Support for the Gargarro Gardens Project

Campaspe Shire Council is providing up to $42,000 in funding and in-kind support for road construction and permit requirements of stage one of the Gargarro Regional Botanic Gardens project. $25,000 of this amount is from council’sCommunity Plan Implementation Fund reserve, with the balance from the operational budget.

Campaspe Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston, said council’s support of the project is based on its commitment to provide works and services as a contribution to the Regional Arts Victoria, Small Town Transformation grant of $350,000, received by Girgarre Development Committee Inc for The Girgarre Revival.

“The Gargarro Regional Botanic Garden is a high priority project for the local community and Council is pleased to supportthe Girgarre Development Committee Inc. in bringing it to fruition,” Cr Weston said.

“With an estimated $8 million investment over the next 10 years, it’s an ambitious project being undertaken by thecommittee but one which will deliver far-reaching benefits for local residents as well as the broader region.”

The idea for development of the Gargarro Regional Botanic Garden was borne out of the opportunity to create something special for the community with the 9.9 hectares of land donated by Heinz in 2012 after it announced the Girgarre plant closure. The Girgarre Development Committee Inc. launched a concept plan and business case for the project in September 2016, celebrated with the planting of trees along the perimeter of the Gargarro site.

The aim of the garden is to deliver social, economic, education and environmental benefits to the region through the attraction of visitors and conducting of events.

“Council’s contribution will go towards constructing a road base and entrance culvert on the site,” the Mayor said. “This includes material, equipment and labour for construction of road base, approximately 440 metres long by 6 metres wide by 150mm deep, as well as the supply and installation of a pipe culvert and marker posts. The allocation also allows for a building permit to construct an amphitheatre (approximately $500) plus approximately $2,500 for a planning permit, the latter potentially being waived by council at the time of application."

Original Article: https://www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/council/news-and-media/media-releases/2017/02/01/support-for-gargarro-regional-botanic-garden/