Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens
Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens
This Friends’ project was initially proposed in 2019, with planning completed in 2020. Work began in 2021mainly focusing on developing the first (of four) display areas along the trail. Funding for this project has come from community donations, Friends of MRBBG contributions and from Sunshine Coast Council (notably towards the artwork included in the design).
The project includes a new track through bushland SE of the large Kurrajong shelter on the eastern side of the lagoon. The new track branches off the main vehicle and pedestrian track about 100m past the shelter, and weaves through bushland beside the lagoon, eventually meeting up with the firetrail that is also the first part of the gardens Lagoon Walk.
Planning drawings and model of Node A (photographed at the site) developed by Everard Kloots
The Friends’ Birdwing project team (very ably led by Everard Kloots) worked on the project design, firstly the concept plan for the whole project, then the more detailed design for the first stage, (‘A’ on the map above) and built a design model. Photos show some of the final planning. Some understorey vegetation was removed and existing trackwork modified to clear project space and workspace. Council granted funding towards the costs of artworks to be eventually applied to this stage, and agreed to project manage the construction.
Wording from the on-site public information poster:
“The Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens Inc are designing, funding and building a series of Richmond Butterfly vine support structures which will evoke the four stages of the endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly cycle. During this process the Friends have consulted and collaborated with Council.
The Friends have initiated a program of inviting local artists and artisans to participate in a further enhancement of this project. The artworks will depict the adult butterfly and egg stage of its life cycle. Council is project managing this component of the work. A recent Council Grant will be used to fund a large component of the art work.”
From here on we will run this page as a reverse diary, so you will see the latest progress news here, with
previous episodes retained below.
Gathering at the completed first pod and celebrating progress.
From left: Geoff, Tom, Everard, Ray, Lynn & Alan.
The team has been making progress, although Covid holdups and other interventions have slowed them down a little. Everard issued a project newsletter on progress so far, with interesting details of the work being done. Click PDF icon to read the latest project newsletter.
With the construction tasks of Node A complete, the Friends team begins clearing and construction work on Node B. Discussion is continuing between SC Council and the artists to finalise design and installation of the interpretive elements (ie the artworks) for Node A.
