Locals and visitors in the Campaspe Region will have more parklands to explore with the Gargarro Regional Botanic Gardens now open, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing today announced the gardens were officially open, backed by more than $1.6 million from the Labor Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund and Stronger Regional Communities Plan.
The gardens will immerse visitors in Australian flora and nature through these themes and attract more visitors to the region. The gardens are open from 7:30am to 5:00pm every day.
The project includes a sensory garden and the green thumbs nursery which was completed in 2021. Located in Girgarre, the four-hectare sensory garden is part of the project's second stage which showcases the region's colourful and unique indigenous plants that embrace themes of five senses - taste, touch, sight, smell and sound.
This stage also delivers a water feature and lookout to take in the gardens natural scenery while educating visitors about the region's plant life. Some of the flora on display is endangered with the gardens providing a place to preserve local species.
The Federal Government has also contributed funding to deliver an on-site café that was also officially opened today, offering a place for visitors to relax and enjoy the new sensory space.
The gardens are located on land formerly owned by the Heinz group. The factory operated in Girgarre until its closure in 2012 when Heinz gifted the land to the community enabling the creation of the gardens.
Girgarre is a town in the Campapse Shire and is home to live music events including the Girgarre Moosic Muster and monthly Girgarre Farmers' Produce and Craft Market.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government's flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. The Fund is key to the Government's more than $36 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015.
For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing
"Our support for this project from delivery to completion has meant that Girgarre and the wider Campaspe region now have a brand-new botanic garden unique to this beautiful part of regional Victoria."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"I'm delighted that the Gargarro Regional Botanic Gardens are now open and ready to bring in visitors to the town of Girgarre from all over Victoria and beyond."
