Explore
New bridge the start of exciting plans at Tondoon Botanic Gardens
Council has begun work on a bridge and connecting pathways at Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens that will connect to future demonstration gardens at the award-winning facility.
The works will run until 30 October 2020 (weather permitting).
Gladstone Region Councillor Chris Trevor said the finished product would provide a DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant, multifunctional bridge and pathway that will assist with connectivity between the Gardens and future demonstration gardens next to Tondoon Lake.
“Once completed, the bridge will allow users to move safely from one side of the Gardens to the other, all while ensuring the facility remains aesthetically pleasing for all users,” Councillor Trevor said.
“Road and parking changes will come into effect with signage and fencing in place to support road changes and to ensure the safety of visitors.”
The Rotary Charity Markets will not be affected by the works and will go ahead on the third Sunday of the month from 7am, following COVID-19 guidelines.
“Car parking for market attendees will be outside of the Tondoon Botanic Gardens’ grounds, utilising the main carpark and large grassed area of the industry carpark off Bailiff Road,” Cr Trevor added.
“The road to the Japanese Teahouse and Arboretum area will be closed to all traffic at the car parking spaces near the public amenities but can still be accessed by foot.”
Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe was pleased the project was made possible through $600,000 from the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.
“The new bridge is exactly the type of project the Works for Queensland program is designed to help our councils deliver for their communities,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Across the three rounds of the program, Gladstone Regional Council has received more than $18 million to help deliver 22 projects that have created or supported more than 330 local jobs so far.
“Council received a further $5.2 million from the COVID Works for Queensland program to fund nine projects and help the community unite and recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“That’s a fantastic result for the Gladstone economy and for Gladstone families.”
Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens fun facts:
- Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens is one of Australia’s top ten regional gardens with more than 200,000 visitors each year enjoying walks, picnics or special events at the grounds
- The Gardens features three specific collections, The Port Curtis, South East Queensland and North Queensland Rainforest, while also featuring a Japanese Tea House and Lake Tondoon
- Did you know the Japanese Tea House also known as ‘The Garden of Stillness and Movement’ was built in 2000 using traditional Japanese methods showcasing the importance of nature in Japanese culture and tribute to Saiki, Gladstone's Sister City
- Did you know Lake Tondoon once formed part of the Tondoon Dam, which supplied Gladstone’s water from 1916-1945? The old pump station and intake tower can still be seen below the dam wall.
Please visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/tondoon-botanic-gardens for more information about Tondoon Botanic Gardens.
The Tondoon Botanic Gardens Bridge and Pathways Project is an initiative of the Queensland Government.
See Also
