Botanic gardens a step closer to fruition

Investigations into a "world-class” botanic gardens have begun, with the council agreeing to consider the proposal.

PROGRESS: Jim Wilkinson and Helen Gibson at the proposed botanic garden site. Picture: Matthew Purcell

INVESTIGATIONS into a "world-class” botanic gardens have begun, with the council agreeing to consider the proposal.

Key proponents Jim Wilkinson and Helen Gibson met with councillors and council staff recently to plan a path to realisation.

"They discussed the concept, possible locations and potential design,” a council representative said.

"Councillors agreed council officers would consider the project's potential and the opportunity available based upon the information kindly provided by Mr Wilkinson.

"Council officers will now work on a draft preliminary plan and project costing to be considered as a part of the 2019-20 budget.

"The ideas put forward by Mr Wilkinson and MsGibson are visionary and council is committed to supporting projects which enhance our parks and open spaces.

"The draft plan and project costings will be a part of the community consultation undertaken by council as a part of the budget process in the coming months.”

For Mr Wilkinson, the agreement in principle is the culmination of four and a half years of work.

"I'm relieved because I mightn't have to keep a big pile of papers in the spare room for much longer.”

In his discussions with the council, Mr Wilkinson expressed how vital it was the project be done to a high standard.

"The overriding thing I asked them was that we need to get an agreement in principle that you're actually going to go ahead with it, otherwise you shouldn't start at all. The other thing I pointed out was unless they're going to aim for a world-class facility, they shouldn't start either. The community deserves better than just a half-baked botanic gardens.”

Mr Wilkinson said his conversation with the council was reassuring.

"I have to be honest and say the CEO (David Keenan) was very generous in his comments. He said he'd make sure we got the thing off the ground.

"But as we know, agreements in principle are only as good as the dollars put on the table. If they say we have to put it back another two or three years because we can't afford it, they're the sort of things you've got to keep in the back of your mind.

"But I didn't get that feeling (on) Wednesday. They all seemed unanimous and keen to get on with it,” he said.

The proposed site for the gardens would be along Quart Pot Creek between Lock St and Brittania St.

Originally published as Botanic gardens a step closer to fruition