UPGRADES to the Smythesdale Public Gardens have been declared officially open, just in time for the looming summer season.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett joined Golden Plains Shire councillors and staff, and Smythesdale Progress Association members at the new-look gardens on Tuesday to celebrate completion of the upgrades, a highlight of which is a new large archway sign at the entrance.
Other aspects include drainage improvements to mitigate flooding and support natural water movement, street and park furniture improvements including new park benches and picnic tables, and site signage to promote the gardens and provide information to visitors.
Golden Plains mayor Cr Owen Sharkey, deputy mayor Cr Emma Robbins, CEO Adam McSwain, Cr Helena Kirby and Shire staff attended the event, at which Ms Haylett represented Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes.
The $120,000 overhaul was paid for by a State Government grant through the Council Support Package and $20,000 from the Shire.
Ms Haylett described the park upgrades as a fantastic project.
She said she had had a look at the gardens when she was in Smythesdale recently, and had noticed how busy the town was.
“This project…is going to make even more people want to come to Smythesdale,” Ms Haylett said.
“The Smythesdale Public Gardens is a favourite tourism spot for so many. Upgrading the gardens will help boost tourism even more and help this special town continue to grow.”
Cr Sharkey said the upgrades were an example of how good things can happen when the right people get involved.
“The many benefits to this upgrade project include supporting community volunteers to manage the site, improving access and utilisation for the community, supporting local business, and encouraging healthy living and active lifestyles,” he said.
Smythesdale Progress Association’s Bill MacNeill said the gardens now look “absolutely spectacular.”
“It demonstrates what is now a very important micro-tourism for small communities,” he said.
“Since the invention of the portable toilet in a caravan or a motorhome, people have not wanted to use large commercial camping grounds and caravan parks.
“They thrive on places like this. I’ve always found this an excellent model for small communities to be able to establish some local tourism. “This is about small communities being able to generate small amounts of money, but really important money that can be then used for community events.”
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