThe time frames have been developed to guide the long term planning for Orange Botanic Gardens. The definitions of time frame nominates are as follows:

• Short term = < 2 years up to 5 years

• Medium term = 5-10 years

• Long term = 10+ years

SUMMARY5.0 THE MASTER PLANDesign layersThis master plan has developed a series of actions in different categories, known as design layers, in the following list:

• The Living Collection

• Community & Facilities

• Environment & Landscape

• Access & Services

• Education

• Tourism & Economy

Activity clustersA study of the various elements within the Gardens has been undertaken in order to understand the activity clusters within the Gardens. There are three key categories:

• Living Collections

• Community Facilities

• Services

Categories of elements in Orange Botanic Gardens

There is a community consensus to develop Orange Botanic Gardens as a place which provides educational benefits to local and

regional visitors on global issues.

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5.0 THE MASTER PLAN1

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21New buffer planting inside the boundary fencing and new security fencing

Expand ‘Australia’s Colour City’ planting through living collections plan

Peace Garden to include gathering node and picnic shelter

Construction of permanent stage for weddings and small events

Potential dedicated pathway outside boundary for safe pedestrian access

Upgrade Stage 4 of the ‘Country Walk’

Upgrade Stage 3 of the ‘Country Walk’

Construct eastern entry boardwalk, and new wetland system

New bridge over existing causeway as part of the ‘Country Walk’ loop

New landscaping to Orange Adventure Playground

Construction of Stage 1 of Country Walk

Key

New signage to encourage passing motorists to visit the Gardens

Works Compound and Community Nursery run by Friends of Orange Botanic Gardens

Planetarium development to include redesign of compound

Proposed Mt Canobolas Lookout

Construction of revised one way carpark layout with 2 vehicular entry points

New cafe as part of the function centre redevelopment.

Redevelop Homestead Gardens to include native and exotic plants

Upgrade to public toilet and catering facilities

New understorey planting to create a regeneration habitat, and reduce mowing requirements.

Construction of Stage 2 of Country Walk

Installation of Riverine and Koori Walk landscape concept

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LIVING PLANT COLLECTIONS5.0 THE MASTER PLAN

The living plant collections form the basis of the establishment of the Orange Botanic Gardens. It enables the Gardens to be defined as a botanic collection and is a vital ingredient to the success of the Gardens. The educational value flowing on from botanic collections is a community asset for the residents of Orange and regional visitors.

In order for the Gardens to be defined under the international standard of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) there are requirements to be achieved. Orange Botanic Gardens already achieves a number of the listed qualities, however, one of the key aspects which requires continual improvement and maintenance is the data management for collections which includes documentation and monitoring of plant species. This will include development of a plant tagging system for all species, as appropriate, in the Gardens. In some cases further information will be placed on the label to interpret the plant in some way.

The development of a Living Collections Plan is an opportunity which shall be explored to address the level of service appropriate for the Orange Botanic Gardens in meeting obligations of scientific recording of collections and individual plant specimens. The implementation of the Living Collections Plan will require additional staffing to update the current collection and expand into new ones. The current number of collections in the Botanic Gardens cannot be expanded until resourcing of horticultural and maintenance staff is reviewed either through new full time staff or a set program of volunteer contribution.

New suggested botanic collections• Clover Hill Display Gardens - development of planting, both

native and exotic, which can provide ideas for local and regional domestic Gardens

• New native understorey areas - new native understorey genus areas are required to balance with native tree plantings

• ‘Colour City’ themed planting - enhance the ‘Colour City’ idea through continual development of trees and shrubs which have excellent colour display, all year round to promote the colour city theme

• Climate change focus - include in plant tagging system a water wise or climate change indicator symbol which provides information on the hardiness factor of the plant to climate change


LIVING PLANT COLLECTIONS5.0 THE MASTER PLANNo. Key Directions Actions Opinion of

Probable CostAdditional resource

requirements

Short term Medium term Long term

1 OBG shall develop a Living Collections Plan to guide the collection and documentation of cool climate living plants that will be dis-played in a horticulturally attractive setting

Develop a Living Collections Plan for OBG to address the level of service appropriate to scientific recording of collections and plan future expansion of collections.

Council salary 1 x full timeHorticulturalist

Infill selected turf areas in native plantings section with native grass plantings to provide understorey growth to create a regeneration habitat, and reduce mowing requirements.

Allow approximately $2K for plant supply

Council + volunteers

Installation of Riverine and Koori Walk land-scape concept to including creekline planting. Creekline planting to including species selection which support the biodiversity of the creekline.

Allow $10K Contractor

Develop plan for successional planting to support life span of remnant Yellow Box trees within OBG.

Implement Living Collections Plan. Allow approximately $10K for plant supply

Implement Living Collections Plan. Allow approximately $10K for plant sup-ply + Council salary

1 x full timeHorticulturalist

2 OBG will maintain a data management system for plantings in the Gardens in order

to sustain a botanic database

Liaise with TAFE seed bank and other sources in order to source seed collections of rare and/or threatened species.

ConsultantBotanist as required

Develop plant tagging system to ensure all plants are permanently tagged with scientific name and garden bed number.

Allow approximately $5K for tagging production

Contractors as required

Relocate propagation shed for rare and threat-ened local species.

Incl. in Planetarium budget

Contractor

Monitor performance of species on site and record data.



Council + volunteers

3 OBG will continue to update the Service Maintenance Levels for current areas and

proposed new areas of the Gardens

Update Service Maintenance Levels to provide a sustainable maintenance regime for all areas within OBG.



Council +volunteers

Investigate option of contracting mowing require-ments of the Gardens (especially during summer months) to free up Horticultural staff for other tasks.

Contractor


COMMUNITY & FACILITIES5.0 THE MASTER PLAN

A key issue which arose from the consultation session was the importance of the Gardens as a community asset and its role to facilitate the public, events and other special needs. With new developments planned in the northern suburbs of Orange, and a new distributor road planned directly to the north of the site, the green space offered by OBG creates an amenity for the community as a key passive recreation space in the open space network of Orange.

The success of Orange Adventure Playground and various other events held within the Gardens proves that the space has a multi purpose function.

The history of OBG has been community driven, and therefore the Gardens has sentimental value to the people of Orange. This quality is an asset in itself and all people of Orange should feel that the Gardens belong to them. Volunteer contribution is vital and management and supervision is required to increase the number of volunteers and potential input from Friends of Orange Botanic Gardens.

As the Orange Botanic Gardens and the Adventure Playground are regionally significant attractions, these sites require some form of access at all times. In addition, smaller events such as weddings and conferences require access to the facilities as booked and paid for, even during large events. The potential of the function centre as a venue for weddings and conferences could be explored by outsourcing the running of the centre to a private company. The current booking rates of the Clover Hill function centre indicates that a larger function centre would be appropriate in this location.

Temporary staging is permissible in the gardens from smaller events for bands and plays to larger events. The recommendations include upgrade of the Rose Stage as a short term item, with construction of a permanent stage in the meadows in the future.


COMMUNITY & FACILITIES5.0 THE MASTER PLANNo. Key Directions Actions Opinion of Probable

CostAdditional resource

requirements


4 OBG shall use community involvement to fullest potential in Gardens’ development

Develop Community Liaison Officer to organise recruitment of volunteers, develop contacts with schools and other education groups and be public contact for the Botanic Gardens.

Council salary 1 x Community Liaison Officer (part time, 3 days per week)

Continue to run exhibitions and community education events out of the existing Botanic Room co-ordinated by volunteers.

Community Nursery to be established and run by Friends of Orange Botanic Gardens as a community service offered by OBG.

Costs by FOBG FOBG volunteers

5 OBG shall be a welcoming space for com-munity gatherings, appropriate outdoor

events and passive recreation

Redevelop the ‘Peace Garden’ to include a gathering node and picnic shelter overlooking the Gardens.

$20K Contractor

Redevelop the Rose Stage to include even surface. A temporary stage may be erected as required for large organised events.

$20K Contractor

Construction of permanent stage as a land-scape element to allow for small performance events and weddings.

Upgrade to public toilet and catering facilities in the Clover Hill Function Centre

$10K Contractor

Private lease of function centre. Lease agree-ment to include expansion of the building footprint to upgrade sit down capacity to 200 persons with possible new rooms available for hire, and general refurbishment.

TBC

Development of a cafe within the Gardens as part of the function centre redevelopment.

TBC


ENVIRONMENT & LANDSCAPE5.0 THE MASTER PLAN

The prediction of climate change is based on scientific research which predicts change to current climatic conditions based on an increase of carbon outputs in the atmosphere from human created pollutants. The scientific community predicts an increase in temperature and a decrease in water supply worldwide amongst other effects. There is already evidence of a decrease of water supply having an effect on the plants within the Orange Botanic Gardens, with a loss of many species over the last couple of years. Orange Botanic Gardens will need to incorporate water supply and changing climate into the proposed planting schemes in order to achieve the vision for Orange Botanic Gardens as a ‘cool climate’ Botanic Gardens.

One of the main recommendations is a hydrology study which will be able to predict the maximum irrigation capacity for the Gardens based on possible harvested water quantity. It is crucial that the living collection is supported by locally harvested water whilst not imposing on town water supply. The proposed wetland extension in the existing retention area could provide additional water supply, as well as offer a filtering system to the water quality from stormwater runoff.

As well as dealing with the climate change as an impact, there is a responsibility for OBG to assess and value its own carbon impacts. Given the nature of the Gardens, OBG will generally have a low carbon impact as it is offset by the trees and open space creating a carbon sink. The Orange Botanic Gardens however has the responsibility to be a carbon sink for itself as well as surrounding built up areas, therefore positively contributing to carbon impacts for the whole town. In general, the following tools can be used for assessing and valuing carbon impacts of the Orange Botanic Gardens:• Review of imported vs exported resources in terms of quality

and quantity used in the Gardens including fertilisers, soils, mulches, construction materials etc;

• Assessment of whether resources can be sourced from recycled content within the Gardens or surrounding area;

• Review of water supply and assessment of whether the Gardens can be maintain a self sufficient water supply for irrigation and maintenance; and

• Ensure that capital works are undertaken by using materials from a local source with low carbon impact.


5.0 THE MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENT & LANDSCAPE

No. Key Directions Actions Opinion of Probable Cost

Additional resource requirements


6 All landscapes, buildings, infrastructure and storm water systems within OBG will be created and maintained with sustain-

able best practice

Hydrology study to include analysis of topog-raphy and water catchment study, function of creekline within the Gardens, irrigation supply and demand study, potential water harvest-ing from roof areas and proposed wetland to eastern entry.

$10K Consultant

Planetarium building design to include re-cycled water usage and water harvesting.

Planetarium development to include redesign of compound, FOBG nursery storage area, propogation sheds, glass house, plant growing area, OBG staff area and materials storage including truck access requirements.

Incl. in Planetarium budget

Carbon impact assessment of the Orange Botanic Gardens including review of imported vs exported resources in terms of quality and quantity, recycled content and low carbon impact sources.

Construction of works as recommended by hydrology study with aim for fully self sufficient irrigation for the Gardens.

$500K Contractor

Construct eastern entry boardwalk, and new wetland system to improve water quality of the Gardens’ water harvesting system.

$150K Contractor

7 OBG shall create a visually pleasing set-ting for all garden elements

Ensure that new development around the Gardens follows scenic planning principles established in the Orange City Council DCP as to maintain semi-rural quality of views and vistas around the Gardens.

Commence buffer planting inside the boundary fencing of OBG to provide buffer to adjacent residential development (Stage 1).

FOBG (managed by Community Liaison Officer)

Commence buffer planting inside the boundary fencing of OBG to provide buffer to adjacent residential development (Stage 2).

FOBG (managed by Community Liaison Officer)

Construct retaining wall/entry signage wall on the south side of the intersection of Yel-low Box Way and Hill Street to improve entry experience into the Gardens.

$60K Contractor


ACCESS & SERVICES

A key aspect to the user experience of any park or garden is the ability to gain access. Without appropriate and safe access throughout the Botanic Gardens, there is a reduced ability to service the whole community.

Under the Design for Access and Mobility Australian Standard (AS 1428) a grade of 1:20 is required for all accessible pathways, with 1:14 the minimum for ramps with handrails. There are a many points along the ‘country walk’ which do not comply with the required levels, with some points up to a 1:8 grade. It would be advisable to phase regrading and resurfacing the ‘Country Walk’ for at least 25% of the Gardens to comply with the Australian Standard.

A path hierarchy has been established in this master plan to take into account primary, secondary and minor paths.

The two entries into the Gardens are proposed to be retained. The main entry is proposed to be slightly realigned to capture the view corridor into the Gardens and away from the function centre and Bonsai shed, and the second entry to the east is proposed as a boardwalk entry over the wetlands expansion area, formalising the entry to the Gardens from the residential area. The works involved with the Planetarium development may consider a third entry to the Gardens through the building. The Orange Adventure Playground currently has a separate single entry.

Boundary fencing issues are to be rectified by banning access through private properties to the Gardens, and installation of a security style fence to be installed on the Hill Street boundary as a high priority. Orange City Council may consider controlling the hours of access to the Gardens by locking the entry gates before sunrise and after sunset.

The carpark requires re-design to create a one way carpark system with separate entry and exit points. There is currently no pedestrian entry into the Gardens from the road causing issues during peak events. It is recommended a permanent footpath be constructed along the eastern side of Hill Street and Yellow Box Way to allow separate pedestrian access from the road carriageway. A separate pedestrian entry gate is also required at accessible grades. A traffic study is recommended.

5.0 THE MASTER PLAN


5.0 THE MASTER PLAN ACCESS & SERVICES

No. Key Directions Actions Opinion of Probable Cost



8 OBG shall be developed as an accessible and safe space for all visitors

Detailed design review of existing ‘Country Walk’ with the objective to make at least 25% of the Gardens accessible (to meet Australian Standards). Detailed design review to include analysis of hard surfacing for erosion control.

$10K Consultant

Development of accessible signage strategy to nominate areas of the Gardens which are accessible for visitors.

Installation of Riverine & Koori Walk pathway and sculptural elements.

$80K Contractor

Construction of new bridge over existing causeway as part of the ‘Country Walk’ loop to achieve access compliant with current Australian Standards.

$25K Contractor

Ban access through private properties to the Gardens and install a security style fence to be installed on the Hill Street boundary.

Construction of Stage 1 of Country Walk to meet accessible codes and requirements. Stage 1 is approximately 215m of pathway.

$90K Contractor

Traffic study to be conducted to explore one way carpark system including separate entry/exit and pedestrian entrance.

$10K Consultant

Construction of revised carpark and footpath design as per detailed design.

$250K Contractor

Construction of Stage 2 of Country Walk to include upgrade for erosion control measures. Stage 2 is approximately 650m of pathway.

$200K Contractor

Upgrade Stage 3 of the ‘Country Walk’ to apply compaction and stabilisation to deco granite to meet accessible codes and require-ments. Stage 3 is approximately 540m of pathway.

$50K Contractor

Upgrade Stage 4 of the ‘Country Walk’ to apply compaction and stabilisation to deco granite to meet accessible codes and require-ments. Stage 4 is approximately 160m of pathway.

$10K Contractor

Extension of Riverine Walk to include connec-tion back to top of billabong.

$50K Contractor


Botanic Gardens in general have a key role in education on themes including conservation of biodiversity and horticulture, which can be delivered by a range of opportunities targeted at a variety of audiences. Botanic Gardens, more than other institutions, can interact with the public through their visitors experiences and therefore Orange Botanic Gardens has the potential to have a strong educational role in the community. Educational activities can range from guided tours, speakers on topical subjects, information publications, hosting conferences and classes for school students. Partnerships with educational Institutions are required for the development of relevant education programs for school students.

If the Gardens is to implement its role in school and community education then additional support in terms of resourcing is necessary.

Climate change is a topic which can be delivered in an educational way to visitors in the Botanic Gardens context. This interaction can be through education programs, displays and garden tours which can assist with the following:• Expanding awareness and understanding of climate change

and how it affects plants and biodiversity;• To emphasise the relationships between biodiversity

conservation, climate change adaptation and sustainable living practices;

• Inform individuals about how they can assist efforts to respond to climate change; and

• Demonstrate how plants can be used to monitor climate change.

5.0 THE MASTER PLAN EDUCATION


5.0 THE MASTER PLAN EDUCATION

No. Key Directions Actions Opinion ofProbable Cost



9 OBG will be developed to provide edu-cational opportunities and experiences related to plants, horticulture, botany,

ecology and climate change

Develop wayfinding and signage strategy to es-tablish education through interpretive signage and displays. Strategy should include review of information, directional and interpretive signage elements. Climate change issues to be included as an underlying theme in the strategy eg. one drop system for water re-quirements of plants. Accessibility mapping to be included eg. symbols which dictate which ares of the Gardens are accessible, distances to key destinations etc.

$10K Consultant

Installation of Riverine and Koori Walk inter-pretive elements.

$5K Contractor

Redevelop Homestead Gardens to include planting displays of both native and exotic plants which can be used in the Orange Dis-trict for domestic use.

Construction of new educational hub to be incorporated into Planetarium development.

Incl. in Planetarium development

Expand role of Community Liaison Officer to full time position to include development and implementation of community educational pro-grams, including co-ordination of exhibitions out of the Botanic Room.

Community Liaison Officer expanded to (full time role)

10 The OBG shall aim to expand its edu-cational ability in relation to children’s

education

Detailed design of landscaping around Orange Adventure Playground to create a ‘children’s garden’ atmosphere to the existing playground and structures. Design to be tendered for costing.

$15K Consultant

Implementation of landscaping for Orange Adventure Playground.

$70K Contractor

Employ Education Officer to establish educa-tion curriculum with local schools, TAFE, and other children’s groups (school holiday programs etc.)

Council salary Education Officer (part time role, 2 days per week)


Orange has a reputation as ‘Australia’s Colour City’, and with its four distinct seasons it’s easy to see why. The parks, gardens and streetscapes show a kaleidoscope of colours bringing the city to life.

With the location of Orange Botanic Gardens on the main route of the northern distributor by-pass, the Gardens will play a large role for welcoming visitors to Orange and will be a landmark to symbolise arrival to Orange. Passers by can be encouraged to the Gardens through the use of signage and marketing, to encourage visitors to stop at the Botanic Gardens en route to their destination, or visit Orange township itself.

The recommendations include a proposed Mt Canobolas lookout at the high point of the carpark which has a natural vista across the suburbs towards the Mt Canobolas range. A detailed design study would be required to ensure that there are no conflicts between the vehicular service road and the lookout area. The lookout would add another attraction to the Gardens, especially for those who wish to stop for a short time.

A number of revenue opportunities are recommended to be explored by Council to continue to fund improvements to the Gardens for ongoing tourism benefits. A business plan will be required in order to develop some of these ideas. For example, these may include: a lease agreement with the Planetarium developers for joint sharing of facilities; establishing appropriate event charge rates to cover costs of hosting events in the Gardens; that a percentage of the fee for bookings of the function centre be utilised directly in the development of the Botanic Gardens; introducing meters for parking; and the possibility of introducing an entry fee. The entry fee can be introduced for non-residents of Orange, and there is potential to waive the fee if a visitor wishes to join the Friends of Orange Botanic Gardens. This type of membership would need to be classified in the FOBG constitution and the requirements may be that those who join up will receive an e-newsletter which promotes activities and events in the Gardens, therefore encouraging repeat visitation.

There are many ideas which can be developed to continue to promote the Gardens to visitors and the people of Orange and it is recommended that these options are explored as a key direction for ongoing improvements.

5.0 THE MASTER PLAN TOURISM & ECONOMY


5.0 THE MASTER PLAN TOURISM & ECONOMY

No. Key Directions Actions Opinion ofProbable Cost



11 OBG shall develop a funding manage-ment plan with the aim to develop its own

revenue stream

Develop business plan for OBG in order to cre-ate its own revenue stream.

Memorandum of Understanding with Plan-etarium for joint running of café and shop in order to develop some revenue from shared facilities.

Establish adequate charging rates for hiring of facilities within the Gardens for events, com-munity gatherings and weddings.

Introduce charge rates for parking facilities with an advertised notice that proceeds will be used for capital improvements to the Gardens and Orange Adventure Playground.

Development of a separate ‘Gardens Cafe’ for revenue raising for OBG.

Develop an entry fee system with potential disclaimer which provides free annual mem-bership when joining the Friends of the Orange Botanic Gardens.

12 OBG shall be a regional destination for visitors and aim to increase visitation

Conduct visitors survey including number of visitors and postcode of residence to assist in determining visitation patterns (annually to show trends).

$15K Contractor

Design and construction of Mt Canobolas Lookout to be constructed outside the Gar-dens boundary on the south western tip of the carpark. Design study must include analysis of accessible and safe access for pedestrians.

$40K Contractor

Construction of signage on Orange Adven-ture Playground site to encourage passing motorists to visit the Gardens, cafe and picnic facilities.

$10K Contractor


5.0 THE MASTER PLAN SUMMARY TABLEN

o.K

ey D

irect

ions

Act

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Offi

cer)

Com

men

ce b

uffe

r pla

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g in

side

the

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dary

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BG

to p

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de

buffe

r to

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cent

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dent

ial

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lopm

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ge 2

).FO

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aged

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Com

mun

ity L

iais

on O

ffice

r)

Con

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ct re

tain

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l/ent

ry

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l on

the

sout

h si

de o

f th

e in

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n of

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and

Hill

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et to

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ove

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perie

nce

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the

Gar

dens

.$6

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ontra

ctor


5.0 THE MASTER PLAN SUMMARY TABLEA

cces

s &

Ser

vice

s

8

OB

G s

hall

be d

evel

oped

as

an

acce

ssib

le a

nd s

afe

spac

e fo

r all

visi

tors

Det

aile

d de

sign

revi

ew o

f exi

stin

g ‘C

ount

ry

Wal

k’ w

ith th

e ob

ject

ive

to m

ake

at le

ast

25%

of t

he G

arde

ns a

cces

sibl

e (to

mee

t A

ustra

lian

Sta

ndar

ds).

Det

aile

d de

sign

re

view

to in

clud

e an

alys

is o

f har

d su

rfaci

ng

for e

rosi

on c

ontro

l.$1

0KC

onsu

ltant

Dev

elop

men

t of a

cces

sibl

e si

gnag

e st

rate

gy

to n

omin

ate

area

s of

the

Gar

dens

whi

ch a

re

acce

ssib

le fo

r vis

itors

.In

stal

latio

n of

Riv

erin

e &

Koo

ri W

alk

path

way

and

scu

lptu

ral e

lem

ents

.$8

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ontra

ctor

Con

stru

ctio

n of

new

brid

ge o

ver e

xist

ing

caus

eway

as

part

of th

e ‘C

ount

ry W

alk’

loop

to

ach

ieve

acc

ess

com

plia

nt w

ith c

urre

nt

Aus

tralia

n S

tand

ards

.$2

5KC

ontra

ctor

Ban

acc

ess

thro

ugh

priv

ate

prop

ertie

s to

the

Gar

dens

and

inst

al a

sec

urity

sty

le fe

nce

to

be in

stal

led

on th

e H

ill S

treet

bou

ndar

y.

Con

stru

ctio

n of

Sta

ge 1

of C

ount

ry W

alk

to m

eet a

cces

sibl

e co

des

and

requ

irem

ents

. Sta

ge 1

is a

ppro

xim

atel

y 21

5m o

f pat

hway

.$9

0KC

ontra

ctor

Traf

fic s

tudy

to b

e co

nduc

ted

to

expl

ore

one

way

car

park

sys

tem

in

clud

ing

sepa

rate

ent

ry/e

xit a

nd

pede

stria

n en

tranc

e.$1

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onsu

ltant

Con

stru

ctio

n of

revi

sed

carp

ark

and

foot

path

des

ign

as p

er

deta

iled

desi

gn.

$250

KC

ontra

ctor

Con

stru

ctio

n of

Sta

ge 2

of C

ount

ryW

alk

to in

clud

e up

grad

e fo

r er

osio

n co

ntro

l mea

sure

s. S

tage

2

is a

ppro

xim

atel

y 65

0m o

f pat

hway

.$20

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ontra

ctor

Upg

rade

Sta

ge 3

of t

he ‘C

ount

ry

Wal

k’ to

app

ly c

ompa

ctio

n an

d st

abili

satio

n to

dec

o gr

anite

to

mee

t acc

essi

ble

code

s an

d re

quire

men

ts. S

tage

3 is

ap

prox

imat

ely

540m

of p

athw

ay.

$50K

Con

tract

or

Upg

rade

Sta

ge 4

of t

he ‘C

ount

ry

Wal

k’ to

app

ly c

ompa

ctio

n an

d st

abili

satio

n to

dec

o gr

anite

to

mee

t acc

essi

ble

code

s an

d re

quire

men

ts. S

tage

4 is

ap

prox

imat

ely

160m

of p

athw

ay.

$10K

Con

tract

orE

xten

sion

of R

iver

ine

Wal

k to

in

clud

e co

nnec

tion

back

to to

p of

bi

llabo

ng.

$50K

Con

tract

orEd

ucat

ion

9

OB

G w

ill b

e de

velo

ped

to p

rovi

de

educ

atio

nal o

ppor

tuni

ties

and

expe

rienc

es re

late

d to

pla

nts,

ho

rtic

ultu

re, b

otan

y, e

colo

gy a

nd

clim

ate

chan

ge

Dev

elop

way

findi

ng a

nd s

igna

ge s

trate

gy to

es

tabl

ish

educ

atio

n th

roug

h in

terp

retiv

e si

gnag

e an

d di

spla

ys. S

trate

gy s

houl

d in

clud

e re

view

of i

nfor

mat

ion,

dire

ctio

nal a

nd

inte

rpre

tive

sign

age

elem

ents

. Clim

ate

chan

ge is

sues

to b

e in

clud

ed a

s an

un

derly

ing

them

e in

the

stra

tegy

eg.

one

dr

op s

yste

m fo

r wat

er re

quire

men

ts o

f pl

ants

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essi

bilit

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appi

ng to

be

incl

uded

eg

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bols

whi

ch d

icta

te w

hich

are

s of

the

Gar

dens

are

acc

essi

ble,

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tanc

es to

key

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stin

atio

ns e

tc.

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Con

sulta

ntIn

stal

latio

n of

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erin

e an

d K

oori

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k in

terp

retiv

e el

emen

ts.

$5K

Con

tract

orR

edev

elop

Hom

este

ad G

arde

ns to

incl

ude

plan

ting

disp

lays

of b

oth

nativ

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d ex

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pl

ants

whi

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an b

e us

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nge

Dis

trict

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omes

tic u

se.

Con

stru

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new

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catio

nal h

ub to

be

inco

rpor

ated

into

Pla

neta

rium

dev

elop

men

t.In

cl. i

n P

lane

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m

deve

lopm

ent

Exp

and

role

of C

omm

unity

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ison

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ffice

r to

full

time

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tion

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incl

ude

deve

lopm

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emen

tatio

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mun

ity

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atio

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rogr

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ibiti

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ic R

oom

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omm

unity

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ison

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full

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xpan

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ed

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lity

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n

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aile

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sign

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ands

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roun

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rang

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dven

ture

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ygro

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to c

reat

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‘chi

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gard

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tmos

pher

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ting

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nd a

nd s

truct

ures

. D

esig

n to

be

tend

ered

for c

ostin

g.$1

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onsu

ltant

Impl

emen

tatio

n of

land

scap

ing

for

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nge

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entu

re P

layg

roun

d.$7

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ontra

ctor

Em

ploy

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catio

n O

ffice

r to

esta

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h ed

ucat

ion

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icul

um w

it hlo

cal s

choo

ls, T

AFE

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er

child

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oups

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ool h

olid

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prog

ram

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ncil

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ryE

duca

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ays

per w

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Tour

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cono

my

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G s

hall

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lop

a fu

ndin

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anag

emen

t pla

n w

ith th

e ai

m to

de

velo

p its

ow

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venu

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ream

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elop

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ines

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an fo

r OB

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er to

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eate

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nue

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lane

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caf

é an

d sh

op in

ord

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dev

elop

som

e re

venu

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msh

ared

faci

litie

s.

Est

ablis

h ad

equa

te c

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ing

rate

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r hiri

ng

of fa

cilit

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with

in th

e G

arde

ns fo

r eve

nts,

co

mm

unity

gat

herin

gs a

nd w

eddi

ngs.

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duce

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rge

rate

s fo

r par

king

fa

cilit

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with

an

adve

rtise

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tice

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r cap

ital

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ovem

ents

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e G

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nge

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regi

onal

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stin

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r vis

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aim

to

incr

ease

vis

itatio

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duct

vis

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vey

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g nu

mbe

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tors

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tcod

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denc

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ass

ist

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eter

min

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visi

tatio

n pa

ttern

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nnua

lly to

sh

ow tr

ends

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5KC

ontra

ctor

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ign

and

cons

truct

ion

of M

t Can

obol

as

Look

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o be

con

stru

cted

out

side

the

Gar

dens

bou

ndar

y on

the

sout

h w

este

rn

tip o

f the

car

park

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ign

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y m

ust

incl

ude

anal

ysis

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cces

sibl

e an

d sa

fe

acce

ss fo

r ped

estri

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Con

tract

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onst

ruct

ion

of s

igna

ge o

n O

rang

e A

dven

ture

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ygro

und

site

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ncou

rage

pa

ssin

g m

otor

ists

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isit

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dens

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fe a

nd p

icni

c fa

cilit

ies.

$10K

Con

tract

or


PRIORITY ACTIONS6.0 RECOMMENDATIONSThe actions listed in the master plan provide ideas and suggestions for ongoing improvements to the Gardens, the following list is a ranked order of the top suggested actions for each term based on critical areas for improvement. The legacy which is to be created by ongoing improvements to the Orange Botanic Gardens with create a space which continues to provide for the community and future generations. The costs should not be seen purely as a dollar figure, but as an equation about ‘return on investment’. The return will be lasting and continuous.

Quick wins - high priorityThe following items will provide an instant improvement to the Gardens on a relatively low cost structure.1. Hydrology study to include analysis of topography

and water catchment study, function of creekline within the Gardens, irrigation supply and demand study, potential water harvesting from roof areas and proposed wetland to eastern entry.

2. Develop wayfinding and signage strategy to establish education through interpretive signage and displays.

3. Infill selected turf areas in native plantings section with native grass plantings to provide understorey growth to create a regeneration habitat, and reduce mowing requirements.

4. Redevelop the ‘Peace Garden’ to include a gathering node and picnic shelter overlooking the Gardens.

5. Construction of new bridge over existing causeway as part of the ‘Country Walk’ loop to achieve access compliant with current Australian Standards.

6. Redevelop Homestead Gardens to include planting

displays of both native and exotic plants which can be used in the Orange District for domestic use.

7. Redevelop the Rose Stage to include even surface. A temporary stage may be erected as required for large organised events.

Short term - high priorityThe following items are a high priority for improvement to the Gardens, however they come with a cost penalty and need to be considered for funding prior to commencement. These items should be completed within the short term time frame of up to 5 years.1. Develop a Living Collections Plan for OBG to

address the level of service appropriate to scientific recording of collections and plan future expansion of collections, including resource requirements of 1 x additional Horticulturalist for the Gardens.

2. Update Service Maintenance Levels to provide a sustainable maintenance regime for all areas within OBG.

3. Conduct visitors survey including number of visitors and postcode of residence to assist in determining visitation patterns (annually to show trends).

4. Develop Community Liaison Officer to organise recruitment of volunteers, develop contacts with schools and other education groups and be public contact for the Botanic Gardens.

5. Establish adequate charging rates for hiring of facilities within the Gardens for events, community gatherings and weddings.


7. Detailed design review of existing ‘Country Walk’ with the objective to make at least 25% of the

Gardens accessible and review of hard surfacing for erosion control.

Medium term - high priorityThe following items are of a high priority over a medium term time frame of 5-10 years to either coincide with other development around the area or for funding reasons.1. Upgrade to public toilet and catering facilities in the

Clover Hill Function Centre.2. Detailed design of landscaping around Orange

Adventure Playground to create a ‘children’s garden’ atmosphere to the existing playground and structures.

3. Design and construction of Mt Canobolas Lookout to be constructed outside the Gardens boundary.

4. Develop plan for successional planting to support life span of remnant Yellow Box trees within OBG.

5. Construction of signage on Orange Adventure Playground site to encourage passing motorists to visit the Gardens, cafe and picnic facilities.

6. Construction of Stage 1 of Country Walk to meet accessible codes and requirements. Stage 1 is approximately 215m of pathway.

7. Implementation of landscaping to Orange Adventure Playground.


9. Construction of works as recommended by hydrology study with aim for fully self sufficient irrigation for the Gardens.

10. Private lease of function centre.


CONCLUSIONOrange Botanic Gardens was established by a group

of residents with a vision to create a special place in Orange which can be enjoyed for generations to

come. This inherent founding is a quality which should continue through the input of volunteers and interested

community members. There are many elements in Orange Botanic Gardens which provide education

opportunities, particularly in relation to agriculture, biodiversity, plant life and information, and climate

change. Education is seen as a key future role of the Gardens. The social benefits are of equal importance to the establishment of a successful living collection

and both physical and ephemeral factors should always be considered in any future development for Orange

Botanic Gardens.


APPENDIX A

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key

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the

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sho

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ality

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his

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ular

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port

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the

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high

dem

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item

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he fut

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ucat

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educ

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FE a

nd u

nive

rsiti

es. An

ed

ucat

ion

offic

er is

req

uire

d to

dev

elop

the

se r

elat

ions

hips

. Th

e D

isco

very

Cen

tre

is t

he fou

ndat

ion

for

a m

ore

sign

ifica

nt e

duca

tiona

l res

ourc

e fo

r lo

cals

and

vis

itors

alik

e. E

duca

tion

of c

limat

e ch

ange

impa

cts,

es

peci

ally

tho

se r

elat

ed t

o pl

ant

com

mun

ities

, sh

ould

be

expl

ored

in t

he g

arde

ns a

s a

phys

ical

out

put.

Th

e C

hild

ren’

s G

arde

n is

an

idea

to

be e

xplo

red

in r

elat

ion

to e

duca

tiona

l ben

efits

for

chi

ldre

n as

an

inte

grat

ed p

art

of t

he g

arde

ns. Th

e ga

rden

s sh

ould

hos

t m

ore

exhi

bitio

ns a

nd s

how

s in

rel

atio

n to

ed

ucat

ion.

A

cces

s fo

r al

l D

evel

op a

gar

den

whi

ch is

acc

essi

ble

for

all p

eopl

e w

ith s

omet

hing

for

eve

ryon

e. T

his

incl

udes

upg

radi

ng

the

coun

try

wal

k to

allo

w for

com

plia

nt a

cces

s an

d se

ttin

g a

benc

hmar

k fo

r th

e fu

ture

. Vis

itat

ion

The

gard

en is

a c

omm

unity

ass

et a

nd t

here

is a

nee

d to

impr

ove

faci

litie

s in

ord

er t

o in

crea

se v

isita

tion.

Th

ere

is a

n op

port

unity

to

inco

rpor

ate

a ca

fé w

ith t

he d

isco

very

and

mer

chan

disi

ng c

entr

e in

a ‘ho

ney

pot’

for

acc

ess

to in

form

atio

n an

d fa

cilit

ies.

The

nor

ther

n bo

unda

ry o

f th

e ga

rden

s w

ill s

oon

be t

he ‘fa

ce

of t

he g

arde

ns’ w

ith t

he c

onst

ruct

ion

of t

he n

orth

ern

dist

ribut

or –

thi

s w

ill in

crea

se v

isita

tion

as a

sto

p of

f po

int

for

trav

elle

rs p

assi

ng t

hrou

gh O

rang

e an

d an

opp

ortu

nity

not

to

be m

isse

d.

Rec

reat

ion

and

even

ts

Even

ts in

the

gar

dens

sho

uld

be e

ncou

rage

d as

the

eve

nts

open

s up

the

gar

dens

to

new

gro

ups

of

peop

le. Th

e ga

rden

s is

a g

reen

com

mun

ity a

sset

spa

ce a

nd p

assi

ve r

ecre

atio

n fa

cilit

ies

shou

ld b

e im

prov

ed t

o en

cour

age

this

- in

clud

ing

seat

s, p

icni

c ta

bles

, to

ilets

, an

d sh

elte

r. D

evel

op t

he f

unct

ion

cent

re t

o ac

com

mod

ate

larg

er c

apac

ity for

wed

ding

s an

d co

nfer

ence

s.

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 4

1.0

C

ON

SU

LTA

TIO

N S

TRA

TEG

Y

A su

mm

ary

of t

he s

trat

egy

prio

r to

the

eve

nt

1.1

PA

RTI

CIP

ANTS

Li

st o

f st

akeh

olde

rs a

nd c

omm

unity

gro

ups

Estim

ated

tot

al n

umbe

r of

par

ticip

ants

was

25

-35

per

sons

incl

udin

g Cou

ncil

staf

f, w

ith t

he f

ollo

win

g lis

t of

gr

oups

to

be in

vite

d.

Cou

ncil

Rep

rese

ntat

ives

•

Ora

nge

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

Com

mun

ity C

omm

ittee

(10 p

ax. ap

prox

imat

ely)

•

Dire

ctor

Ent

erpr

ise

Ser

vice

s –

Mr

Ste

phen

Syk

es

• C

ity P

rese

ntat

ion

Man

ager

– M

r N

igel

Hob

den

• M

ayor

– C

r Jo

hn D

avis

•

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

Sup

ervi

sor

– M

r N

eil B

ollin

ger

• Pa

rks

Sup

ervi

sor

– M

s Ly

n G

ough

H

orti

cult

ural

Gro

ups

• Fr

iend

s of

the

Ora

nge

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

•

Her

itage

Ros

es in

Aus

tral

ia In

c. O

rang

e/C

entr

al T

able

land

s B

ranc

h •

Ora

nge

Gar

den

Clu

b In

c.

• M

olon

g an

d D

istr

ict

Gar

den

Clu

b In

c.

• M

iltho

rpe

Gar

den

Clu

b •

Ora

nge

& D

istr

ict

Hor

ticul

tura

l Soc

iety

•

Cen

tral

Wes

t D

ahlia

Soc

iety

Inc.

Envi

ronm

enta

l Gro

ups

• EC

CO

(En

viro

nmen

tally

Con

cern

ed C

itize

ns o

f O

rang

e)

• O

rang

e Fi

eld

Nat

ural

ists

and

Con

serv

atio

n S

ocie

ty

Oth

er S

take

hold

ers

• O

rang

e R

egio

nal C

onse

rvat

oriu

m

• W

omen

Wea

ving

Gro

up

• TA

FE

• C

SU

– O

rang

e C

ampu

s •

Nei

ghbo

urs

of t

he G

arde

ns

1.2

M

ETH

OD

OLO

GY

A le

tter

was

sen

t ou

t to

invi

te p

artic

ipan

ts fro

m t

hree

gro

ups

– O

BG

Com

mun

ity C

omm

ittee

, C

ounc

illor

s &

Cou

ncil

Sta

ff, Fr

iend

s of

the

OB

G, an

d co

mm

unity

and

nei

ghbo

urs.

In a

dditi

on t

o th

e le

tter

invi

tes,

the

ev

ent

was

adv

ertis

ed in

the

loca

l pap

er in

the

wee

kend

prio

r.

A si

ngle

con

sulta

tion

sess

ion

was

pro

pose

d, w

ith s

tage

d m

eetin

gs for

eac

h of

the

gro

ups

with

a d

esig

n w

orks

hop

at t

he e

nd for

all

part

icip

ants

to

be in

volv

ed.

All p

artic

ipan

ts w

ere

enco

urag

ed t

o ex

pres

s th

eir

thou

ghts

and

idea

s in

the

one

roo

m s

o th

at d

iffer

ent

inte

rest

gro

ups

coul

d bo

unce

idea

s of

f ea

ch o

ther

. Fu

rthe

r to

the

inhe

rent

ben

efit

of d

evel

opin

g a

mas

ter

plan

with

com

mun

ity v

iew

s in

min

d, t

he s

essi

on

prov

ided

the

opp

ortu

nity

for

diff

eren

t in

tere

st g

roup

s to

mee

t ea

ch o

ther

and

dis

cuss

idea

s.

Two

sess

ions

wer

e ru

n pr

ior

to t

he m

ain

wor

ksho

p se

ssio

n. T

his

invo

lved

a 1

hou

r m

eetin

g w

ith O

BG

C

omm

unity

Com

mitt

ee, C

ounc

illor

s &

Cou

ncil

Sta

ff, fo

llow

ed b

y an

ext

ende

d ve

rsio

n of

thi

s m

eetin

g w

ith

Frie

nds

of t

he O

BG

. Th

is w

as im

port

ant

in o

rder

to

get

spec

ific

inpu

t fr

om t

hose

mem

bers

mos

t in

volv

ed

in t

he p

rogr

ess

of t

he g

arde

ns t

o da

te g

iven

the

ir in

dep

th k

now

ledg

e. T

he r

emai

nder

of co

mm

unity

and

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 5

neig

hbou

rs w

ere

invi

ted

for

the

4pm

ses

sion

whe

re t

he m

ain

wor

ksho

p to

ok p

lace

. Al

l gro

ups

wer

e en

cour

aged

to

stay

for

thi

s se

ssio

n.

We

prop

osed

a fol

low

up

debr

ief m

eetin

g w

ith L

yn G

ough

, N

igel

Hob

den,

and

Nei

l Bol

linge

r th

e fo

llow

ing

day

to s

umm

aris

e an

d di

scus

s is

sues

rai

sed

at t

he s

essi

on fro

m C

ounc

il’s

pers

pect

ive.

1

.3 A

GEN

DA

OU

TLIN

E –

prep

ared

prior

to

the

even

t D

AY 1

– M

onda

y, 3

rd M

ay 2

01

0

12pm

Ar

rive

Ora

nge

1pm

S

et u

p ve

nue

2pm

M

eet

with

OB

G C

omm

unity

Com

mitt

ee, C

ounc

illor

s &

Cou

ncil

Sta

ff

Dis

cuss

ion

on C

ounc

il’s

conc

erns

/iss

ues/

oppo

rtun

ities

3pm

M

eet

with

Frie

nds

of t

he B

otan

ic G

arde

ns a

s a

spec

ial m

eetin

g pr

ior

to t

he p

ublic

for

um

give

n th

eir

spec

ial i

nvol

vem

ent

in t

he g

arde

ns

4pm

C

onsu

ltatio

n w

orks

hop

com

men

ces,

nam

e ta

gs d

istr

ibut

ed, m

eet

and

gree

t 4.1

0pm

O

peni

ng s

essi

on b

y C

ounc

il R

epre

sent

ativ

e, v

isio

n fo

r th

e ga

rden

s, h

ow t

he c

onsu

ltatio

n fit

s in

to t

he m

aste

r pl

an p

roce

ss e

tc.

4.1

5pm

Pr

esen

tatio

n by

SC

APE/

DS

B o

n si

te o

ppor

tuni

ties

and

cons

trai

nts

fram

ewor

k, g

ener

al

stat

emen

t ab

out

the

prog

ram

for

the

pro

ject

, ou

tline

any

bac

kgro

und

info

rmat

ion

requ

ired

on

bota

nic

gard

ens

etc.

4.3

0pm

D

ivid

e pa

rtic

ipan

ts in

to g

roup

s of

5-6

pax

(ie

. 5-7

gro

ups)

Pa

rtic

ipan

ts e

ach

to w

rite

dow

n id

eas

for

the

gard

ens

base

d on

key

mas

ter

plan

que

stio

ns:

• W

hat

do y

ou t

hink

is t

he r

ole

of t

his

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

cur

rent

ly a

nd w

hat

do y

ou s

ee

as t

he fut

ure

role

s?

• W

hat

do y

ou t

hink

will

be

the

impa

ct o

f cl

imat

e ch

ange

on

the

Gar

dens

, an

d ho

w t

his

will

impa

ct t

he r

ole?

•

Wha

t m

essa

ges

do y

ou t

hink

the

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

sho

uld

give

, an

d ho

w s

houl

d th

ey

be d

eliv

ered

? •

Wha

t ot

her

role

s w

ould

you

like

to

see

the

Ora

nge

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

bei

ng a

ble

to

offe

r th

e co

mm

unity

and

vis

itors

? En

cour

age

part

icip

ants

to

sket

ch o

ver

a pl

an a

nd w

rite

dow

n th

eir

idea

s w

ith p

ost

it no

tes

affix

ed t

o th

e pl

an.

5.1

5pm

B

REA

K: Te

a, c

offe

e an

d sn

acks

5.3

0pm

Ea

ch g

roup

to

pres

ent

back

to

all p

artic

ipan

ts w

ith t

heir

key

idea

s, o

pen

disc

ussi

on t

o fo

llow

5.5

5pm

C

ounc

il st

aff su

mm

ary

clos

ing

stat

emen

t 6pm

C

onsu

ltatio

n w

orks

hop

clos

e S

CAP

E/D

SB

to

sum

mar

ise

com

men

ts fro

m t

he w

orks

hop

for

pres

enta

tion

to C

ounc

il th

e ne

xt d

ay.

DAY

2 –

Tue

sday

, 4th M

ay 2

01

0

9am

S

essi

on w

ith L

yn, N

igel

and

Nei

l to

pres

ent

findi

ngs

from

the

wor

ksho

p se

ssio

n S

umm

ary

of C

ounc

il’s

conc

erns

/iss

ues/

oppo

rtun

ities

12pm

B

REA

K: Lu

nch

1.3

0pm

D

epar

t O

rang

e S

CAP

E/D

SB

to

com

men

ce d

ocum

enta

tion

of t

he m

aste

r pl

an d

esig

n ba

sed

on t

he c

onsu

ltatio

n se

ssio

n fin

ding

s. O

ur n

ext

plan

ned

visi

t to

Ora

nge

will

be

a m

eetin

g w

ith O

rang

e C

ity C

ounc

il st

aff to

pre

sent

the

dr

aft

mas

ter

plan

des

ign.

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 6

2.0

A

TTEN

DEE

S

The

follo

win

g is

a li

st o

f th

e at

tend

ees

from

the

con

sulta

tion

even

t he

ld o

n M

onda

y, 3

May

2010 a

t th

e C

love

r H

ill F

unct

ion

Cen

tre,

Ora

nge

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

. In

add

ition

to

the

atte

ndan

ce li

st b

elow

, th

e ev

ent

was

co-

ordi

nate

d an

d at

tend

ed b

y Ly

n G

ough

(O

rang

e C

ity C

ounc

il Pa

rks

Sup

ervi

sor)

, Pa

ul B

omba

rdie

r (D

SB

Lan

dsca

pe A

rchi

tect

s) a

nd L

isa

Hea

ther

s (S

CAP

E S

trat

egy)

. N

ame

Org

anis

atio

n Ti

tle

Cr N

eil J

ones

Ora

nge

City

Cou

ncil

& O

BGC

C

(O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns C

omm

unity

C

omm

ittee

)C

ounc

illor &

Cha

irman

of t

he O

BGC

CM

r Nig

el H

obde

n O

rang

e C

ity C

ounc

ilM

anag

er C

ity P

rese

ntat

ion

Mic

helle

Pea

rce

Ora

nge

City

Cou

ncil

Even

ts M

anag

erM

r Nei

l Bol

linge

r O

rang

e C

ity C

ounc

ilBo

tani

c G

arde

ns S

uper

viso

r

Dr M

urre

y Fl

etch

er

FOBG

(Frie

nds

Ora

nge

Bota

nic

Gar

dens

)Se

cret

ary

FOBG

Dr M

icha

el P

riest

FO

BG &

OBG

CC

Pres

iden

t FO

BGC

athy

Sta

plet

onTA

FE N

SWTe

ache

r - E

nviro

nmen

t Pa

trici

a Ba

nnat

yne

FOBG

& O

BGC

CC

olin

Mad

gick

FO

BG(W

ed v

olun

teer

)Pe

ter S

mith

OBG

CC

(Com

mun

ity m

embe

r of t

he O

BGC

C)

Jane

t Dun

lop

FOBG

& O

BGC

C(W

ed v

olun

teer

)Si

mon

Woo

d FO

BG(W

ed v

olun

teer

)R

oe A

ndre

ws

FOBG

(W

ed v

olun

teer

)Ja

net J

ohns

tone

FOBG

(Wed

vol

unte

er)

Libb

y W

est

FOBG

(Wed

vol

unte

er)

Susa

n Sa

nder

s FO

BG(W

ed v

olun

teer

)Pe

irs B

anna

tyne

FOBG

John

Mat

e FO

BG(W

ed v

olun

teer

)M

arie

Mat

eN

ick

Kin

gE

CC

OC

olin

You

ngTr

acey

-Kee

Car

nie

Ora

nge

City

Cou

ncil

Com

mun

ity D

evel

opm

ent O

ffice

rKa

ren

Boyd

eO

rang

e C

ity C

ounc

il

Com

mun

ity D

evel

opm

ent C

o-or

dina

tor

Alis

on R

usse

llO

rang

e C

ity C

ounc

il C

omm

unity

Lia

son

Advi

ser

Tony

Bol

and

Ora

nge

City

Cou

ncil

Indu

stry

and

Ski

lls P

roje

ct M

anag

erTe

ina

How

ieD

arre

n W

illiam

sG

raig

Bro

wn

Phil

Step

hens

on

Ora

nge

& D

istri

ct H

isto

rical

Soc

iety

Pr

esid

ent O

DH

S

3.0

2P

M S

ESSIO

N –

ID

EAS D

ISC

US

SED

O

rang

e B

otan

ic G

arde

ns C

omm

unity

Com

mitt

ee, C

ounc

illor

s an

d Cou

ncil

Sta

ff (ap

prox

. 14

pax

) Pa

ul B

omba

rdie

r in

trod

uced

the

ses

sion

with

a s

umm

ary

of t

he c

onsu

ltant

tea

m a

nd b

ackg

roun

ds. Li

sa

Hea

ther

s ta

lked

to

a br

ief

Pow

erpo

int

pres

enta

tion

whi

ch s

umm

aris

ed t

he o

bjec

tives

of th

e O

rang

e B

otan

ic G

arde

ns a

nd t

he in

tend

ed v

isio

n (s

ee ful

l Pow

erpo

int

atta

ched

).

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 7

Mas

ter

plan

que

stio

ns w

ere

tabl

ed for

dis

cuss

ion

and

part

icip

ants

wer

e re

ques

ted

to o

penl

y pr

ovid

e an

swer

s.

1 W

hat d

o you

think

is th

e role

of th

is Bo

tanic

Gard

ens c

urre

ntly

and w

hat d

o you

see a

s the

futu

re ro

les?

2 W

hat d

o you

think

will

be th

e im

pact

of cl

imat

e cha

nge o

n the

Gard

ens,

and h

ow th

is wi

ll im

pact

the r

ole?

3 W

hat m

essa

ges d

o you

think

the B

otan

ic Ga

rden

s sho

uld gi

ve, a

nd ho

w sh

ould

they

be de

liver

ed?

4 W

hat o

ther

roles

wou

ld yo

u like

to se

e the

Ora

nge B

otan

ic Ga

rden

s bein

g abl

e to o

ffer t

he co

mm

unity

and v

isito

rs?

RES

PO

NSES

•

Clim

ate

chan

ge =

lack

of irr

igat

ion

supp

ly for

the

fut

ure

• W

ater

sup

ply

is a

crit

ical

issu

e w

ith t

he d

am c

urre

ntly

at

23%

- a

wat

erin

g sc

hedu

le is

req

uire

d fo

r th

e ga

rden

s w

hich

req

uire

s pl

anni

ng. W

ater

sup

ply

criti

cal,

leve

l 4 r

estr

ictio

ns f

or 4

-5ye

ars,

pl

ants

nee

d to

ref

lect

wat

er a

vaila

bilit

y.

• Ed

ucat

ion

is a

key

mes

sage

the

gar

dens

nee

ds t

o ta

ke o

n bo

ard

– th

is c

ould

be

achi

eved

th

roug

h m

ore

inte

rpre

tive

sign

age

• Fu

ll tim

e ed

ucat

iona

l offic

er r

ecom

men

ded

• Th

e ga

rden

s sh

ould

fol

low

the

‘co

lour

city

’ th

eme

• Th

e ga

rden

s is

a p

assi

ve r

ecre

atio

n la

ndsc

ape

whi

ch is

a v

alua

ble

com

mun

ity fac

ility

•

Sug

gest

ed h

erba

rium

and

rep

osito

ry t

o be

run

by

a fu

ll tim

e bo

tani

st –

or

co-o

rdin

ate

a vi

rtua

l lib

rary

and

dat

abas

e (e

g. E

urob

odal

la)

• Vo

lunt

eers

– r

equi

re g

uida

nce

from

the

mas

ter

plan

and

nee

d m

anag

emen

t an

d di

rect

ion

and

proj

ect

focu

s.

• Fu

nctio

n fa

cilit

y –

upgr

aded

to

allo

w for

flo

w o

n vi

sita

tion

to in

crea

se. Ev

ents

man

ager

su

gges

ted

that

if t

he fac

ility

was

impr

oved

to

200 p

ax. ca

paci

ty t

here

wou

ld b

e no

pro

blem

s ac

hiev

ing

book

ings

•

The

‘hon

eypo

t’ c

once

pt o

f gr

oupi

ng fac

ilitie

s to

geth

er in

the

one

spo

t –

café

, sh

op, to

ilets

, vi

sito

r in

form

atio

n et

c.

• Pl

anet

ariu

m –

is t

his

a su

itabl

e co

nfer

ence

fac

ility

? •

Picn

ic a

rea

– re

quire

s ad

ditio

nal s

helte

r, s

eats

, to

ilets

, bi

ns e

tc. N

ot t

oo m

any

but

in o

ne s

pot

as t

he m

ain

picn

ic h

ub. Vi

sita

tion

for

picn

ics

shou

ld b

e lim

ited

with

no

BB

Qs

prov

ided

. •

Bec

ome

a pr

oper

bot

anic

gar

dens

by

defin

ition

•

Nee

d fo

r a

scie

ntifi

c ba

sis

for

the

OB

G in

clud

ing

repo

sito

ry o

f pl

ant

info

rmat

ion,

rec

ords

of pl

ant

know

ledg

e of

the

Ora

nge

regi

on

• TA

FE h

as a

see

d ba

nk, ne

ed for

net

wor

king

with

oth

er in

stitu

tions

to

shar

e re

sour

ces

and

avoi

d du

plic

atio

n •

Con

serv

atio

n of

coo

l clim

ate

plan

ts

• Va

rious

col

lect

ions

to

exhi

bit

rela

tions

hip

of p

lant

s an

d gr

oups

•

Ackn

owle

dge

curr

ent

role

of

pass

ive

recr

eatio

n •

Rol

e in

edu

catio

n an

d sc

ienc

e •

Prim

ary

com

mun

ity in

volv

emen

t, r

ecre

atio

n –

wal

king

, pi

cnic

and

eve

nts

• Va

lue

of O

BG

diff

icul

t to

mea

sure

i.e.

Sci

entif

ic, ne

ed t

o m

easu

re v

isito

r nu

mbe

rs

• R

ole,

are

a fo

r co

nser

vatio

n of

pla

nts

• R

ole,

bird

wat

chin

g, h

ave

the

num

ber

of b

irds

been

mea

sure

d •

Rol

e, T

ouris

m, na

ture

con

serv

atio

n, b

ird w

atch

ing

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 8

Sho

uld

targ

et t

he o

ver

50 a

ge g

roup

s Ad

vent

ure

play

grou

nd a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith t

he O

BG

incr

ease

s ex

posu

re

Con

serv

atio

n as

par

t of

clim

ate

chan

ge

Exot

ic p

lant

s br

ings

‘w

ow’ fa

ctor

to

gard

ens,

mus

t be

kep

t ZO

O for

pla

nts,

sho

w g

arde

ners

pla

nts

that

can

wor

k in

the

reg

ion,

edu

catio

n, r

esea

rch

“A G

arde

n is

a P

roce

ss N

ot a

n O

bjec

t”

Alte

rnat

ive

wat

er s

uppl

y ne

eds

to b

e in

v3es

tigat

ed

Gar

dens

sou

rce

of in

form

atio

n fo

r lo

cal g

arde

n Ex

otic

s im

port

ant

to d

ispl

ay for

sol

ar p

assi

ve d

esig

n R

isk

man

agem

ent

need

s co

nsid

erat

ion

i.e. w

ind

and

hail

dam

age

pote

ntia

l ris

k C

limat

e ch

ange

will

hav

e al

ong

term

impa

ct o

n th

e O

BG

C

limat

e ch

ange

rei

nfor

ces

the

need

for

con

serv

atio

n of

pla

nts/

seed

col

lect

ion/

rese

arch

pla

nts

from

dry

er c

limat

es, de

velo

p da

ta b

ase

Clim

ate

chan

ge m

ay p

rovi

de o

ppor

tuni

ty f

or p

lant

s fr

om w

arm

er c

limat

es t

o gr

ow in

the

Ora

nge

regi

on, sh

ould

be

trie

d N

eed

to c

once

ntra

te e

ffor

ts o

n pl

ants

tha

t w

ill s

urvi

ve in

the

cur

rent

clim

ate

N

eed

a w

ider

ran

ge o

f na

tive

plan

ts in

the

OB

G i.

e. g

roun

dcov

ers

that

can

be

show

n fo

r us

e in

lo

cal g

arde

ns, ed

ucat

ion

Kee

p ga

rden

set

ting

for

inte

rest

, ac

tiviti

es n

ot b

orin

g Ed

ucat

ion

show

ing

wha

t pl

ants

and

mat

eria

ls c

an b

e us

ed

Dev

elop

a s

peci

fic a

rea

set

asid

e fo

r dr

y pl

ants

, na

tive

and

exot

ic t

o sh

ow c

limat

e ch

ange

su

rviv

ors

Info

rmat

ion

for

publ

ic n

eede

d, b

roch

ures

and

sig

nage

Ed

ucat

ion

Offic

er n

eede

d fo

r te

achi

ng, lia

ison

, w

ork

with

sch

ools

In

form

atio

n ne

eds

to a

ppea

ling

to a

ll no

t ju

st s

cien

tific

G

arde

ns n

eed

to b

e ap

peal

ing

with

col

our,

City

of C

olou

r M

essa

ge n

eeds

to

be p

rese

nted

tha

t th

e ga

rden

s is

a c

omm

unity

fac

ility

, co

mm

unity

act

iviti

es

impo

rtan

t –

func

tion

cent

re,

scul

ptur

es, m

usic

in g

arde

ns

Gar

dens

hav

e gr

own

beca

use

of w

hat

the

com

mun

ity h

as d

one

for

it Vo

lunt

eers

are

age

ing

R

epos

itory

for

pla

nt in

form

atio

n an

d se

ed c

olle

ctio

n R

epos

itory

cou

ld b

e vi

rtua

l and

ass

ocia

ted

with

the

pla

neta

rium

Vo

lunt

eers

can

be

bett

er u

sed

and

mor

e ca

n be

invo

lved

by

iden

tifyi

ng s

peci

al p

roje

cts

Mor

e vo

lunt

eers

will

be

avai

labl

e w

ith t

he r

etiri

ng B

aby

Boo

mer

s ‘G

arde

ns c

an b

e pa

rt o

f yo

ur li

fe’

Reg

iona

l rol

e, c

olle

ctio

n, e

duca

tion,

tou

rist

visi

tor

focu

s

Gui

ded

wal

ks h

ave

attr

acte

d a

sign

ifica

nt n

umbe

r on

non

loca

ls

Gar

dens

vis

itatio

n im

prov

ed w

hile

att

endi

ng o

ther

eve

nts

Rol

e of

eve

nts

impo

rtan

t, w

eddi

ng 8

0 t

o 150 a

tten

ding

, co

nfer

ence

s up

to

200 a

tten

ding

, fa

cilit

ies

limit

func

tion

use

4.0

3P

M S

ESSIO

N –

ID

EAS D

ISC

USSED

Ab

ove

grou

p +

Frien

ds o

f th

e B

otan

ic G

arde

ns (ap

prox

. 18

-20

pax

.) Ad

ditio

nal f

riend

s w

ere

intr

oduc

ed t

o th

e ex

istin

g gr

oup

and

the

sam

e qu

estio

ns w

ere

pres

ente

d fo

r an

op

en for

um r

espo

nse.

R

ESP

ON

SES

C

urre

nt r

ole

is p

rimar

ily a

rec

reat

ion

role

with

a s

cien

ce o

verla

y –

mor

e fo

cus

is r

equi

red

in t

he

scie

ntifi

c re

sear

ch a

nd a

lead

er a

ppoi

nted

with

a b

otan

ist

back

grou

nd.

Nee

ds m

ore

scie

nce

with

out

redu

cing

rec

reat

ion

and

com

mun

ity a

ctiv

ities

If

scie

nce

is t

o ha

ve a

rol

e th

e pe

rson

in c

harg

e ne

eds

a sc

ient

ific

back

grou

nd

Adeq

uate

pro

ject

s an

d st

agin

g w

ill r

ejuv

enat

e th

e Fr

iend

s of

the

Gar

dens

gro

up t

o pa

rtic

ipat

e.

This

can

be

refle

cted

in a

prio

ritis

ed im

plem

enta

tion

plan

in t

he m

aste

r pl

an.

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 8

Sho

uld

targ

et t

he o

ver

50 a

ge g

roup

s Ad

vent

ure

play

grou

nd a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith t

he O

BG

incr

ease

s ex

posu

re

Con

serv

atio

n as

par

t of

clim

ate

chan

ge

Exot

ic p

lant

s br

ings

‘w

ow’ fa

ctor

to

gard

ens,

mus

t be

kep

t ZO

O for

pla

nts,

sho

w g

arde

ners

pla

nts

that

can

wor

k in

the

reg

ion,

edu

catio

n, r

esea

rch

“A G

arde

n is

a P

roce

ss N

ot a

n O

bjec

t”

Alte

rnat

ive

wat

er s

uppl

y ne

eds

to b

e in

v3es

tigat

ed

Gar

dens

sou

rce

of in

form

atio

n fo

r lo

cal g

arde

n Ex

otic

s im

port

ant

to d

ispl

ay for

sol

ar p

assi

ve d

esig

n R

isk

man

agem

ent

need

s co

nsid

erat

ion

i.e. w

ind

and

hail

dam

age

pote

ntia

l ris

k C

limat

e ch

ange

will

hav

e al

ong

term

impa

ct o

n th

e O

BG

C

limat

e ch

ange

rei

nfor

ces

the

need

for

con

serv

atio

n of

pla

nts/

seed

col

lect

ion/

rese

arch

pla

nts

from

dry

er c

limat

es, de

velo

p da

ta b

ase

Clim

ate

chan

ge m

ay p

rovi

de o

ppor

tuni

ty f

or p

lant

s fr

om w

arm

er c

limat

es t

o gr

ow in

the

Ora

nge

regi

on, sh

ould

be

trie

d N

eed

to c

once

ntra

te e

ffor

ts o

n pl

ants

tha

t w

ill s

urvi

ve in

the

cur

rent

clim

ate

N

eed

a w

ider

ran

ge o

f na

tive

plan

ts in

the

OB

G i.

e. g

roun

dcov

ers

that

can

be

show

n fo

r us

e in

lo

cal g

arde

ns, ed

ucat

ion

Kee

p ga

rden

set

ting

for

inte

rest

, ac

tiviti

es n

ot b

orin

g Ed

ucat

ion

show

ing

wha

t pl

ants

and

mat

eria

ls c

an b

e us

ed

Dev

elop

a s

peci

fic a

rea

set

asid

e fo

r dr

y pl

ants

, na

tive

and

exot

ic t

o sh

ow c

limat

e ch

ange

su

rviv

ors

Info

rmat

ion

for

publ

ic n

eede

d, b

roch

ures

and

sig

nage

Ed

ucat

ion

Offic

er n

eede

d fo

r te

achi

ng, lia

ison

, w

ork

with

sch

ools

In

form

atio

n ne

eds

to a

ppea

ling

to a

ll no

t ju

st s

cien

tific

G

arde

ns n

eed

to b

e ap

peal

ing

with

col

our,

City

of C

olou

r M

essa

ge n

eeds

to

be p

rese

nted

tha

t th

e ga

rden

s is

a c

omm

unity

fac

ility

, co

mm

unity

act

iviti

es

impo

rtan

t –

func

tion

cent

re,

scul

ptur

es, m

usic

in g

arde

ns

Gar

dens

hav

e gr

own

beca

use

of w

hat

the

com

mun

ity h

as d

one

for

it Vo

lunt

eers

are

age

ing

R

epos

itory

for

pla

nt in

form

atio

n an

d se

ed c

olle

ctio

n R

epos

itory

cou

ld b

e vi

rtua

l and

ass

ocia

ted

with

the

pla

neta

rium

Vo

lunt

eers

can

be

bett

er u

sed

and

mor

e ca

n be

invo

lved

by

iden

tifyi

ng s

peci

al p

roje

cts

Mor

e vo

lunt

eers

will

be

avai

labl

e w

ith t

he r

etiri

ng B

aby

Boo

mer

s ‘G

arde

ns c

an b

e pa

rt o

f yo

ur li

fe’

Reg

iona

l rol

e, c

olle

ctio

n, e

duca

tion,

tou

rist

visi

tor

focu

s

Gui

ded

wal

ks h

ave

attr

acte

d a

sign

ifica

nt n

umbe

r on

non

loca

ls

Gar

dens

vis

itatio

n im

prov

ed w

hile

att

endi

ng o

ther

eve

nts

Rol

e of

eve

nts

impo

rtan

t, w

eddi

ng 8

0 t

o 150 a

tten

ding

, co

nfer

ence

s up

to

200 a

tten

ding

, fa

cilit

ies

limit

func

tion

use

4.0

3P

M S

ESSIO

N –

ID

EAS D

ISC

USS

ED

Abov

e gr

oup

+ F

rien

ds o

f th

e B

otan

ic G

arde

ns (ap

prox

. 18

-20

pax

.) Ad

ditio

nal f

riend

s w

ere

intr

oduc

ed t

o th

e ex

istin

g gr

oup

and

the

sam

e qu

estio

ns w

ere

pres

ente

d fo

r an

op

en for

um r

espo

nse.

R

ESP

ON

SES

C

urre

nt r

ole

is p

rimar

ily a

rec

reat

ion

role

with

a s

cien

ce o

verla

y –

mor

e fo

cus

is r

equi

red

in t

he

scie

ntifi

c re

sear

ch a

nd a

lead

er a

ppoi

nted

with

a b

otan

ist

back

grou

nd.

Nee

ds m

ore

scie

nce

with

out

redu

cing

rec

reat

ion

and

com

mun

ity a

ctiv

ities

If

scie

nce

is t

o ha

ve a

rol

e th

e pe

rson

in c

harg

e ne

eds

a sc

ient

ific

back

grou

nd

Adeq

uate

pro

ject

s an

d st

agin

g w

ill r

ejuv

enat

e th

e Fr

iend

s of

the

Gar

dens

gro

up t

o pa

rtic

ipat

e.

This

can

be

refle

cted

in a

prio

ritis

ed im

plem

enta

tion

plan

in t

he m

aste

r pl

an.

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 9

Prop

er m

anag

emen

t of

vol

unte

ers

very

impo

rtan

t To

p re

gion

al a

ttra

ctio

n –

this

is a

key

foc

us o

f th

e ob

ject

ive,

wha

t ca

n be

don

e?

Mai

nten

ance

– p

erfe

ct m

aint

enan

ce n

ot a

lway

s ac

hiev

able

with

cur

rent

sta

ffin

g an

d tim

e co

nstr

aint

s. S

ched

ulin

g is

req

uire

d to

man

age

differ

ent

area

s an

d/or

sta

ff in

crea

sed.

C

an fun

ding

be

gene

rate

d fr

om h

ostin

g m

ore

even

ts in

the

gar

dens

? R

even

ue fro

m c

urre

nt

even

ts d

oes

not

com

e di

rect

ly b

ack

to t

he g

arde

ns a

t pr

esen

t an

d cu

rren

tly g

oes

into

Cou

ncil

reve

nue.

Th

e pr

ecin

ct o

f th

e ga

rden

s, in

clud

ing

the

appr

oach

fro

m s

urro

undi

ng s

tree

ts, is

an

impo

rtan

t pa

rt o

f th

e m

arke

ting

and

disp

lay

of t

he g

arde

ns t

o th

e pu

blic

. Th

is is

par

ticul

arly

rel

evan

t to

the

ne

w n

orth

ern

dist

ribut

or r

oad

and

oper

atio

nal l

and

clas

sific

atio

n to

site

on

the

corn

er.

Rol

e , liv

ing

colle

ctio

n –

herb

ariu

m –

see

d ba

nk

Sci

ence

to

be a

n im

port

ant

over

lay

to r

ecre

atio

n S

cien

ce n

eeds

to

rela

te a

nd in

terf

ace

with

oth

er r

egio

nal g

arde

ns

Man

agem

ent

and

prep

arat

ion

of a

nnua

l mas

ter

plan

ning

of vo

lunt

eer

proj

ects

with

goo

d pu

blic

ity

is im

port

ant

and

wou

ld a

ttra

ct a

dditi

onal

vol

unte

ers

In t

he la

st 1

5 y

ears

the

re h

as b

een

no n

ew d

evel

opm

ents

S

taff -

ther

e ne

eds

to b

e at

leas

t 6

Man

ager

/sup

ervi

sor

with

goo

d m

otiv

atio

nal s

kills

nee

ded

How

can

the

pla

nnin

g be

on

a gr

and

scal

e w

ith n

o w

ater

M

aste

r Pl

an t

o id

entif

y ar

eas

that

are

to

be w

ater

ed a

nd le

ft u

nwat

ered

N

eed

to p

riorit

ise

area

s an

d le

vels

of m

aint

enan

ce

Sta

ffin

g pr

oble

ms

cant

con

tinue

if g

arde

ns a

re t

o su

rviv

e M

aste

r Pl

an t

o id

entif

y m

echa

nism

pro

cess

for

fut

ure

incl

usio

n of

new

pro

ject

s no

t id

entif

ied

Cou

ncil

need

s to

pre

pare

a y

early

man

agem

ent

plan

for

the

gar

dens

Volu

ntee

rs a

re u

nder

util

ised

Th

ere

is a

lack

of m

anag

emen

t of

vol

unte

ers

i.e. su

mm

er h

olid

ays

whe

n st

aff al

l tak

e ho

liday

s N

eed

to s

ecur

e a

relia

ble

wat

er s

uppl

y, a

dditi

onal

bor

e, w

etla

nds,

wat

er h

arve

stin

g H

ow t

o ge

t C

ounc

il to

fun

d pr

ojec

ts a

nd s

taff for

the

gar

dens

Vi

sita

tion

num

bers

nee

to

be c

olle

cted

and

pre

sent

ed t

o C

ounc

il C

ounc

illor

s ne

ed t

o be

invi

ted

to e

vent

s, o

peni

ngs

at g

arde

ns

Nee

d fo

r a

hydr

olog

y st

udy

need

s to

be

put

to C

ounc

il Fu

nds

rais

ed b

y G

arde

n Pa

rtie

s go

in t

o ge

nera

l rev

enue

, so

me

need

s to

rem

ain

in g

arde

ns

Whe

n w

eddi

ng a

nd g

arde

n pa

rtie

s ar

e he

ld fun

ds r

aise

d ne

ed t

o be

inve

sted

in g

arde

ns

Fund

ing

need

s to

be

dire

cted

mor

e to

pla

ntin

g th

an in

fras

truc

ture

M

aste

r Pl

an n

eeds

to

reco

mm

end

fund

ing

prio

ritie

s Th

e ro

le o

f th

e ga

rden

s is

cha

ngin

g w

ith t

he n

ew b

ypas

s ro

ad w

ith m

ore

casu

al v

isito

rs a

nd

mor

e vi

sito

rs t

o ad

vent

ure

play

grou

nd a

nd fut

ure

plan

etar

ium

H

ow t

o at

trac

t m

ore

casu

al v

isito

rs

Visu

al a

ppea

ranc

e of

arr

ival

is v

ery

impo

rtan

t fo

r vi

sito

rs

Mas

ter

Plan

nee

ds t

o lo

ok a

t pr

ecin

ct a

nd r

elat

ions

hips

as

a w

hole

B

ound

arie

s of

the

gar

dens

nee

d to

be

prot

ecte

d Tr

iang

ular

par

cel o

f la

nd n

orth

of ga

rden

s zo

ned

as r

esid

entia

l prio

r to

2007 t

hen

clas

sifie

d as

op

erat

iona

l as

oppo

sed

to c

omm

unity

land

, co

uld

be d

esig

nate

d fo

r pu

rpos

e i.e

. w

etla

nds

or

build

ings

A

full

writ

ten

subm

issi

on w

as r

ecei

ved

by P

iers

Ban

naty

ne (FO

BG

) –

this

is a

ttac

hed

in A

ppen

dix

of t

his

repo

rt.

5.0

4P

M-6

PM

SES

SIO

N –

GR

OU

P W

OR

KS

HO

P A

ND

PR

ESEN

TATI

ON

Ab

ove

2 g

roup

s +

pub

lic a

nd n

eigh

bour

s (a

ppro

x. 1

9-2

2 p

ax.)

All p

artic

ipan

ts w

ere

wel

com

ed b

y N

igel

Hob

den

on b

ehal

f of

Cou

ncil

and

Lisa

Hea

ther

s ta

lked

to

a br

ief

Pow

erpo

int

pres

enta

tion

whi

ch s

umm

aris

ed t

he o

bjec

tives

of th

e O

rang

e B

otan

ic G

arde

ns a

nd t

he

inte

nded

vis

ion.

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 1

0

Part

icip

ants

bro

ke in

to 4

gro

ups

of 4

-6 p

erso

ns a

nd w

ere

aske

d to

add

ress

the

mas

ter

plan

que

stio

ns

and

prov

ide

som

e de

sign

dis

cuss

ion

and

resp

onse

. Th

ese

resp

onse

s ar

e su

mm

aris

ed b

elow

. G

RO

UP

1

(Joh

n, C

olin

, Pa

tric

ia, M

aria

) •

Inte

grat

e S

aplin

gs C

afé

with

the

gar

dens

– it

is t

oo far

aw

ay fro

m t

he g

arde

ns in

its

curr

ent

loca

tion

• En

cour

age

visi

tatio

n •

Entr

y/ex

it cl

ose

to a

cces

s po

int

for

the

elde

rly

• S

how

case

att

ract

ive

‘dis

play

s’ a

t th

e en

try

for

disa

bled

pat

rons

of th

e ga

rden

s •

Sto

rmw

ater

man

agem

ent

impo

rtan

t –

cont

our

bank

ing,

sto

p w

ashi

ng a

way

of fo

otpa

th, co

ntou

r ba

nkin

g ca

n be

don

e ef

fect

ivel

y no

t to

be

visu

ally

intr

usiv

e •

Clim

ate

chan

ge –

equ

als

lack

of w

ater

, ho

tter

tem

pera

ture

s an

d hi

gher

qua

ntity

of st

orm

act

ivity

•

Sto

rmw

ater

har

vest

ing

from

tan

ks for

the

fun

ctio

n ce

ntre

roo

f, o

r un

derg

roun

d ta

nks

• Fu

nctio

n ce

ntre

– c

love

r hi

ll la

ndsc

ape

impo

rtan

t as

it is

a h

ighl

y vi

sibl

e en

try

• Fa

ce o

f th

e ga

rden

s w

ill b

e th

e no

rthe

rn d

istr

ibut

or in

the

fut

ure

– po

ssib

ly a

res

t ar

ea in

thi

s lo

catio

n. T

he t

riang

ular

land

nor

th o

f ga

rden

s is

the

fac

e of

the

gar

dens

. •

Ove

rhea

d cr

ossi

ng t

o hi

ghw

ay for

fut

ure

scho

ol c

hild

ren

acce

ss –

loca

tion

to b

e co

nsid

ered

in

line

in m

aste

r pl

an

• Th

e m

essa

ge o

f th

e ga

rden

s sh

ould

be

that

it is

a n

ice

plac

e w

hich

offer

s so

met

hing

spe

cial

or

uniq

ue t

han

othe

r pa

rts

of O

rang

e or

the

reg

ion

Writ

ten

resp

onse

s M

aste

r pl

an q

uest

ions

1.

Wha

t do

you

thi

nk is

the

rol

e of

thi

s B

otan

ic G

arde

ns c

urre

ntly

and

wha

t do

you

see

as

the

futu

re

role

s?

- To

sho

wca

se a

gre

ater

var

iety

of pl

ants

bot

h na

tive

and

exot

ic e

g. J

apan

ese.

The

se c

old

clim

ate

spec

ies

do w

ell a

nd lo

ok a

ttra

ctiv

e.

- To

pro

vide

hab

itat

for

bird

s an

d an

imal

s ie

. m

ore

unde

rsto

rey

plan

tings

-

To p

rovi

de a

ttra

ctiv

e en

viro

nmen

t fo

r pa

ssiv

e re

crea

tion

loca

ted

away

fro

m t

own

cent

re

- Ve

nue

for

ente

rtai

nmen

t 2.

Wha

t do

you

thi

nk w

ill b

e th

e im

pact

of cl

imat

e ch

ange

on

the

Gar

dens

, an

d ho

w t

his

will

impa

ct t

he

role

? -

Lack

of w

ater

will

lead

to

mor

e pl

ant

failu

res

- C

olle

ct r

oof w

ater

for

ros

e ga

rden

-

Plan

t se

lect

ion

will

be

limite

d by

wat

er s

uppl

y -

Avoi

d pa

th w

ash

outs

by

impr

ovin

g dr

aina

ge o

r sc

alin

g to

the

ban

ks –

will

als

o as

sist

in w

ater

co

llect

ion

3.

Wha

t m

essa

ges

do y

ou t

hink

the

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

sho

uld

give

, an

d ho

w s

houl

d th

ey b

e de

liver

ed?

- Pr

ovid

e a

plea

sant

ref

resh

ing

expe

rienc

e -

Educ

atio

n of

sch

ool c

hild

ren

– lia

ise

with

tea

cher

s an

d cu

rric

ulum

-

Mor

e si

gnag

e fo

r ed

ucat

ion/

info

rmat

ion

(adu

lts a

nd c

hild

ren)

4.

Wha

t ot

her

role

s w

ould

you

like

to

see

the

Ora

nge

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

bei

ng a

ble

to o

ffer

the

co

mm

unity

and

vis

itors

? -

Impr

ove

mai

nten

ance

– t

o al

low

for

hig

her

stan

dard

-

Incr

ease

sta

ff

- Im

prov

e pa

ths

– m

ake

whe

elch

air

acce

ssib

le a

nd r

esto

re s

hort

cut

pat

hway

s -

Impr

ove

drai

nage

ban

ks –

mor

e at

trac

tive

- Ey

e ca

tchi

ng d

ispl

ays

eg. R

oses

nea

r en

tran

ce

- To

pro

vide

ref

resh

men

ts a

nd s

hopp

ing

outle

t lik

e G

uild

ry (fo

r ar

ts a

nd c

raft

out

let)

-

Sap

lings

Caf

é to

be

bett

er in

tegr

ated

with

gar

dens

-

Inte

grat

e ad

vent

ure

play

grou

nd, ca

fé, ca

r pa

rk in

to t

he m

ain

gard

en

- Ve

nue

for

picn

ics

– in

trod

uce

tabl

es a

nd c

hair

sett

ings

-

Venu

e fo

r w

eddi

ngs

– m

ake

envi

ronm

ent

mor

e at

trac

tive

and

mak

e ar

ea a

roun

d fu

nctio

n ce

ntre

m

ore

attr

activ

e

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 1

1

- Ar

ea a

roun

d ad

vent

ure

play

grou

nd c

ould

be

used

for

com

poun

d or

pro

poga

tion

area

-

Mak

e re

st a

rea

(with

pic

nic

tabl

es) on

cor

ner

faci

ng n

ew d

istr

ibut

or r

oad

- O

ne w

ay c

ar p

ark

syst

em g

ood

idea

G

RO

UP

2

(Jan

et, C

ol, -[l

ibby

?], -[s

usan

])

• Po

ssib

ly lo

cate

an

old

scho

ol h

ouse

bui

ldin

g ne

ar t

he c

hape

l bui

ldin

g as

an

educ

atio

nal f

acili

ty

• Pr

ovid

e ed

ucat

ion

to t

he C

ounc

illor

s –

lobb

y an

d in

vite

to

func

tions

and

eve

nts

• Ev

ents

in t

he g

arde

ns –

req

uire

s m

aint

enan

ce, cr

eate

s m

ess

and

tidy

up

• C

omm

unity

eve

nts

in t

he g

arde

ns a

re g

reat

and

sho

uld

be e

ncou

rage

d –

even

if it

mea

ns

addi

tiona

l mai

nten

ance

req

uire

men

ts t

o be

sup

plie

d •

All p

eopl

e of

the

com

mun

ity s

houl

d ge

t so

met

hing

out

of th

e ga

rden

s •

Picn

ic a

reas

and

she

lters

are

a g

ood

idea

– h

owev

er c

reat

es e

xtra

mai

nten

ance

cos

ts

• Ed

ucat

ion

– us

e th

e bo

tani

c ga

rden

s as

a t

ool i

n th

e de

velo

pmen

t of

sch

ool c

urric

ulum

•

Sig

nage

– s

ome

mor

e w

ould

be

usef

ul, ho

wev

er n

ot t

oo m

any

and

wel

l pla

ced

at k

ey lo

catio

ns,

vand

alis

m c

ould

be

a pr

oble

m in

mai

ntai

ning

the

sig

ns

• Pl

ant

mas

ter

plan

req

uire

d as

a la

yer

of t

he o

vera

ll m

aste

r pl

an

• An

are

a of

pla

nts

whi

ch c

an c

opy

with

clim

ate

chan

ge ie

. a

wat

er w

ise

gard

en

• Th

e pl

ants

sho

uld

incl

ude

a sh

owca

se o

f lo

cal p

lant

s an

d/or

pla

nts

whi

ch a

re s

uita

ble

to t

he

Ora

nge

regi

on (eg

. Th

e ra

nge

Bun

ning

s nu

rser

y st

ocke

d w

hen

it fir

st o

pene

d w

as in

appr

opria

te)

• Lo

cally

pro

paga

ted

plan

ts (na

tive)

•

Fund

ing

sour

ce for

the

gar

dens

– m

oney

is k

ey in

dev

elop

ing

man

y of

the

idea

s •

Hyd

rolo

gy s

tudy

req

uire

d W

ritte

n re

spon

ses

Mas

ter

plan

que

stio

ns

1.

Wha

t do

you

thi

nk is

the

rol

e of

thi

s B

otan

ic G

arde

ns c

urre

ntly

and

wha

t do

you

see

as

the

futu

re

role

s?

- Th

e D

isco

very

Cen

tre

shou

ld h

ave

a gr

eate

r ed

ucat

iona

l exh

ibiti

on r

ole

- S

how

case

wha

t pl

ants

gro

w in

Ora

nge

- Le

arni

ng p

rogr

ams

in t

he c

hild

ren’

s ar

ea

2.

Wha

t do

you

thi

nk w

ill b

e th

e im

pact

of cl

imat

e ch

ange

on

the

Gar

dens

, an

d ho

w t

his

will

impa

ct t

he

role

? -

Incr

easi

ngly

diff

icul

t to

mai

ntai

n ex

istin

g pl

antin

gs –

we

shou

ld u

se p

lant

s w

hich

cop

e w

ith le

ss

wat

er –

the

gar

dens

sho

uld

have

a r

ole

in a

dvis

ing

whi

ch p

lant

s ar

e su

itabl

e fo

r a

drye

r cl

imat

e -

Hyd

rolo

gy s

tudy

3.

Wha

t m

essa

ges

do y

ou t

hink

the

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

sho

uld

give

, an

d ho

w s

houl

d th

ey b

e de

liver

ed?

- Th

e ga

rden

s av

aila

ble

to h

ouse

com

mun

ity e

vent

s -

OB

G v

alue

s co

mm

unity

invo

lvem

ent

4.

Wha

t ot

her

role

s w

ould

you

like

to

see

the

Ora

nge

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

bei

ng a

ble

to o

ffer

the

co

mm

unity

and

vis

itors

? -

Cre

ate

an a

ttra

ctiv

e pa

rkin

g ba

y -

Picn

ic a

reas

wou

ld b

e ni

ce –

sta

ff r

espo

nsib

ility

to

mai

ntai

n -

Prov

ide

plan

ts for

the

com

mun

ity t

hat

grow

and

hav

e be

en p

ropa

gate

d lo

cally

-

Bet

ter

educ

atio

n to

Cou

ncill

ors

GR

OU

P 3

(A

lison

, Ja

mes

, C

raig

, S

imon

, Pi

ers)

•

The

gard

ens

is a

nic

e pl

ace

to w

alk

a do

g –

leas

h fr

ee a

rea

sugg

este

d •

Nat

ural

set

ting

is a

n at

trib

ute,

Coo

k Pa

rk is

a m

ore

form

al p

ark

in c

ompa

rison

•

Cof

fee

shop

in t

he g

arde

ns t

o en

cour

age

visi

tatio

n •

Clim

ate

chan

ge –

we

thin

k th

at p

lant

s w

ill a

dapt

to

clim

ate

chan

ge b

ut m

ay r

equi

re s

ome

help

su

ch a

s ad

ditio

nal w

ater

ing

in v

ery

dry

perio

ds

• Th

e m

essa

ge s

houl

d be

tha

t th

e ga

rden

s ha

s so

met

hing

for

eve

ryon

e •

Educ

atio

n –

very

impo

rtan

t fo

r fu

ture

via

bilit

y –

scho

ol e

xcur

sion

s to

the

gar

dens

enc

oura

ged

• Vi

sito

r ce

ntre

– n

eeds

to

be a

lway

s op

en a

nd s

uppl

y fo

od

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 1

2

• B

otan

ic e

xhib

ition

s –

spec

ialis

t ex

hibi

tions

•

Even

ts a

re g

ood

in t

he g

arde

ns a

s th

ey e

ncou

rage

vis

itatio

n •

Mor

e in

terp

retiv

e si

gnag

e re

quire

d fo

r ed

ucat

ion

and

info

rmat

ion

shar

ing

• W

ater

pum

ping

req

uire

d ie

. hy

drol

ogy

stud

y •

Mor

e pa

thw

ays

• 2 N

o. c

urre

nt e

ntrie

s ar

e go

od, w

ith a

dditi

onal

link

fro

m a

dven

ture

pla

ygro

und

Writ

ten

resp

onse

s M

aste

r pl

an q

uest

ions

1.

Wha

t do

you

thi

nk is

the

rol

e of

thi

s B

otan

ic G

arde

ns c

urre

ntly

and

wha

t do

you

see

as

the

futu

re

role

s?

- A

grea

t ve

nue

for

func

tions

-

Bot

anic

con

tent

2.

Wha

t do

you

thi

nk w

ill b

e th

e im

pact

of cl

imat

e ch

ange

on

the

Gar

dens

, an

d ho

w t

his

will

impa

ct t

he

role

? -

Area

sho

uld

rem

ain

gree

n -

Enco

urag

e th

e ga

rden

to

surv

ive

clim

ate

chan

ge a

nd d

roug

ht b

y ha

rves

ting

wat

er, po

ssib

le b

ore

etc.

-

Mak

e pl

antin

gs le

ss w

ater

dep

enda

nt

- S

torm

wat

er fro

m s

urro

undi

ng r

oads

and

hou

se r

oofs

cou

ld b

e us

ed

3.

Wha

t m

essa

ges

do y

ou t

hink

the

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

sho

uld

give

, an

d ho

w s

houl

d th

ey b

e de

liver

ed?

- A

wel

com

ing

envi

ronm

ent

for

ever

yone

-

Has

to

have

som

ethi

ng for

eve

ryon

e -

Mor

e th

at w

hat

you

have

in n

atur

e 4.

Wha

t ot

her

role

s w

ould

you

like

to

see

the

Ora

nge

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

bei

ng a

ble

to o

ffer

the

co

mm

unity

and

vis

itors

? -

Bet

ter

educ

atio

n fa

cilit

ies

for

plan

ts a

nd e

cosy

stem

s –

scho

ols

and

TAFE

to

have

exc

ursi

ons

- W

elco

min

g vi

sito

r ce

ntre

– in

clud

ing

mer

chan

disi

ng a

nd foo

d -

Rem

ain

a gr

een

spac

e -

Bot

anic

dis

play

s an

d ex

hibi

tions

-

Con

tinue

eve

nts

in t

he g

arde

ns

- M

ore

inte

rpre

tatio

n of

livi

ng c

olle

ctio

ns w

ith s

igna

ge e

tc.

Oth

er g

ener

al c

omm

ents

-

Enha

nce

exis

ting

wat

er fea

ture

to

budg

et c

onst

rain

ts –

pos

sibl

y in

trod

uce

fish

in t

he la

ke

- R

eviv

e th

e w

ater

flo

w in

the

cre

ek a

nd p

onds

-

Prov

ide

mor

e pa

thw

ays

- 2 N

o. e

xist

ing

entr

ies

ok –

but

hav

e a

link

from

adv

entu

re p

layg

roun

d to

gar

dens

-

Leas

h fr

ee a

rea

for

dogs

G

RO

UP

4

(Tra

cy, K

aren

, N

ick,

Cat

hy, D

avid

, -?

) •

Out

door

edu

catio

n to

be

enco

urag

ed in

the

gar

dens

•

Envi

ronm

enta

l sci

entis

t em

ploy

ed t

o ru

n ed

ucat

ion

for

11-1

7 y

ears

age

gro

up (du

e to

ext

ende

d re

quire

d sc

hool

leav

ing

age)

•

Bus

h tu

cker

gar

den

• Ve

ge g

arde

n an

d ki

tche

n fa

cilit

y –

seed

, pl

ant,

gro

w, ea

t w

hich

con

trib

utes

to

a su

stai

nabl

e pr

oduc

tion

and

food

sec

urity

age

nda

ie. 100 m

ile d

iet

• Th

ings

the

gar

dens

are

use

d fo

r: e

duca

tion,

mus

ic, ex

erci

se, w

eddi

ngs,

pho

tos,

pas

sive

re

crea

tion

• M

ore

mar

ketin

g to

sch

ools

•

Mar

ket

stal

ls –

gar

den

mar

ket

day

• D

isad

vant

aged

acc

ess

area

•

Clim

ate

chan

ge g

arde

ns ie

. w

ater

wis

e pl

antin

g se

ctio

n •

Cen

tral

tab

lela

nds

– re

gion

al a

rea

as s

cope

for

see

d pr

opog

atio

n •

Educ

atio

n ab

out

the

envi

ronm

ent

– no

t ju

st a

bout

bot

any

and

plan

ts

Con

sulta

tion

Sum

mar

y R

epor

t O

rang

e Bo

tani

c G

arde

ns M

aste

r Pla

n Pa

ge 1

3

• Fa

ct s

heet

s ar

e ex

celle

nt (

part

icul

arly

nat

ive

gras

ses

shee

t) –

mor

e fa

ct s

heet

s an

d po

ssib

ly

scho

ol c

urric

ulum

pla

nt b

ookl

ets

with

tic

k bo

xes

• Pr

omot

ion

of t

he 4

sea

sons

– 4

sea

sons

gar

den

• ‘c

olou

r ci

ty’ th

eme

to b

e pr

omot

ed

• B

ush

tuck

er w

alks

•

Educ

atio

n th

e m

ost

impo

rtan

t m

essa

ge t

he g

arde

ns s

houl

d of

fer

• N

atur

al b

uria

ls

• Pa

rkin

g –

this

is a

big

pro

blem

in e

vent

s an

d pe

dest

rian

acce

ss o

utsi

de t

he g

ates

is a

pro

blem

•

Idea

for

the

me/

info

rmat

ion

- ‘w

hat

hone

y co

mes

fro

m w

hat

tree

’ W

ritte

n re

spon

ses

Mas

ter

plan

que

stio

ns

1.

Wha

t do

you

thi

nk is

the

rol

e of

thi

s B

otan

ic G

arde

ns c

urre

ntly

and

wha

t do

you

see

as

the

futu

re

role

s?

- Ed

ucat

ion

– st

aff ar

e re

quire

d to

ens

ure

this

is d

one

prop

erly

-

Mus

ic is

a c

urre

nt r

ole

of t

he g

arde

ns

- Ex

erci

se –

pas

sive

use

and

pas

sive

rec

reat

ion

- B

ird w

atch

ing

(req

uire

s si

lenc

e)

- W

eddi

ng a

nd p

hoto

s im

port

ant

role

of th

e ga

rden

s -

Mar

ketin

g –

tell

peop

le a

bout

the

gar

dens

(re

gion

al t

ouris

m)

- M

arke

t da

y –

a to

ol t

o pr

ovid

e ed

ucat

ion

and

back

grou

nd

2.

Wha

t do

you

thi

nk w

ill b

e th

e im

pact

of cl

imat

e ch

ange

on

the

Gar

dens

, an

d ho

w t

his

will

impa

ct t

he

role

? -

Educ

atio

n pl

ays

a ke

y ro

le in

tea

chin

g th

e co

mm

unity

abo

ut c

limat

e ch

ange

– s

usta

inab

ly

dyna

mic

app

roac

h -

Sus

tain

able

pro

duct

ion

– fo

od s

ecur

ity e

duca

tion,

eat

ing

seas

onal

ly

- W

ater

wis

e ga

rden

s -

Har

vest

wat

er fro

m r

oofs

-

May

hav

e to

use

pla

nts

from

the

Cen

tral

Tab

lela

nds

rath

er t

han

just

Ora

nge

plan

ts

- Fo

od e

duca

tion

– 100 m

ile d

iet

- B

uild

a p

lant

eco

syst

em in

the

gar

dens

-

Sta

ffin

g –

empl

oy a

n en

viro

nmen

tal s

cien

tist

eg. K

elso

env

ironm

enta

l cla

sses

3.

Wha

t m

essa

ges

do y

ou t

hink

the

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

sho

uld

give

, an

d ho

w s

houl

d th

ey b

e de

liver

ed?

- G

row

pla

nts

and

food

sus

tain

ably

-

Educ

atio

n ab

out

curr

ent

bota

nic

gard

ens

feat

ures

-

Not

just

abo

ut p

lant

s –

ther

e is

mor

e to

dis

cove

r at

the

gar

dens

(ki

tes,

mus

ic, ot

her

stuf

f, fam

ily

outin

gs)

- 4 s

easo

ns –

pro

mot

e th

e ch

ange

in s

easo

n th

roug

h pl

ants

-

Mul

ticul

tura

l com

mun

ity –

do

the

gard

ens

refle

ct t

he g

row

ing

Afric

an c

omm

unity

in O

rang

e?

4.

Wha

t ot

her

role

s w

ould

you

like

to

see

the

Ora

nge

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

bei

ng a

ble

to o

ffer

the

co

mm

unity

and

vis

itors

? -

Bus

h tu

cker

wal

ks –

thi

s ha

s be

en d

one

in o

ther

are

as, re

sear

ch r

equi

red

to g

et a

goo

d fr

amew

ork

if th

is w

as t

o go

ahe

ad

- Ed

ucat

ion

fact

she

ets

– w

ith t

ick

boxe

s fo

r ch

ildre

n to

use

on

excu

rsio

ns (sc

hool

cur

ricul

um)

- W

hat

do t

he g

arde

ns o

ffer

the

who

le c

omm

unity

? Ed

ucat

ion

is k

ey.

- Ed

ucat

ion

on p

lant

s, foo

d, a

nim

als,

bird

s, c

ycle

of lif

e.

Oth

er g

ener

al c

omm

ents

-

Dis

able

d ac

cess

– n

ot c

urre

ntly

ach

ieve

d fo

r th

e ga

rden

s -

‘ant

col

ony’

-

‘wha

t ho

ney

com

es fro

m w

hat

tree

’ -

Nat

ural

bur

ials

(op

tion

see

ww

w.n

atur

albu

rials

.com

.au)

-

Mt

Can

obol

as g

arde

ns r

equi

red

revi

talis

ing

– in

clud

ing

colle

ctio

n of

new

see

d st

ock

from

the

m

ount

ain

– th

is c

ould

als

o as

sist

in d

evel

opin

g a

popu

latio

n of

end

ange

red

plan

ts o

f th

e m

ount

ain.

The

re is

a g

ood

exam

ple

of E

ucal

yptu

s m

ellio

dora

in t

he M

t C

anob

olas

sec

tion

– pl

ease

don

’t r

emov

e th

em.

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