Masterplan

Our vision:

To be recognised by the community, our visitors and the wider botanical and horticultural fraternities as a responsible repository of Australian plants, particularly those of the surrounding bioregion.

Our mission:

We are committed to manage and operate the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens to display, preserve, research and interpret the botanical and horticultural values of the regional flora in a facility that enhances public enjoyment while increasing knowledge of and cultural links to the plant kingdom.

Principal objectives:

  • To work towards key aims of sustainability, conservation and education about flora under guidelines adopted by Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI);
  • To identify and promote the potential of the regional flora in ornamental horticulture;
  • To propagate and grow threatened flora for its preservation and research;
  • To establish themed displays that increase knowledge and appreciation of plants through cultivation, research and interpretation;
  • To engage and be recognised by the community, our visitors and the wider botanical and horticultural fraternities for botanical & horticultural excellence;
  • To identify and where feasible and/or appropriate, incorporate specific environments that do not occur on the Lagoons site as annexes in order to provide optimum opportunity for research and development;
  • To establish and maintain an invaluable community facility that enhances lifestyle and assists in establishing a strong 'sense of place' through the use of regional plant species:

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens' Masterplan

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Master Plan 2010, is an updated version of the previous 2000 plan; to ensure it meets today's community, financial and environmental considerations.

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Master Plan 2000 detailed the development of the new botanic gardens for the city and contained detailed investigations, financial planning and conceptual designs for the staged development of the site. In 2000 the overall development of the gardens was estimated at $14 million in a series of 10 development stages.

Following the construction of Stage Two of the botanic gardens development, the Botanic Gardens Reference Group advocated a review be conducted of the Master Plan to incorporate the development to date, and provide a guide for future development of the gardens, including the financial implications of the proposed work.

The revised Master Plan produced in consultation with gardens staff, community representatives and specialist horticultural groups ensures the completion of all works on the Lagoon Street and Nebo Road side of the Lagoons and puts in place an innovative vision for the area to the west of the Lagoons which will incorporate, water features, pathways, interpretive features, an entertainment precinct, car parking and connectivity to the entire gardens. The completion of the revised Master Plan is projected to cost $16.42 million.

Click here to download the Master Plan and the Appendices