One of Victoria’s oldest botanic gardens in Bendigo is set to be revitalized, thanks to investment from the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan today announced the start of works and unveiled designs for a new central hub precinct which will be transformed into the heart of the botanic gardens.
The Bendigo Botanic Gardens was established in 1857 and is one of Victoria’s earliest examples of public gardens. The Labor Government has invested $3.75 million towards the project through its Building Works program which is helping thousands of Victorians get back to work with shovel-ready projects.
The new central hub precinct will be located within the award-winning Garden for the Future which was opened in 2018 and will include a new entrance, visitor centre, café, interpretative materials, public amenities and wetlands.
The project team have been working closely with the local Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners who have provided input into the design and elements around the gardens.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2022 and will generate up to 14 new jobs.
The Building Works program was announced in response to the coronavirus pandemic and is a $2.7 billion commitment to provide immediate economic and job creation benefits to communities across the state, with more than half of the projects in rural and regional Victoria.
The program is part of the Labor Government’s almost $30 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015.
For more information visit rdv.vic.gov.au/resources/coronavirus/building-works.
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan MP
“The heritage-listed Bendigo Botanical Gardens are well known throughout Victoria and Australia for being one of the earliest examples of public gardens.”
“This investment will make sure the Garden’s legacy can live on and continue to be enjoyed by future generations who visit our beautiful town of Bendigo.”