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Feasibility Study
Executive Summary 2004

 
 
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ABN:53715421623
Inc No.: A00450772

Melton Botanic Garden Feasibility Study: Where to from here?
Report compiled by Isobel Keecher - June 2004

This report investigates aspects relating to a proposed botanic garden for the Melton township area.  It analyses potential sites, their benefits and limitations, as well as possible corporate partnerships. A case study of four botanic gardens detailing their location, size and management structures was also undertaken. The study also analyses the wider reaching community benefits that could flow from the development of a botanic garden in Melton in areas such as:

  • Education
  • Employment
  • Tourism
  • Economic Development

A community survey was also conducted. The data for this report predominantly resulted from primary research, such as interviews and a community survey, secondary sources were also  

Conclusions:

  • This study revealed that the Town Centre Park (TCP) was the ideal site for a botanic garden. Failing this option the study found that the regional park linear site in Melton South, along the Toolern creek, was the next optimum site.
  • An examination of the three proposed sites discovered that each site had its own particular benefits and limitations. These included, access to water, possible linkages to other parks and existing flora and remnant vegetation. This report suggests strategic locations need to allow for partnerships with other groups (potential partners), such as investment development groups and Melton's equine fraternity.
  • A botanic garden in Melton would become an important and well resourced educational facility. Particularly since there has been an increased interest and demand for botanical and horticultural type training within the region.
  • The establishment of a unique botanic garden may be a crucial factor in developing Melton as a popular tourist destination. Furthermore, a botanic garden in Melton would effectively benefit the garden and its surrounding district economically.
  • A case study of four Victorian botanic gardens revealed that each has its own distinct methods of managing and sustaining itself. However, the most important aspect of maintaining a botanic garden's success was a high level of community involvement.
Major Recommendations:
  1. That the Town Centre Park (TCP) be seriously considered as the preferred botanic garden site because of its previous botanic garden status, its established infrastructure, sample raw water supply, support from the adjoining developer and overwhelming community backing.
  2. That Melton Shire Council (MSC) be approached seeking its support for the TCP as the preferred site for a botanic garden in Melton
  3. That the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden (FMBG) be invited to submit a report to MSC highlighting their interest in the TCP as being the preferred site for a Melton botanic garden.
  4. That failing the TCP option receiving Council support, that Parks Victoria be approached by the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden (FMBG) seeking the inclusion of a botanic garden within the Melton South Parks Victoria regional park (Toolern Creek) site and that Melton Council also be approached seeking its support for this second preferred option.
  5. That Melton's equine fraternity be invited to participate in the development of a Melton botanic garden.
  6. That corporate bodies like Parks Victoria, Melton Council, TXU, Western Water and others be approached seeking their involvement and support of a botanic garden project in the Melton township area. 
  7. That Parks Victoria's decision to proceed with the Eastern regional park first be challenged on the basis of equity and that the Member for Melton in conjunction with MSC, seek that the Melton township regional park site receive priority.

Complete List of Recommendations

  1. That consideration be given to developing a Melton botanic garden that uses water efficient methods that are environmentally sustainable.
  2. That University students again be sought to help design a botanic garden for Melton.
  3. That developer Westwater Company be contacted to follow up on its offer to contribute significant funding for a botanic garden should the TCP be approved as the Melton botanic garden site.
  4. That developer Westwater be contacted regarding its suggestion of writing letters of support to both MSC and the relevant state Minister for a botanic garden within the TCP site.
  5. That suggestions by SOM officers, including the CEO that the TCP may be suitable for a Melton botanic garden be further explored.
    Should the TCP be approved as the botanic garden site, that Mr Cope's suggestion of the potential for both native and exotic plants be considered in its design.
  6. That the SOM be immediately contacted to ensure that the LOSS strategy include consideration of a botanic garden at the TCP or another suitable site.
  7. The MEPG be approached seeking their interest in the development of a Melton botanic garden.
  8. A submission seeking approval of a Melton botanic garden coexisting with the Melton township regional park be sent to Parks Victoria.
  9. The FMBG committee consider Parks Victoria's suggestion that if a botanic garden was approved within the Melton township regional park, it needs to address the issue of minimising windswept seed contamination.
  10. If approval was given by Parks Victoria for a Melton botanic garden within their regional park, the FMBG committee seriously consider Ms Kilgour's suggestion of a bridle trail within the garden and the many benefits it will bring.
  11. That both Pony Club's Association of Victoria and Riding for the Disabled be contacted to follow up on their keen interest of being involved in a Melton botanic garden that includes bridle trails.
  12. That the uniqueness offered by a 'linear' style botanic garden be considered in order to entice more local and international visitors to Melton.
  13. That should this site be selected, that Western Water be approached seeking support through use of its recycled water.
  14. That a Melton botanic garden include curriculum based education programs to enable all local schools to benefit from its establishment.
  15. An Education Officer be appointed to the Melton botanic garden to ensure visitors receive optimal learning opportunities.
  16. The MSC consider the popular interest held by students for environmental type learning when assessing the need for a botanic garden in Melton.
  17. That the SMCLB, Ecolinc and LLEN be approached seeking their active involvement in the development of a botanic garden in the Melton township, to assist their clients in studies and employment opportunities.
  18. A botanic garden be established in Melton to stimulate tourism and economic development within Melton and the Macedon Ranges and Spa Country tourism region.
  19. That a Melton botanic garden develop links and partnerships with Victorian tour groups and companies.
  20. That a 'multicultural' theme be considered as part of a Melton botanic garden, to attract both local NESB and international visitation.
  21. That a 'community' vegetable garden and the sale of vegetables be explored as part of a Melton botanic garden.

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