June 12, 2015
A proposal to build a botanical park in Kingaroy has been cautiously welcomed by the South Burnett Regional Council.
But the Council appears unlikely to accept a suggestion the new park be built along the route of the Kingaroy-Murgon Rail Trail.
The proposal to develop a regional botanical park has been floated by the South Burnett Biodiversity Consortium
Consortium spokesperson Angela Griffiths outlined the group’s ideas in an email sent to Murgon Business and Development Association (MBDA) members on Wednesday.
She thought a botanical park would fit in well with the “biodiversity legacy” in the Council’s regional plan, and also create an attraction of regional significance for locals and tourists.
“(There are) a growing number of people who are seeking areas of natural beauty to engage in their bush walking or cycling activities, as well as those who simply appreciate nature’s restful and recreating energies,” Angela said.
She asked the MBDA to lend its support to the creation of an initial trial space in Kingaroy which, if successful, could later be replicated in Wondai and Murgon.
“We would love your support to begin with a trial area within the Kingaroy township,” she said.
“This would be easily accessible for both volunteers and the public, and would showcase our beautiful native trees and flora with possible educational information and activities for those wishing to hone their tree identification skills and learn about the birds and animals that utilize these plants.
“It would also beautify a public space for hundreds of years, creating a bush/parkland area for locals and tourists alike.
“The park would also give opportunities for otherwise disadvantaged children and the elderly to experience the diversity and beauty of nature within the safety and proximity of their own town.”
SBRC Natural Resource & Parks Management portfolio leader Cr Kathy Duff said she thought the creation of a botanical park by a volunteer community group was a very good idea.
However she didn’t think the new Rail Trail would be the best site for it.
“Council officers have advised me the new trail will need to be kept open to make it easy to maintain,” she said.
“Another issue is that the open spaces near the main towns being suggested as possible locations for botanical parks have been earmarked for parking and other facilities that will be required by rail trail users.”
However Cr Duff thought there were other possible locations that would be well-suited to the proposal.
She welcomed future discussions with the group about their ideas.
[Photo: Tracie Louise Photography]
