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History of the Friends of the Melton Botanic Gardens’ group
2003-2004
Although there has been some improvement in recent years, it is widely
acknowledged that Melton lacks quality open space areas.
Melton Council itself commissioned a report, about 25 years ago, into
the possibility of establishing a Botanic Garden in Melton. Council also
purchased a significant tract of land in 1979, the Town Centre Park (Tullidge
Street), which was set aside for badly needed community open space.
Following enquiries, local state MP, Mr Don Nardella MLA decided in early
2003 to commission a report into the feasibility of a Botanic Garden in
Melton.
As a result research was undertaken by Victorian Parliamentary Intern,
Ms Megan Barnett in the latter half of 2003.
A public forum was held at Victoria University (Melton Campus) on the
21st August 2003 to discuss the findings of this report with the community
and other interested parties.
Following the success of the forum and the public interest it created,
a number of people met on the 24th September 2003 and formed the FMBG.
The FMBG has since met on a monthly basis, regularly attracting about
30 members, and has begun to undertake an examination of the report's
suggested potential sites. A tour of potential sites was held in November
2003.
The group became incorporated on the 2nd December 2003.
The group is also in the process of establishing partnerships with key
community agencies/organisations, and has invited key note speakers to
its meetings.
FMBG has grown considerably since its first meeting. It is currently
seeking to expand its membership and involve younger community members.
2005
The following motion was passed at the Melton
Shire Council on Monday 24th October, 2005:
1.
Council supports the botanical gardens theme within the Town Centre
Park subject to the FMBG group presenting to Council for approval
a design and financial funding options available to sustain the
initiative.
2. Council officers continue discussions with the FMBG Group in relation to future
concept designs and dedicated space within Town Centre Park.
2006
A Shire of Melton Adopt-a-Park Grant was applied for in early 2006. The application for $5,000 was successful. Rob Small a consultant commenced the concept design meetings and workshop in April 2006. The concept plan was presented to Council in October 2006.
2007
Council approved in the 2007-08 budget $25,000 towards landscape design of the Melton Botanic Garden.
In 2008 the landcape design brief was prepared and expressions of interest to undertake the landscape design were called for in May 2008.
2008
The sucessful tenders for the Landscape Design were Landscape Architects Michael Smith and Associates. The design of the garden was based on the Concept Plan. The initial landscape design plans shown to the FMBG meeting on Wednesday 13th August 2008. Final plans and report were recieved April 2009. Click to see Layout Plan of the Melton Botanic Garden.
2009
On 17th June 2009 Wednesday John Bentley (President) and Allan Benson (Vice-President) addressed a special budget submission sitting of Melton Council.
The following extracts are from the meeting minutes which can be found on the MSC webpages:
Verbal Submissions in support of written submissions:
Mr John Bentley and Mr Allan Benson -Friends of Melton Botanic Gardens.
Mr Bentley and Mr Benson advised Councillors that Friends of Melton Botanic Gardens Committee have approximately 120 members and a large number of supporters. There is growing awareness of the Botanic Gardens Group within the community and momentum is building. The group is also establishing some prominence within the region. Their requests to Council through this submission are for directional signage and site signage to the Botanic Gardens. Secondly naming of the reserve as Melton Botanic Gardens and thirdly Council commitment to establishing a liaison person within Council's organisation to act as a single point of contact to assist the group with grant preparation and to develop an MOU with the group and the development plan for the gardens. The priority of the group would be for the liaison person.
On resumption, the Committee made the following recommendations:
Recommendation 1:
Friends of Melton Botanic Gardens
That Council proceed with re-naming of Town Centre Park to Melton Botanic Garden and approve the erection of directional and basic site signage for the Melton Botanic Garden to be funded from re-current signage budget and further Council not approve the appointment of a Project Manager for Melton Botanic Gardens.
On July 6 2009 FMBG had a one hour briefing to Councillors and MSC executive officers to further the establishment of the Melton Botanic Garden and present the landscape design plans.
A Special Meeting was held on 11 November to consider amendments to the FMBG Constitution. All amendments were approved. FMBG received approval from the Department of Justice Consumere Affars for changes to the FMBG Constitution.
2010
The newFMBG logo was launched at the Melton Botanic Garden on 10 February 2010.
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